At The Movies

The Birth of a Nation Runtime: 193 minutes Studio: David W. Griffith Corp. Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A silent epic drama depicting the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, following two families—one Northern, one Southern—through love, conflict, and social upheaval. Ratings: My Rating: 5.8/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 72% critics, 55% audience Metacritic: Not available Plot Summary: The film tells the story of the Stonemans of the North and the Camerons of the South before, during, and after the Civil War. It dramatizes the war’s impact on families and society, showing battles, homefront struggles, and the Reconstruction era. The film is notable for pioneering cinematic techniques, including cross-cutting, close-ups, and large-scale battle sequences. Controversial Content: Racist Portrayals: The film glorifies the Ku Klux Klan and portrays African Americans in demeaning, stereotypical ways. Historica...

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Runtime: 201 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 17, 2003 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 3 "The final confrontation between the forces of good and evil in Middle Earth determines the fate of the One Ring." Ratings: My Rating: 8.8/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 8.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Critics), 86% (Audience) Metacritic: 94 Plot Summary: Frodo and Sam near the end of their journey to Mount Doom, facing the immense weight of the One Ring and the treachery of Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, and the people of Middle Earth prepare for the ultimate battle against Sauron’s armies. The story concludes with epic battles at Minas Tirith and the Black Gate, acts of heroism and sacrifice, and the fulfillment of prophecies, culminating in Frodo’s triumph over the corrupting influence of...

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Runtime: 235 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 18, 2002 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 2 "The fellowship is broken, and the members must face new perils as the forces of Sauron and Saruman advance across Middle Earth." Ratings: My Rating: 8.7/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 8.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 95% (Critics), 96% (Audience) Metacritic: 87 Plot Summary: The fellowship has fractured following Boromir’s death, and Frodo and Sam continue the perilous journey to Mordor, guided by Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli assist the kingdom of Rohan against Saruman’s forces. Epic battles, including the defense of Helm’s Deep, and the unfolding of strategic alliances reveal themes of loyalty, courage, and perseverance. Frodo struggles with the corrupting influence of the ring, while Gollum’s conflicted guidance p...

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Runtime: 178 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 19, 2001 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 1 "Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and save Middle Earth from the dark power of Sauron." Ratings: My Rating: 8.4/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 8.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 91% (Critics), 95% (Audience) Metacritic: 92 Plot Summary: Frodo Baggins inherits the One Ring, a powerful artifact that could allow Sauron to enslave Middle Earth. Guided by Gandalf, Frodo joins a fellowship of nine companions—including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, and his fellow hobbits—to take the ring to Mount Doom for destruction. Their journey is fraught with danger, including treacherous landscapes, orcs, and the treacherous influence of the ring itself. The fellowship bonds over courage, loy...

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Runtime: 144 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 17, 2014 Based on a Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Hobbit Franchise Position: 3 "Bilbo Baggins and the company of dwarves face the ultimate test as armies converge on the Lonely Mountain, and the fate of Middle Earth hangs in the balance." Ratings: My Rating: 7.2/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 59% (Critics), 90% (Audience) Metacritic: 66 Plot Summary: After the death of Smaug, Thorin Oakenshield becomes consumed with the treasure hoard, leading to tension and conflict within his company. As multiple armies—including men, elves, dwarves, and orcs—converge on the Lonely Mountain, alliances are tested, and Bilbo must navigate danger and deception. The film depicts epic battles, moments of heroism, and the costs of greed, power, and pride, ultimately resolving the fate of Thorin and the treasure of Erebor. Critics Rev...

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Runtime: 161 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 13, 2013 Based on a Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Hobbit Franchise Position: 2 "Bilbo Baggins and the company of dwarves continue their quest to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug, facing greater perils and uncovering dark secrets." Ratings: My Rating: 7.3/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 74% (Critics), 84% (Audience) Metacritic: 66 Plot Summary: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and Thorin’s company journey through perilous lands including Mirkwood Forest, evading giant spiders and capturing a run-in with the dark elf king Thranduil. Bilbo’s bravery and cleverness are tested as he confronts the dragon Smaug inside the Lonely Mountain. Tensions rise among the dwarves as the lure of treasure tests their unity and moral compass. The adventure deepens, showing the lengths one will go to for loyalty, honor, and justice. Critics Revi...

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Runtime: 169 Age Rating: PG Release Date: December 14, 2012 Based on a Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Hobbit Franchise Position: 1 "Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hobbit, sets out on an unexpected journey with a company of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug." Ratings: My Rating: 7.6/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 64% (Critics), 84% (Audience) Metacritic: 58 Plot Summary: Bilbo Baggins, a quiet hobbit from the Shire, is unexpectedly recruited by the wizard Gandalf to join a company of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Their mission is to reclaim the dwarves’ lost kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the journey, Bilbo discovers courage, cunning, and unexpected heroism as he encounters trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and the creature Gollum, from whom he acquires a mysterious magical ring. The journey tests the limits of bravery, f...

King Kong Runtime: 187 minutes Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 14, 2005 Studio: Universal Pictures Franchise: King Kong Franchise Position: 7 Run time in minutes: 187 Tagline: There is Beauty in the Beast. Ratings My rating: 7.7 /10 Dove Foundation rating: Approved IMDb rating: 7.7 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 84% Metacritic rating: 81% Plot Summary Peter Jackson’s remake is a detailed and emotional retelling of the original King Kong story with modern effects and deeper character development. Critics Review Highly praised for visual effects, emotional depth, and epic storytelling. Christian Perspective The film can be seen as a tale of sacrifice, the power of love, and respect for creation. Family Friendliness Rated PG-13 for intense sequences; suitable for older children and adults.

The Alamo Runtime: 184 minutes Rating: PG Studio: 20th Century Fox Franchise: None Franchise Position: N/A Tagline: “Blood Will Tell Who Is Free.” Trailer link:  Cast link :  Ratings My Rating: 8/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Family Approved IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 86% Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary The Alamo is an epic historical war film depicting the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against overwhelming Mexican forces. Led by legendary figures like Davy Crockett (John Wayne), William Barrett Travis, and Jim Bowie, the defenders hold out in a desperate bid for Texas independence. The film portrays themes of sacrifice, heroism, and patriotism against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in American history. Critics Review Critics praised The Alamo for its grand scale, stirring performances, and vivid battle scenes. John Wayne’s direction and portrayal of Davy Crockett were particularly highlighted. While some criticism was aimed a...

Dr. Zhivago (1965), Approved, 3 hr 17 min “Turbulent passions... against the sweep of history.” --- Trailer --- Main Cast Omar Sharif – Dr. Yuri Zhivago Julie Christie – Lara Antipova Geraldine Chaplin – Tonya Gromeko Rod Steiger – Viktor Komarovsky Alec Guinness – Gen. Yevgraf Zhivago Tom Courtenay – Pasha Antipov / Strelnikov Ralph Richardson – Alexander Gromeko Siobhán McKenna – Anna Gromeko Rita Tushingham – The Girl Jeffrey Rockland – Sasha Zhivago --- Reviews Critics Ratings My Rating: 9/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb : 8.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 85%  Metacritic : 69/100 --- Plot Summary Dr. Zhivago follows the life of Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet caught between the turmoil of the Russian Revolution and the shifting tides of love and loyalty. Married to the kind and noble Tonya, Zhivago falls deeply in love with Lara, a passionate and mysterious woman who is also linked to his life through political and personal tragedy. As war, revolution, and loss shape the worl...

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths (2024), PG‑13, 4 hr 46 min Franchise #: DC Animated Movie Universe — final trilogy of the Tomorrowverse (installments #23‑25 overall)  Tagline: “When all worlds fall, the greatest heroes must unite.” --- Main Cast Matt Bomer as Barry Allen / The Flash Jensen Ackles as Bruce Wayne / Batman Darren Criss as Clark Kent / Superman Stana Katic as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman Meg Donnelly as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl / Harbinger Corey Stoll as John Stewart / Green Lantern Ato Essandoh as The Anti-Monitor Matt Ryan as John Constantine Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne / Batman (Earth-One, cameo) Stephanie Beatriz as Lois Lane Cissy Jones as Iris West-Allen Jennifer Hale as Queen Hippolyta Toks Olagundoye as Amanda Waller Shea Whigham as Commissioner James Gordon Jason O'Mara as Thomas Wayne / Batman (Flashpoint) Matthew Mercer as Owlman / Thomas Wayne (Dark Multiverse) Noshir Dalal as Ray Palmer / Atom Christopher Gorham as Mister Terrific James Arnold Tayl...

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Year: 2023 Franchise: DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Franchise #: 16 MPAA Rating: PG-13 Total Runtime: Approx. 144 minutes Tagline: “The ocean’s fury is coming.” Main Cast Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman Amber Heard as Mera Patrick Wilson as Orm / Ocean Master Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane / Black Manta Nicole Kidman as Atlanna Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry Reviews Synopsis: Arthur Curry faces new threats from the depths as ancient forces rise, threatening both the surface world and Atlantis. With allies old and new, Aquaman embarks on a dangerous quest to protect his kingdom and discover secrets buried beneath the waves. Overview: The sequel promises even grander underwater action, expanding the rich mythology introduced in the first Aquaman film. It blends epic battles, political intrigue, and personal growth as Arthur grapples with his role as king and protector of two worlds. Family Friendliness: Rated PG-13 for action and sci-fi violence, t...

Black Adam Year: 2022 Franchise: DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Franchise #: 11 MPAA Rating: PG-13 Total Runtime: 125 minutes Tagline: “The world needed a hero. It got Black Adam.” Main Cast Dwayne Johnson as Teth-Adam / Black Adam Sarah Shahi as Adrianna Tomaz Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate Aldis Hodge as Hawkman Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher Marwan Kenzari as Sabbac Reviews Synopsis: Black Adam, an ancient antihero bestowed with incredible powers, is released from his magical prison. Now, he returns to a modern world that is unprepared for his brand of justice. As he clashes with the Justice Society of America, he faces challenges about power, vengeance, and responsibility. Overview: Black Adam mixes superhero action with mythology and moral ambiguity. Dwayne Johnson brings gravitas and intensity to a complex character who’s both ruthless and heroic. The film balances epic battles and emotional moments, offering a darker, edgier tone than some other DCEU fil...

Wonder Woman Year: 2017 Franchise: DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Franchise #: 4 MPAA Rating: PG-13 Total Runtime: 141 minutes Tagline: “Power. Grace. Wisdom. Wonder.” Main Cast Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman Chris Pine as Steve Trevor Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta Robin Wright as General Antiope Danny Huston as General Ludendorff David Thewlis as Sir Patrick / Ares Ewen Bremner as Charlie Saïd Taghmaoui as Sameer Eugene Brave Rock as Chief Reviews Synopsis: Diana, princess of the Amazons, lives on a hidden island until American pilot Steve Trevor crashes into her world and tells her about World War I. Believing she can stop the war by defeating the god Ares, Diana joins the fight to end human suffering. Along the way, she discovers her powers, her compassion—and herself. Overview: This movie was a major breath of fresh air for the DCEU. It combined myth, history, and superhero origin with heart and purpose. Gal Gadot shines as Wonder Woman, balancing strength and innocence....

Justice League Year: 2017 Franchise: DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Franchise #: 5 MPAA Rating: PG-13 Total Runtime: 120 minutes Tagline: “You can’t save the world was alone.” Main Cast Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne / Batman Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman Henry Cavill as Clark Kent / Superman Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman Ray Fisher as Victor Stone / Cyborg Ciarán Hinds (voice) as Steppenwolf Amy Adams as Lois Lane Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon Reviews Synopsis: After Superman's death, a looming alien threat led by the villain Steppenwolf puts Earth in grave danger. Batman and Wonder Woman scramble to form a team of metahumans—Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg—to defend the planet. But even united, they may not be strong enough… unless Superman returns. Overview: Justice League (2017) was meant to be the DCEU’s big team-up movie, but behind-the-scenes drama led to a rushed and uneven final product. ...

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Year: 2016 Franchise: DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Franchise #: 2 MPAA Rating: PG-13 Total Runtime: 151 minutes (Theatrical) / 183 minutes (Ultimate Edition) Tagline: “Who will win?” / “Justice or vengeance?” Main Cast Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne / Batman Henry Cavill as Clark Kent / Superman Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman Amy Adams as Lois Lane Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth Holly Hunter as Senator Finch Diane Lane as Martha Kent Laurence Fishburne as Perry White Reviews Synopsis: This is where Batman and Superman collide—literally. Bruce Wayne sees Superman as a dangerous alien threat after the destruction in Man of Steel. Meanwhile, Superman questions Batman’s brutal vigilante tactics. Their conflict is manipulated by Lex Luthor, who creates a monstrous enemy that forces the heroes (and Wonder Woman!) to unite. The stakes? Nothing less than the fate of the world. Overview: This film is dark, intense, and phi...

Man of Steel Year: 2013 Franchise: DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Franchise #: 1 MPAA Rating: PG-13 Total Runtime: 143 minutes Tagline: “You will give the people of Earth an ideal to strive toward.” Main Cast Henry Cavill as Clark Kent / Superman Amy Adams as Lois Lane Michael Shannon as General Zod Russell Crowe as Jor-El Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent Diane Lane as Martha Kent Laurence Fishburne as Perry White Antje Traue as Faora-Ul Reviews Synopsis: This is Superman’s origin story, but with a modern twist. Clark Kent grows up unsure of his place in the world, hiding his powers while searching for his identity. When General Zod arrives from Krypton threatening Earth’s survival, Clark must embrace his role as Superman to stop a global disaster. It’s big, loud, emotional, and filled with jaw-dropping action. Overview: Man of Steel launched the DCEU with a serious tone and a grounded look at what it would really mean if Superman walked among us. It’s part sci-fi epic, part coming-of-age s...

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Year : 2008 Franchise : Chronicles of Narnia Franchise #: 2 (second in the Disney/Walden Media trilogy) MPAA Rating : PG for epic battle action and violence Total Runtime : 150 minutes Tagline : "Everything you know is about to change." Main Cast Ben Barnes as Prince Caspian Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie Skandar Keynes as Edmund Pevensie William Moseley as Peter Pevensie Anna Popplewell as Susan Pevensie Sergio Castellitto as King Miraz Warwick Davis as Nikabrik Liam Neeson (voice) as Aslan Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin Reviews Synopsis The Pevensie kids are back—but this time, Narnia isn’t how they left it. Hundreds of years have passed in Narnian time, and the land has fallen under the rule of the tyrannical King Miraz. The rightful heir, young Prince Caspian, is on the run, and the Pevensies are summoned back to help lead the resistance and bring Narnia back to freedom—with a little help from Aslan, of course. Overview Prince Caspi...

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Year: 2005 Franchise : Chronicles of Narnia Franchise #: 1 (first in the Disney/Walden Media live-action trilogy) MPAA Rating : PG for battle sequences and frightening moments Total Runtime : 143 minutes Tagline : "The beloved masterpiece comes to life." Main Cast Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie Skandar Keynes as Edmund Pevensie William Moseley as Peter Pevensie Anna Popplewell as Susan Pevensie Tilda Swinton as The White Witch James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus Liam Neeson (voice) as Aslan Jim Broadbent as Professor Kirke Ray Winstone & Dawn French as Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (voices) Reviews Synopsis Four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—are evacuated from WWII London and sent to the countryside. But their lives take a wild turn when Lucy discovers a wardrobe that leads to the magical world of Narnia. There, they find a land frozen in winter and ruled by the evil White Witch. With the help of a great lion named ...

The Dark Knight Rises Year : 2012 Franchise : Batman Franchise # : 8 (Third and final film in The Dark Knight Trilogy) Total Runtime : 165 minutes MPAA Rating : PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality, and thematic elements) Tagline  “A fire will rise.” Main Cast Christian Bale – Bruce Wayne / Batman Tom Hardy – Bane Anne Hathaway – Selina Kyle / Catwoman Gary Oldman – Commissioner James Gordon Michael Caine – Alfred Pennyworth Joseph Gordon-Levitt – John Blake Marion Cotillard – Miranda Tate / Talia al Ghul Morgan Freeman – Lucius Fox Reviews Synopsis Eight years after disappearing, a broken Bruce Wayne is forced out of hiding when a new threat—Bane—emerges and turns Gotham into a war zone. With his body battered and his spirit crushed, Bruce must decide if Batman still has something left to give. This one’s big, bold, and ends the trilogy with epic stakes and emotional payoff. Overview This is the trilogy’s grand finale—and it feels like it. The stake...