At The Movies

Father of the Bride Age Rating: PG Runtime: 105 minutes Studio: Touchstone Pictures Franchise: Father of the Bride Franchise Position:  3 A warm, funny family comedy about a loving father who discovers that letting go of his daughter is harder than he ever imagined. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 71% Metacritic: 51/100 TMDb: 6.4/10 Plot Summary: George Banks is a successful suburban father who believes life is moving along just fine until his daughter Annie returns home from Europe with unexpected news: she is engaged and wants to get married. George is stunned, not because he dislikes Annie’s fiancé Bryan, but because he cannot accept how quickly his little girl has grown up. What follows is a comic emotional spiral as George tries to process the wedding, the expense, the change coming to his family, and the realization that his role in Annie’s life is changing forever. As the wedding plans grow larger an...

David Age Rating: PG Runtime: 115 minutes Studio: Angel Studios Country of Origin: United States, South Africa Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A beautifully animated retelling of the biblical story of David, emphasizing faith, courage, humility, and God's providence in the life of Israel's future king.  Ratings: My Rating: 7.6/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 83% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 7.4/10 Plot Summary: David follows the life of the young shepherd who would become one of Israel's greatest kings. Beginning with the prophet Samuel's anointing of David, the film chronicles his rise from obscurity, his musical service in King Saul's court, his friendship with Jonathan, and his famous confrontation with the Philistine giant Goliath. As David grows in influence, Saul's jealousy intensifies, forcing David into exile and a life of danger. The film portrays David's journey as one of faith, perseverance, and trust in God. Rather...

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Age Rating: TV-14 Runtime: 90 minutes Studio: The Hatchery / Sony Pictures Television / TNT A struggling inner-city student overcomes poverty, prejudice, and personal anger through faith, discipline, education, and perseverance to become one of the world's most respected neurosurgeons. Ratings: My Rating: 7.7/10 The Dove Foundation: Family-Recommended / Inspirational IMDb: 7.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 85% Audience Score  Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 7.7/10 (approx.) Plot Summary: Based on the autobiography of Ben Carson, the film follows Carson's journey from a troubled childhood in Detroit to becoming a pioneering neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Raised by his single mother Sonya Carson, Ben struggles academically and emotionally. Despite having little formal education herself, Sonya insists that Ben and his brother read books, limit television, and pursue excellence. Through hard work and determination, Ben transforms from one of the weakest stud...

First Kid Age Rating: PG Runtime: 101 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A family comedy about responsibility, friendship, and growing up under pressure—set inside the White House. Ratings: My Rating: 5.4/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved (Family-Friendly) IMDb: 5.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 8% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 5.7/10 Plot Summary: First Kid stars Sinbad as Sam Simms, a Secret Service agent assigned to protect the President’s rebellious teenage son, Luke Davenport. Initially dismissed as inexperienced and unqualified, Sam struggles to connect with Luke, who feels isolated and resentful of the restrictions placed on him as the First Son. Over time, Sam gains Luke’s trust by offering guidance, discipline, and friendship. When Luke becomes entangled in trouble with a manipulative classmate and a false accusation involving stolen exam answers, Sam stands by him, helping him face consequences and grow in characte...

Fat Albert Age Rating: PG Runtime: 93 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids Franchise Position: Live-action adaptation A heartfelt comedy that brings a beloved animated character into the real world to help a lonely teen rediscover friendship and confidence. Ratings: My Rating: 5.3/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved (Family-Friendly) IMDb: 4.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 23% Metacritic: 40/100 TMDb: 5.0/10 Plot Summary: Fat Albert follows Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids as they magically leave their animated world and enter live-action reality to help a shy teenager named Doris regain her confidence and social life. Led by the kind-hearted and wise Fat Albert (voiced and portrayed by Kenan Thompson), the group navigates the challenges of the real world, including school pressures, popularity struggles, and teenage relationships. As Albert spends more time outside the cartoon world, he begins to develop real emotions and faces a d...

Lt. Robin Crusoe Age Rating: G Runtime: 110 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A lighthearted Disney adventure that reimagines the classic castaway tale with a naval twist and tropical charm. Ratings: My Rating: 6.2/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved (Family-Friendly) IMDb: 6.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 44% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 6.0/10 Plot Summary: Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N. stars Dick Van Dyke as Lt. Robin Crusoe, a resourceful but somewhat overconfident naval pilot who is stranded on a deserted island after ejecting from his jet. Determined to maintain order and efficiency even in isolation, Crusoe approaches survival with engineering precision, constructing elaborate shelter systems and mechanical conveniences. His solitude ends when he discovers a chimpanzee he names Floyd and later encounters a mysterious woman, Wednesday (played by Nancy Kwan), who has also been stranded. Cultural misunderstandings and comedic mishaps follow as Crusoe att...

The Tigger Movie Runtime: 74 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Television Animation Franchise: Winnie the Pooh, 5 Ratings: My Rating: 7.5 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 6.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 71% Metacritic: 70 Plot Summary: Tigger sets out on a journey to find his family after realizing he doesn’t know where he comes from. Along the way, he discovers the true meaning of family and friendship with the help of Pooh, Piglet, and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood gang. The story focuses on belonging, self-discovery, and the bonds that hold friends and family together. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s charm, heartwarming story, and the positive messages about friendship and identity. Some noted that it stays true to the spirit of the original Winnie the Pooh stories, though it does not break new ground in animation. Christian Perspective: The film reinforces values such as love, loyalty, compassion, and the importance of family. Tigger’s journey emphasizes themes of acceptanc...

Sammy, the Way-Out Seal Runtime: 52 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Standalone, N/A Ratings: My Rating: 7.0 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 6.5 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Sammy, a playful and mischievous seal, causes chaos and hilarity at a seaside amusement park. Through his antics, the humans around him learn patience, understanding, and the joys of friendship between humans and animals. The story highlights the bond between Sammy and his caretakers as they navigate challenges and unexpected adventures. Critics Review: Critics noted the charm of the animal star and the lighthearted comedy. While short in length, it was praised for its wholesome entertainment and family-friendly humor, capturing the classic Disney approach to live-action animal stories. Christian Perspective: The story demonstrates values of patience, kindness, and stewardship of God’s creatures. The care and respect shown for Sammy reflect lessons about compassion...

Rascal Runtime: 106 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Standalone, N/A Ratings: My Rating: 7.4 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 6.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 72% Metacritic: 70 Plot Summary: Based on Sterling North’s novel, Rascal tells the story of a young boy, Sterling, and his pet raccoon, Rascal, during the early 20th century in Wisconsin. The boy learns lessons about responsibility, empathy, and the bittersweet nature of growing up as he navigates the challenges of caring for a mischievous but lovable raccoon while dealing with family, friendships, and community. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s heartfelt storytelling, gentle humor, and scenic depiction of small-town life. The emotional depth and moral lessons were highlighted as strengths, though some noted that the pacing felt slow for modern audiences. Christian Perspective: The story emphasizes Christian values such as stewardship, responsibility, compassion, and respect for creation. Sterling’s care...

Peter Pan 2: Return to Never Land Runtime: 82 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Peter Pan, 2 Ratings: My Rating: 7.1 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 6.2 Rotten Tomatoes: 56% Metacritic: 57 Plot Summary: During World War II, Jane, the daughter of Wendy, is skeptical of her mother’s stories about Peter Pan and Neverland. When Peter returns to take her on an adventure, Jane finds herself in the magical world, encountering the Lost Boys, pirates, and Captain Hook once again. Through bravery, imagination, and friendship, Jane learns to believe in magic and discovers courage and self-confidence along the way. Critics Review: Critics had mixed reviews, praising the animation and continuation of the Peter Pan story, but noting that it lacked the originality and charm of the 1953 classic. The film was recognized for its messages of courage and imagination for children. Christian Perspective: The story emphasizes faith, belief in the unseen, courage, and standing up to f...

Peter Pan Runtime: 76 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Standalone, N/A Ratings: My Rating: 8.0 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 7.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 81% Metacritic: 76 Plot Summary: Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, takes Wendy, John, and Michael Darling on an adventure to Neverland. Together with Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys, they face the villainous Captain Hook and his crew of pirates. The story explores themes of imagination, adventure, bravery, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, as Peter and the children navigate friendship, loyalty, and courage in a magical world. Critics Review: The film was praised for its imaginative animation, memorable characters, and engaging story. Critics noted its charm and the enduring appeal of Peter Pan’s whimsical world, while some pointed out that certain portrayals reflect dated cultural stereotypes. Christian Perspective: The story promotes values of courage, loyalty, friendship, and responsibility. Themes ...

The Great Mouse Detective Runtime: 80 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Standalone, N/A Ratings: My Rating: 7.6 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 7.2 Rotten Tomatoes: 71% Metacritic: 69 Plot Summary: In Victorian London, a brilliant mouse detective named Basil of Baker Street takes on the case of a kidnapped toymaker. With his trusty companion Dr. Dawson, Basil navigates a web of clues, danger, and the sinister schemes of the evil Professor Ratigan. The adventure unfolds through clever disguises, suspenseful chases, and a battle of wits between good and evil, culminating in a dramatic showdown that saves the city’s mice. Critics Review: The film was praised for its clever story, suspenseful tone, and lively animation. Critics highlighted the engaging villain, Ratigan, and the homage to Sherlock Holmes as standout elements. Some noted it as one of Disney’s stronger late-1980s animated features. Christian Perspective: The story emphasizes courage, ingenuity, and...

The Fox and the Hound Runtime: 86 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Standalone, N/A Ratings: My Rating: 8.0 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 7.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 74% Metacritic: 71 Plot Summary: A young fox named Tod and a hound puppy named Copper form an unlikely friendship despite their natural instincts and the societal pressures around them. As they grow, circumstances and loyalty to their respective human masters threaten to pull them apart, ultimately testing the bonds of friendship, trust, and forgiveness in the face of inevitable change. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s emotional depth, charming animation, and mature themes of friendship and loss. Some noted the bittersweet ending as a brave choice for a Disney animated feature at the time. Christian Perspective: The story highlights Christian values of friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, and compassion. The characters’ struggles reflect moral lessons about choosing love and kindness over inst...

Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Age Rating: PG Runtime: 107 min Studio: Touchstone Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Sister Act Franchise Position: 2 Deloris Van Cartier returns to her nun disguise to help her friends at a struggling Catholic high school by teaching music and forming a choir in hopes of saving the school from closure, using her showbiz flair to inspire a rowdy group of students. Ratings: My Rating: 6.8/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 19% Tomatometer, 61% Audience Score Metacritic: 38/100 TMDb: 6.0/10 Plot Summary: In this musical comedy sequel, Whoopi Goldberg’s Deloris Van Cartier is called back to help when the parochial school run by her nun friends faces closure due to poor student behavior and budget troubles. Reassuming her alter ego Sister Mary Clarence, she takes on the challenge of teaching music to a class of unmotivated teens, sparking transformation and unity through uplifting choir performances while navigating h...

Sister Act Age Rating: PG Runtime: 100 min Studio: Touchstone Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Sister Act Franchise Position: 1 A lively musical comedy about a worldly lounge singer who witnesses a mob crime and must hide out in a convent under a witness protection program, where she ends up transforming the struggling choir into a vibrant, soulful group that brings new life to the church and its community. Ratings: My Rating: 7.2/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 73% Tomatometer, 65% Audience Score Metacritic: 51/100 TMDb: 7.0/10 Plot Summary: Sister Act follows Deloris Van Cartier, a Reno lounge singer who inadvertently witnesses her gangster boyfriend commit a murder. To keep her safe, police place her in a convent as part of a witness protection program. Initially clashing with the strict routines of convent life, Deloris is tasked with leading the choir. Using her showbiz flair and musical talent, she turns the underperforming choir into ...

The Sign of Zorro Age Rating: G Runtime: 91 min Studio: Walt Disney Productions Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Zorro Franchise Position: Standalone A classic swashbuckling adventure edited from episodes of Disney’s hit 1950s TV series, Zorro. Don Diego returns home to find his town oppressed by the cruel Captain Monastario. By day he plays the effete nobleman; by night he dons the mask of Zorro, the masked hero fighting tyranny with his sword and wits, aided by his loyal mute servant Bernardo, to free the pueblo from oppression. Ratings: My Rating: 7.1/10 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 6.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: — Metacritic: — TMDb: 7.3/10 Plot Summary: Don Diego de la Vega returns to his hometown under Spanish rule to find a corrupt commandant terrorizing the citizens. To combat injustice, he assumes the secret identity of Zorro, a masked vigilante who uses swordsmanship and cunning to challenge Monastario’s tyranny. With help from his mute servant, Bernardo, Zorro engages in...

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....

Cinderella Age Rating: PG Runtime: 113 minutes Studio: Sony Pictures Releasing / Sony Pictures Entertainment Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 7 Modern musical retelling emphasizing personal ambition, self-confidence, and perseverance, while staying true to the classic tale. Christian Perspective: Promotes perseverance, humility, kindness, and moral integrity; inner virtue leads to positive outcomes. Family Friendliness: Rated PG; generally suitable for families; mild peril and villainy. Notable Songs: “Million to One” – Camila Cabello “Somebody to Love” – Camila Cabello “Perfect” – Camila Cabello

Cinderella Age Rating: G Runtime: 95 minutes Studio: NBC / Revue Studios Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 7 A made-for-television musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, starring Lesley Ann Warren as Cinderella, featuring traditional songs and a faithful retelling of the story. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 6.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 6.5/10 Plot Summary: This 1965 NBC TV musical follows Cinderella, a kind and patient young woman mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she attends the royal ball and captures the Prince’s heart. The story emphasizes virtues of patience, kindness, and integrity, complemented by classic musical numbers and colorful stage-style performances. Critics Review: The film was praised for its engaging performances, lively musical numbers, and family-friendly storytelling. While it lacks the animation or spectacle of Disney adaptations, it...

Cinderella Age Rating: PG Runtime: 105 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 4 A live-action retelling of the classic story where a kind young woman overcomes her cruel stepmother with courage, grace, and hope, ultimately finding true love with a prince. Ratings: My Rating: 8.6/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for Ages 8+ IMDb: 6.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 84% Metacritic: 67 TMDb: 7.5/10 Plot Summary: After the death of her father, Ella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters but remains kind and hopeful. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she attends the royal ball, capturing the heart of the Prince. Despite obstacles, including her stepmother’s schemes, Ella’s faith, patience, and courage help her overcome adversity and embrace her destiny. The story emphasizes inner beauty, virtue, and resilience. Critics Review: The film received praise for its stunning visuals, costume design, and Lily James’ perf...