At The Movies

They Were Expendable Age Rating: Approved Runtime: 135 minutes Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer A somber and realistic portrayal of sacrifice, courage, and perseverance among American PT boat crews during the early days of World War II in the Pacific. Ratings: My Rating: 7.8/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Metacritic: 86/100 TMDb: 6.9/10 Plot Summary: Set during the opening months of the Pacific War after the attack on Pearl Harbor, They Were Expendable follows Lieutenant John Brickley and his fellow officers serving in the U.S. Navy’s PT boat squadrons in the Philippines. The film focuses on the frustration faced by these men as military leadership initially underestimates the effectiveness of the small, fast attack boats compared to traditional battleships and cruisers. As Japanese forces rapidly advance across the Pacific, the PT crews undertake dangerous missions including reconnaissance, supply transport, rescue operations, and attacks against enemy ...

House of David Season 1 Age Rating: TV-PG Runtime: 440 minutes Studio: Amazon MGM Studios Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A shepherd rises from obscurity to destiny, as faith, failure, and kingship collide in one of Scripture’s most human stories. Ratings: My Rating: 7.4/10 The Dove Foundation: TV-PG IMDb: 7.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 78% Metacritic: 70 TMDb: 7.5/10 Plot Summary: House of David follows the life of David, the young shepherd chosen by God to become king of Israel. Beginning with his humble origins, the series traces his anointing by the prophet Samuel, his rise to prominence after defeating Goliath, and his complicated relationship with King Saul. As David gains favor with the people, Saul’s jealousy intensifies, forcing David into a life of exile and survival. Along the way, the series explores David’s friendships, his deep faith in God, and the moral struggles that shape him into a leader. The story balances political intrigue,...

Taking Chance Runtime: 77 minutes Age Rating: TV-PG Release Date: February 21, 2009 Based on a True Story: The journal of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, U.S. Marine Corps Studio: HBO Films, Civil Dawn Pictures, Motion Picture Corporation of America Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A When one falls, another brings him home. Ratings: My Rating: 7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 57% (Critics), 80% (Audience) Metacritic: 76/100 Plot Summary: Taking Chance tells the true story of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a U.S. Marine officer who volunteers to escort the body of PFC Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old Marine killed in Iraq, back to his hometown in Wyoming. The film carefully follows Strobl’s journey across the country as he observes the immense respect shown by strangers, service members, and airline staff for the fallen soldier. Through his experiences, Strobl gains a deeper appreciation for the personal cost of war, the dignity of sacrifice, and the quiet ways in...

Operation Petticoat Runtime: 124 Age Rating: Approved Release Date: December 5, 1959 Studio: Universal International Franchise: N/A A comedic portrayal of a U.S. Navy submarine's misadventures during World War II, focusing on the challenges faced by its crew as they navigate wartime obstacles with humor and ingenuity. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 81% (Critics), 81% (Audience) Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Lieutenant Commander Matt Sherman (Cary Grant) commands the USS Sea Tiger, a submarine damaged during the Japanese attack on the Philippines. With limited resources and a crew facing various challenges, Sherman enlists the help of Lieutenant Nick Holden (Tony Curtis), a con artist, to procure necessary supplies. As they embark on their mission, the crew encounters a group of army nurses, leading to humorous situations aboard the submarine. Critics Review: Critics have praised the film for its lighthearted approach to wartime cha...

Mister Roberts Runtime: 123 Age Rating: Approved Release Date: July 30, 1955 Based on a Book: Mister Roberts by Thomas Heggen Studio: Warner Bros. A comedic yet poignant portrayal of life aboard a U.S. Navy cargo ship during WW2, focusing on the frustrations and camaraderie of the crew as they endure the monotony of supply missions far from the front lines. Ratings: My Rating: 8.0/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Critics), 84% (Audience) Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Lieutenant (j.g.) Doug Roberts, the cargo officer aboard the USS Reluctant, yearns for a transfer to a combat zone to contribute more directly to the war effort. However, his aspirations are thwarted by the tyrannical Captain Morton, who denies the crew liberties and privileges. Despite the captain's oppressive rule, Roberts becomes a source of inspiration and moral support for the crew, balancing his duties with acts of rebellion against the captain's authority. Critics Review: Critic...

Midway Runtime: 138 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: November 8, 2019 Studio: Lionsgate, Summit Entertainment Franchise: Midway Franchise Position: 2 A modern retelling of the Battle of Midway, focusing on the strategic intelligence and aerial combat that turned the tide in the Pacific Theater during WW2. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 42% (Critics), 92% (Audience) Metacritic: 49/100 Plot Summary: Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Theater in WW2, the film chronicles the events leading up to and following the Battle of Midway. It highlights the pivotal role of intelligence officers and naval aviators in countering Japan's plans after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The narrative intertwines personal stories with large-scale naval battles, emphasizing the strategic importance of Midway Atoll. Critics Review: Critics noted that while the film boasts impressive visual effects and a star-studded cast, its screenplay and character devel...

Midway Runtime: 131 Age Rating: PG Release Date: June 18, 1976 Based on a Book: The Battle of Midway by Craig L. Symonds Studio: Universal Pictures A dramatization of the Battle of Midway, highlighting the strategic decisions and personal stories that led to a pivotal American victory. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 41% (Critics), 67% (Audience) Metacritic: 48/100 Plot Summary: In June 1942, U.S. Navy Admiral Chester W. Nimitz leads an outnumbered fleet to intercept and destroy a Japanese attack against Midway Atoll, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater. The film portrays the battle's strategic planning and execution, focusing on both military leaders and the personal lives of those involved. Critics Review: The film received mixed reviews; some praised its historical accuracy and ensemble cast, while others criticized its pacing and reliance on stock footage. Despite this, it was a commercial success, grossing over $100 ...

Band of Brothers Release Date: September 9, 2001 Age Rating: TV-MA Runtime: 705 minutes Studio: HBO Entertainment Franchise: Band of Brothers Franchise Position: 1st Tagline: They stood together, fought together, and became brothers in arms. Based on a Book: Band of Brothers is based on the non-fiction book Band of Brothers by historian Stephen E. Ambrose. Ratings: My Rating: 9.8/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 5/5 IMDb Rating: 94% Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94% Metacritic Rating: 87% Plot Summary: Band of Brothers is a 10-part miniseries that follows Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, from their rigorous training at Camp Toccoa to their participation in major World War II operations, including D-Day, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and the capture of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. The series is based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose's non-fiction book and is renowned for its historical accuracy and emotional depth. Each episode begins with e...