At The Movies

Love is Never Silent Studio: Hallmark Hall of Fame Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Runtime: 102 minutes A moving story of love, sacrifice, and communication across generations Ratings: My Rating: 8.0/10 Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 7.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 85% Metacritic: 78% Plot Summary: This heartfelt drama tells the story of a young woman growing up with deaf parents, exploring the challenges of bridging the gap between the hearing and deaf worlds. Themes of family loyalty, communication, and personal growth are central as she navigates her own ambitions while honoring her parents’ sacrifices. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s sensitive handling of deaf culture, strong performances, and emotional depth. Its storytelling conveys authenticity and emotional resonance, making it a standout in TV dramas of the era. Christian Perspective: The film portrays values such as compassion (1 Peter 3:8), duty to family (Exodus 20:12), and honoring one’s pare...

Angel in the Family Studio: Hallmark Channel Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Runtime: 90 minutes A heartwarming story of family, faith, and second chances Ratings: My Rating: 7.5/10 Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 72% Metacritic: 70% Plot Summary: This uplifting family drama follows the lives of the Angel family as they navigate challenges, misunderstandings, and the importance of forgiveness. The story emphasizes the power of faith, love, and personal growth in bringing families closer together. Critics Review: Critics praised the film for its wholesome themes, strong performances, and ability to deliver a heartfelt story without relying on melodrama. While not groundbreaking, it resonates with viewers seeking family-friendly and inspirational content. Christian Perspective: The film aligns well with Christian values, highlighting forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32), the importance of family unity (Colossians 3:13-14), and faith guiding pers...

The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Runtime: 147 minutes A rousing musical adventure for the whole family Ratings: My Rating: 6.9/10 Dove Foundation: Approved IMDb: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 67% Metacritic: 61% Plot Summary: Set in the early 20th century, this lively musical follows the story of a musical family navigating love, ambition, and political aspirations. Through charming songs and heartfelt moments, the film captures the joys and challenges of family life, community involvement, and pursuing one’s dreams while staying true to one another. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s spirited musical numbers, colorful costumes, and engaging performances. While some noted that the story occasionally meandered, the film’s charm, energy, and wholesome appeal were widely appreciated. Christian Perspective: The film aligns with Christian family values by highlighting themes of love, integrity, re...

Here Comes Garfield Runtime: 24 minutes Rating: G Release Date: October 25, 1982 Studio: Mendelson/Melendez Productions Franchise: Garfield Franchise Position: 1st TV special Runtime in minutes: 24 Tagline: Meet the cool cat who started it all. Ratings My rating: 7.9/10 Dove Foundation rating: Family Approved IMDb rating: 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating: 88% Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary This special introduces Garfield, the lazy, lasagna-loving orange cat. The story follows Garfield and his dog friend Odie through amusing and heartwarming scenes that establish Garfield’s mischievous personality and his relationship with Jon Arbuckle. It also includes Garfield rescuing Odie from the pound and other classic comic-strip-style antics. Critics Review Critics praised the animation style and Lorenzo Music’s iconic voice performance as Garfield. The special was nominated for two Emmy Awards and became a beloved introduction to the character. Christian Perspective While the show has no explic...

An American Tail Runtime: 81 minutes Rating: G Studio: Amblin Entertainment / Sullivan Bluth Studios / Universal Pictures Franchise: An American Tail Franchise Position: Original film Tagline: A little mouse’s big dream of family, hope, and freedom. Trailer link   Cast List  Ratings My rating: 7 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 6.9/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 77%  Metacritic rating: 38%  Plot Summary In 1885 Russia, the Jewish Mousekewitz family flees an anti-Semitic attack, hoping for a better life in America—but their young son Fievel is swept overboard during the voyage. Alone in New York, Fievel braves hardship, meets new friends like Tony and Bridget, unearths Warren T. Rat’s deception, and ultimately reunites with his family through courage and ingenuity. Critics Review Upon release, the film was praised for its animation and emotional depth, but some critics, like Siskel and Ebert, thought it was too dark for younger viewers. Rotten Tomatoes sco...

The Apple Dumpling Gang Release Year: 1975 Runtime: 100 minutes Age Rating: G Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Jack M. Bickham Adaptation Franchise Position: Original (NOT a sequel) Tagline: Wanted: For chicanery, skulduggery, tomfoolery, and habitual bungling! Trailer link : Cast link :  Ratings My Rating: 7.5/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for All Ages — features clean, gentle humor with brief mild violence and language  IMDbz Rating : 7.0/10  Rotten Tomatoes: Critics around 60% — a light family comedy with nostalgic charm  Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary Set against the backdrop of the Wild West in 1879, charming gambler Russell Donovan (Bill Bixby) finds himself unexpectedly tasked with caring for three rambunctious orphans—Bobby, Clovis, and Celia—when he’s tricked into taking custody of them. The mischievous trio unknowingly discover a massive gold nugget, turning Quake City upside-down as greedy townsfolk try to sway custody and outlaws Amos and Th...

All I Want for Christmas Runtime: 90 minutes Rating: PG Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: None Franchise Position: N/A Tagline: “They just want one thing for Christmas... each other.” Trailer Link :  Cast link:   Ratings My Rating: 7/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Family Approved  IMDb Rating : 6.2/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 50%  Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary All I Want for Christmas is a heartwarming holiday comedy about two siblings, Ethan and Hallie, who want their divorced parents to reunite for Christmas. To make their wish come true, the children concoct a plan full of mischief and holiday cheer, leading to humorous and touching moments. The film explores themes of family, love, forgiveness, and the true spirit of Christmas. Critics Review Critics gave mixed reviews, appreciating the film’s charm and the performances of the young leads, but some found it predictable and overly sentimental. The movie delivers a feel-good holiday experience with enough humor and war...

Movie Title: *batteries not included Runtime: 98 minutes MPAA: PG Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Franchise Name: None Franchise Position: N/A Tagline: Small but powerful—these tiny robots will win your heart. Trailer :  Ratings My Rating: 7/10 The Dove Foundation : 3/5  IMDb : 6.7/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 72%  Metacritic : 61/100  Full Cast List Hume Cronyn – Mr. Futterman Jessica Tandy – Mrs. Fisher Dennis Boutsikaris – Mason Baylor Elizabeth Peña – Lucy Daniels Frank McRae – Harry Noble Diana Scarwid – Marge Thompson Michael Carmine – Miguel Veronica Cartwright – Marsha Vincent Gardenia – Vinny Jerry Orbach – Louie Jack Fletcher – Mr. Tanaka Lou Beatty Jr. – Kondo Dante DiPaolo – Tony Billy Hill – Eddie Lisa Waltz – Pam Jim Haynie – Mr. Dallas Al Israel – Al William Tepper – Bartender Plot Summary In a struggling New York apartment building threatened with demolition, a group of residents find hope and friendship when tiny, flying robotic aliens come to their aid....

The Rookie, (2002), G, 2 h 7 min Franchise Position: #N/A Tagline: “It’s never too late to follow your dream.” Trailer link :    Full Cast Dennis Quaid as Jim Morris Rachel Griffiths as Lorri Morris Jay Hernandez as Joaquín “Wack” Campos Angus T. Jones as Hunter Morris Brian Cox as Jim Morris Sr. Beth Grant as Olline Morris Rick Gonzalez as Rudy Bonilla Chad Lindberg as Joe David West Angelo Spizzirri as Joel De La Garza Royce D. Applegate as Henry Russell Richardson as Brooks Raynor Scheine as Frank David Blackwell as Cal Reviews & Ratings My Rating: 8/10 Dove Foundation: “Family Approved” – dove.org/review/rookie IMDb : 7.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 84% Metacritic : 72/100 Plot Summary Jim Morris is a once-promising pitcher whose shoulder injury derailed his dreams. Now a high school chemistry teacher and coach in Texas, he makes a deal with his team: if they win district, he'll try out again. They do. He throws 98 mph, and months later, the 35-year-old is pitching in the maj...

Freakier Friday Franchise : Freaky Friday Franchise #: 5 of 5 (Sequel to the 2003 theatrical reboot) Year : 2025 MPAA Rating: PG (sequel PG in development) Total Runtime : 111 minutes  Tagline : “Freakier than you’d expect.” (Described by Jamie Lee Curtis as a “love letter to mommies and daughters.”)  CAST Main Cast Jamie Lee Curtis – Tess Coleman Lindsay Lohan – Anna Coleman Returning: Mark Harmon (Ryan), Chad Michael Murray (Jake), Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky, Rosalind Chao   New Cast : JuPGlia Butters – Harper (Anna's daughter) Sophia Hammons – Lily (Eric’s daughter / Anna’s future stepdaughter) Manny Jacinto – Eric (fiancé) Vanessa Bayer – Fortune teller Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Chloe Fineman, Elaine Hendrix   Reviews Synopsis Anna Coleman is now a single mom engaged to British chef Eric, and she’s blending families with his daughter Lily. When a fortune teller triggers another accidental body swap—this time ...

Freaky Friday (2003) Franchise : Freaky Friday Franchise #: 3 of 5 (First theatrical remake, following the 1976 original and 1995 TV movie) Year : 2003 MPAA Rating / TV Rating : PG — for family-friendly themes, mild language, and teen content (e.g. band drama, partying) Total Runtime : 97 minutes Tagline : “Mother’s mistakes… daughter’s reality.” (Unofficial, but spot‑on tone) Main Cast Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess Coleman Lindsay Lohan as Anna Coleman Mark Harmon as Ryan (Tess' fiancé) Chad Michael Murray as Jake (Anna’s crush) Ryan Malgarini as Harry (Anna’s younger brother) Supporting roles: Christina Vidal, Haley Hudson, Stephen Tobolowsky Reviews Synopsis Tess and Anna are perpetually at odds—until a magical Chinese fortune cookie causes them to swap bodies. Suddenly, Tess is thrust into high school and teen drama, and Anna into wedding planning and adult responsibilities. Through hilarious identity chaos, they finally gain empathy and understand each other from the inside out. O...

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...