At The Movies

Coward of the County Runtime: 106 minutes Rating: TV-PG Release Date: April 12, 1981 Studio: CBS Television Franchise: None Franchise Position: Standalone TV movie Runtime: 106 minutes Tagline: Sometimes a man has to stand up to prove he’s not a coward. Ratings My rating: 7.5/10 Dove Foundation rating: Family Approved IMDb rating: 74% Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary Tommy, a peaceful and gentle man, has avoided fighting all his life due to a promise made to his dying father. But when tragedy strikes his family, he must find the courage to confront those who threaten them, proving true strength isn’t about violence but standing up for what’s right. Critics Review The movie was praised for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances, especially by Kenny Rogers, who brings sincerity to the role. Christian Perspective Emphasizes forgiveness, keeping promises, courage, and standing up for justice—values that align well with Christian teachings. Family ...

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), PG-13, 2 hr 20 min Franchise: Planet of the Apes Franchise Position #9 Movie Tagline: “For freedom. For family. For the planet.” --- Trailer   --- Main Cast Andy Serkis – Caesar Woody Harrelson – The Colonel Steve Zahn – Bad Ape Amiah Miller – Nova Karin Konoval – Maurice Terry Notary – Rocket Ty Olsson – Red Michael Adamthwaite – Luca Judy Greer – Cornelia Sara Canning – Lake --- Reviews Critics Ratings My Rating: 9.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb : 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 94% Metacritic : 82/100 --- Plot Summary In this gripping conclusion to the Caesar trilogy, the war between apes and humans reaches its peak. After suffering a devastating personal loss at the hands of a ruthless military leader known as The Colonel, Caesar embarks on a quest for justice. Struggling between his desire for vengeance and his responsibility as a leader, Caesar must lead his people to safety while facing the darkest challenges of his life. What follow...

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), PG-13, 2 hr 10 min Franchise: Planet of the Apes Franchise Position #8 Movie Tagline: “One last chance for peace.” --- Trailer --- Main Cast Andy Serkis – Caesar Jason Clarke – Malcolm Gary Oldman – Dreyfus Keri Russell – Ellie Toby Kebbell – Koba Kodi Smit-McPhee – Alexander Karin Konoval – Maurice Nick Thurston – Blue Eyes Judy Greer – Cornelia Terry Notary – Rocket Larramie Doc Shaw – Ash --- Reviews Critics Ratings My Rating: 9/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb : 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 91% Metacritic : 79/100 --- Plot Summary Ten years after the events of Rise, a deadly virus has wiped out most of humanity. Caesar now leads a flourishing colony of apes in the forests outside a devastated San Francisco. When a small band of human survivors reaches out in hopes of restarting a hydroelectric dam, a fragile truce is formed. But tensions escalate as distrust, betrayal, and ambition—especially from the vengeful Koba—threaten to ignite full-sc...

I Can Only Imagine (2018), PG, 1hr 50min Franchise: Standalone Christian Film Franchise #: N/A --- Tagline: “His story will move you to believe.” --- Main Cast J. Michael Finley – Bart Millard Dennis Quaid – Arthur Millard Trace Adkins – Doug Moore Priscilla Shirer – Shannon Perry Brooke Williams – Andrea --- Reviews Plot Summary I Can Only Imagine tells the inspiring true story behind the iconic Christian song of the same name by MercyMe’s lead singer, Bart Millard. Raised in a broken home with an abusive father, Bart struggles with anger, abandonment, and a deep desire for forgiveness. When tragedy strikes and his father faces mortality, Bart confronts the painful past and finds healing through faith and music. The film chronicles Bart’s journey from pain to hope and how the song became an anthem of redemption for millions. Overview This heartfelt drama beautifully captures themes of grace, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God’s love. It’s a faith-affirming film that doe...

God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness (2018), PG, 1 hr 45 min Franchise: God’s Not Dead Franchise #: 3 (Chronological and release order) Tagline: Where will you stand when the world falls apart? Main Cast David A. R. White as Reverend Dave Hill John Corbett as Pearce Hill Shane Harper as Josh Wheaton (cameo) Jennifer Taylor as Meg Harvey Ted McGinley as Thomas Ellsworth Tatum O’Neal as Barbara Solomon Benjamin A. Onyango as Reverend Jude Gregory Alan Williams as Dean Cain (not reprising his previous role) Mike C. Manning as Adam Richertson Reviews  Synopsis After a tragic fire destroys St. James Church on a university campus, Reverend Dave finds himself at the center of controversy. As the school seeks to use the land for expansion, Dave must fight a legal and spiritual battle to save the church. Seeking help from his estranged brother, an atheist attorney, Dave must confront not only the system but his own pain and bitterness. Overview This third entry takes a more introspective an...

Fireproof Year: 2008 Franchise: Kendrick Brothers Franchise #: 3 (after Flywheel and Facing the Giants) MPAA Rating: PG Total Runtime: 122 minutes Tagline: “Never leave your partner behind.” Main Cast Kirk Cameron as Caleb Holt Erin Bethea as Catherine Holt Ken Bevel as Michael Simmons Stephen Dervan as Wayne Floyd Alex Kendrick as Pastor Strauss Reviews Synopsis: Fireproof centers around Caleb Holt, a heroic firefighter whose personal life is going up in flames. His marriage is on the brink of collapse, and divorce seems inevitable. But when his father challenges him to take “The Love Dare,” a 40-day experiment in selfless love, Caleb starts to change. At first, it’s mechanical—but over time, something real starts to happen: he’s transformed from the inside out by God’s love. Overview: If you’ve ever thought a Christian film couldn’t be emotionally gripping, Fireproof might surprise you. It’s a story about marriage, but even more about sacrifice, pride, and redemption. It doesn’t pret...

Lifemark Year: 2022 Franchise: Kendrick Brothers Franchise #: 8 (following Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Courageous, War Room, Overcomer, Courageous Legacy) MPAA Rating: PG-13 Total Runtime: 104 minutes Tagline: “Every life matters.” Main Cast Kirk Cameron as Jimmy Colton Alex Kendrick as Shawn Rebecca Rogers Nelson as Susan Raphael Ruggero as David Colton Marisa Hampton as Melissa Dawn Long as Linda Justin Sterner as Nate Reviews Synopsis: Lifemark is inspired by the powerful true story of a young man named David who is contacted by his birth mother years after being adopted. What unfolds is a beautiful journey of forgiveness, identity, and healing. The film doesn’t shy away from hard decisions—Melissa nearly had an abortion, and David’s adoptive parents made countless sacrifices. But love, grace, and God’s providence shine through every moment. Overview: This is hands-down the Kendrick Brothers’ most mature and cinematic film. It’s less like a ministry message in movie form...

Overcomer Year: 2019 Franchise: Kendrick Brothers Franchise #: 6 (following Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Courageous, War Room) MPAA Rating: PG Total Runtime: 119 minutes Tagline: “What do you allow to define you?” Main Cast Alex Kendrick as Coach John Harrison Aryn Wright-Thompson as Hannah Scott Priscilla Shirer as Principal Olivia Brooks Cameron Arnett as Thomas Hill Shari Rigby as Amy Harrison Jack Sterner as Ethan Harrison Reviews Synopsis: In Overcomer, Coach John Harrison has his world turned upside down when his basketball team is shut down and he’s reassigned to coach cross-country—a sport he knows nothing about. Enter Hannah, an asthmatic teenager with a tough past, who becomes his unlikely runner. As their stories intertwine, both John and Hannah are challenged to find their true identity—not in achievements or failures—but in who they are in Christ. Overview: This is one of the Kendrick Brothers' most emotionally rich and spiritually direct films. It takes the...

Critical Review   Green and Gold is a heartwarming family drama set in rural Door County, Wisconsin. I was first drawn to this movie by its connection with the Green Bay Packers because I am a Packer fan, born and bred. While it definitely won’t win any Academy Awards, it is a must-see for families because it promotes stronger family bonds and wholesome values. The story follows a close-knit family facing various challenges, from personal struggles to community issues. The film highlights the power of love, forgiveness, and the importance of sticking together through tough times. Its portrayal of Midwestern life feels genuine and heartfelt, bringing a refreshing simplicity to the screen. The characters are relatable and authentic, showing both strengths and flaws in ways that make their journeys meaningful. The performances are solid, especially by the lead actors who bring warmth and sincerity to their roles. Visually, the film captures the beauty of rural Wisconsin with lovely sh...