At The Movies

Night Crossing  Age Rating: PG Runtime: 107 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A quiet act of courage becomes a dangerous stand against oppression, proving that freedom is worth any risk. Ratings: My Rating: 7.3 / 10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.1 / 10 Rotten Tomatoes: 86% Metacritic: 61 / 100 TMDb: 7.2 / 10 Plot Summary: Set in early 1960s East Germany, Night Crossing tells the true story of Harry Tiede, his wife Doris, and her brother Günter Wetzel, who risk everything to escape Communist rule by building a homemade hot air balloon. Living under constant surveillance by the Stasi, the families secretly gather materials, design the balloon, and attempt a nighttime escape across the heavily guarded border into West Germany. Their first attempt fails, putting them under increased scrutiny and danger. With time running out and authorities closing in, the families make a second, more desperate attempt....

Escape from L.A. Runtime: 103 minutes Studio: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Escape Franchise Position: 2 Snake Plissken returns in this sequel, tasked with recovering a doomsday device from a dystopian Los Angeles that has been isolated from the mainland following a massive earthquake. Ratings: My Rating: 7/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb: 6.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 49% Metacritic: 52 Plot Summary: Set in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles turned island prison following a catastrophic earthquake, Snake Plissken must infiltrate the anarchic city to retrieve a powerful weapon capable of mass destruction. As he navigates gang-controlled zones, militant groups, and dangerous terrain, Snake relies on his cunning and combat skills to survive while preventing a national disaster. The film continues the series’ dystopian vision with heightened action and dark satire. Critics Review: Escape from L.A. received mixed reviews. While some praised its dark humor, inv...

Escape from New York Runtime: 96 minutes Studio: AVCO Embassy Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Escape Franchise Position: 1 A dystopian thriller set in a near-future Manhattan turned maximum-security prison, where hardened criminal Snake Plissken is tasked with rescuing the President of the United States after his plane crashes inside the walled-off city. Ratings: My Rating: 8/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb: 7.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 86% Metacritic: 77 Plot Summary: In 1997, Manhattan has become a maximum-security prison island. When Air Force One is hijacked and the President crashes inside, the government turns to ex-soldier and convict Snake Plissken. Given 24 hours to retrieve the President or face death himself, Snake navigates a city of violent gangs, anarchic survivors, and deadly traps, relying on cunning and brute force to survive. The film combines gritty dystopian vision, high tension, and iconic antihero charisma. Critics Review: Escape from New Yo...

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), PG-13, 1 hr 45 min Franchise: Planet of the Apes Franchise Position #7 Movie Tagline: “Evolution becomes revolution.” --- Trailer --- Main Cast James Franco – Will Rodman Andy Serkis – Caesar Freida Pinto – Caroline Aranha John Lithgow – Charles Rodman Brian Cox – John Landon Tom Felton – Dodge Landon David Oyelowo – Steven Jacobs Tyler Labine – Robert Franklin Jamie Harris – Rodney Terry Notary – Rocket (motion capture) Karin Konoval – Maurice (motion capture) --- Reviews Critics Ratings My Rating: 8.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb : 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 82% Metacritic : 68/100 --- Plot Summary Rise of the Planet of the Apes serves as an origin story for the reboot trilogy, chronicling how a genetic experiment intended to cure Alzheimer’s gives rise to Caesar, a hyper-intelligent chimpanzee. Raised by scientist Will Rodman, Caesar becomes increasingly aware of his own kind’s oppression. After being mistreated at an ape sanctuary, Cae...