At The Movies

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...

Garfield: The Movie Runtime: 80 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Garfield Franchise Position: 1 (First live-action film adaptation) America’s favorite lazy orange cat makes his big-screen debut — full of lasagna, sarcasm, and mischief — as he tries to save his owner’s new dog from trouble. Ratings: My Rating: 6.2/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 5.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 14% Metacritic: 27 TMDb: 5.6/10 Plot Summary: Garfield (voiced by Bill Murray) lives a pampered life with his owner Jon Arbuckle (Breckin Meyer), ruling the house with snarky charm and a love for lasagna. His routine is disrupted when Jon adopts a sweet but dim-witted dog named Odie, who quickly steals the spotlight — and Jon’s attention. When Odie is kidnapped by a greedy television host seeking fame, Garfield must leave his comfortable home to rescue the pup, discovering courage, friendship, and a little humility along the way. Critics Review: Critics were ...

Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties Runtime: 86 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Garfield Franchise Position: 2 (Sequel to Garfield: The Movie) Garfield crosses the pond for a royal misadventure when he’s mistaken for a pampered palace cat in England. Ratings: My Rating: 6.0/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 5.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 12% Metacritic: 37 TMDb: 5.7/10 Plot Summary: Garfield (Bill Murray) joins Jon Arbuckle (Breckin Meyer) and Liz (Jennifer Love Hewitt) on a trip to England, where he’s mistaken for Prince, a royal cat who has just inherited a castle. With identical appearances, Garfield enjoys the luxury of his new life — endless food, servants, and admiration — until he realizes that Lord Dargis (Billy Connolly), the greedy estate manager, plans to get rid of Prince to seize the property. When the real Prince returns, the two cats must team up to outsmart Dargis, save the estate, and teach him a lesson about greed an...

Wicked Runtime: 165 min Studio: Universal Pictures Franchise: Wizard of Oz  Franchise Position: 14 A musical fantasy film adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s novel, telling the untold story of the witches of Oz—Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch—exploring their friendship, rivalry, and the events that shaped Oz. Ratings: My Rating: 8.1 The Dove Foundation: PG-13 IMDb: 7.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 88 Metacritic: 79 Plot Summary: The story follows Elphaba, a misunderstood and intelligent young witch, and her relationship with Glinda. As political intrigue and social prejudice rise in the Land of Oz, Elphaba confronts moral dilemmas, injustice, and personal challenges, ultimately shaping her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the West. Themes of friendship, loyalty, courage, and integrity permeate the narrative. Critics Review: Critics praised the film for its musical performances, visual spectacle, and character development. While some noted minor pacing issues, the ad...

The Land of Oz Runtime: 105 min Studio: Indie Production Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 12 A modern independent retelling of the classic Oz story, following Dorothy as she returns to the Land of Oz to face new magical challenges and restore harmony to the kingdom. Ratings: My Rating: 6.7 The Dove Foundation: NR IMDb: 6.2 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Dorothy is unexpectedly transported back to Oz, where the land is in turmoil. She teams up with familiar friends and encounters new allies to defeat evil forces threatening the kingdom. The story emphasizes courage, friendship, and moral responsibility, with a focus on problem-solving and ethical choices. Critics Review: Critics acknowledged the film’s creative approach to the Oz universe and its modern visual style. While some noted budget limitations and uneven pacing, the adaptation was praised for promoting positive moral lessons and family-friendly storytelling. Christian Perspective: The film reflect...

The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz Runtime: 88 min Studio: Walt Disney Television Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 7 Based on: Book A musical retelling of the classic Oz story featuring the Muppets, following Dorothy as she travels to Oz, makes new friends, and confronts the Wicked Witch with humor, heart, and song. Ratings: My Rating: 7.2 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 6.1 Rotten Tomatoes: 71 Metacritic: 65 Plot Summary: Dorothy, accompanied by her dog Toto, is transported to the magical Land of Oz. She meets Kermit as the Scarecrow, Fozzie as the Cowardly Lion, and Miss Piggy as Glinda. Together, they face the Wicked Witch of the West, learn lessons about friendship, courage, and heart, and work to restore peace to Oz. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s creativity, musical numbers, and family-friendly humor, though some noted it lacked the depth of the original story. The Muppets’ charm and performance quality made it entertaining for both children and adults. Christian Persp...

The Wiz Runtime: 131 min Studio: Universal Pictures Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 5 A modern, African-American retelling of the classic Oz story, Dorothy is swept away to the magical Land of Oz, where she befriends new allies and faces the Wicked Witch of the West, discovering courage, heart, and wisdom along the way. Ratings: My Rating: 7.4 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 5.9 Rotten Tomatoes: 65 Metacritic: 66 Plot Summary: Dorothy, a schoolteacher from Harlem, is transported by a tornado to a fantastical version of Oz. Along the journey, she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, and confronts the Evil Witch of the West. The story emphasizes teamwork, self-discovery, and finding strength within oneself. Critics Review: Critics were divided on the film; while the musical numbers and performances, particularly Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, were praised, some felt the modern setting and stylistic choices distracted from the story. Nevertheless, the adaptation was recogniz...

Oz the Great and Powerful Runtime: 130 min Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 9 A small-time magician named Oscar Diggs is swept away to the Land of Oz, where he must confront witches, fulfill a prophecy, and discover his own courage and moral character while navigating a magical world of wonder and danger. Ratings: My Rating: 7.6 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 70 Metacritic: 57 Plot Summary: Oscar Diggs, a con-man magician from Kansas, is transported to Oz after a hot air balloon accident. Mistaken for a powerful wizard, he is thrust into the conflict between the good witches and the evil sorceress Theodora. Through deception, ingenuity, and eventual moral growth, he works to save Oz and discover his true potential. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s visual effects, set design, and performances, especially James Franco as Oscar. Some felt the story relied on clichés and lacked depth, but the movie’s spectacle and moral ...

Return to Oz Runtime: 96 min Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 6 Based on: Book Dorothy returns to the land of Oz, only to find it in chaos under the rule of Princess Mombi and the Nome King. She reunites with familiar friends and new allies to restore order and rescue the magical land from tyranny. Ratings: My Rating: 7.8 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 89 Metacritic: 74 Plot Summary: After being returned home from Oz, Dorothy is taken back by mysterious circumstances to a transformed land. She must confront evil forces, including Princess Mombi and the Nome King, while seeking to restore the rightful rulers and the magic of Oz. Along the way, Dorothy learns about courage, loyalty, and the power of friendship. Critics Review: Critics noted the film’s darker tone compared to the 1939 classic, praising its creativity, special effects, and faithfulness to L. Frank Baum’s later novels. Some viewed it as more frightening for younger...

Wizard of Oz Runtime: 102 min Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 3 Based on: Book A Kansas farm girl, Dorothy, is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. With the help of new friends, she seeks to return home while confronting the Wicked Witch of the West and learning lessons about courage, heart, and wisdom. Ratings: My Rating: 8.8 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 8.0 Rotten Tomatoes: 98 Metacritic: 92 Plot Summary: Dorothy, along with her dog Toto, is transported to the colorful land of Oz by a tornado. She befriends the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, each seeking qualities they believe they lack. Together, they journey to see the Wizard of Oz, facing obstacles, the Wicked Witch, and learning that the qualities they sought were within them all along. Critics Review: Critics widely acclaim the film as a cinematic classic. Its innovative Technicolor, musical score, and storytelling have had lasting influence. While some elements may f...

Little Mermaid Runtime: 135 min Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Little Mermaid Franchise Position: 5 Based on: Fairy Tale A live-action adaptation of the 1989 animated classic, following Ariel as she dreams of life on land and falls in love with Prince Eric. The film combines updated visuals, new songs, and a modern retelling while staying true to the original story. Ratings: My Rating: 8.0 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.2 Rotten Tomatoes: 88 Metacritic: 75 Plot Summary: Ariel, a young mermaid princess, longs to explore the human world. When she saves Prince Eric, she becomes determined to join his world. To achieve her dream, she makes a deal with Ursula, the sea witch, risking her voice and freedom. The film explores love, sacrifice, courage, and the importance of family. Critics Review: Critics praised the film for its visual effects, performances, and faithfulness to the original story. Music and moral lessons were highlighted, though some noted pacing and adaptation choic...

Little Mermaid Live! Runtime: 90 min Studio: ABC Franchise: Little Mermaid Franchise Position: 4 Based on: Fairy Tale A live television adaptation of the classic Disney tale, featuring performances by a star-studded cast, combining live acting with animated sequences to retell Ariel’s story of love, adventure, and self-discovery. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5 The Dove Foundation: TV-G IMDb: 6.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 75 Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: This televised live event reimagines Ariel’s journey from the original fairy tale. Ariel dreams of life on land and falls in love with Prince Eric. Using music, magic, and friendship, she overcomes challenges posed by Ursula while discovering courage, self-expression, and the importance of family. Critics Review: Critics praised the performances, musical numbers, and creative mix of live-action with animation. Some noted pacing issues, but the overall production was recognized for celebrating the classic story and making it accessible for a new generat...

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Runtime: 112 minutes Studio: Nickelodeon Movies / Paramount Pictures / Platinum Dunes Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Franchise Position: 5 The Turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—face a new threat when Shredder escapes prison and joins forces with new villains Bebop and Rocksteady, and the dangerous Krang. With the help of April O’Neil and Vern Fenwick, the team must stop the combined evil forces from taking over New York City. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: PG-13 IMDb: 6.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 44% audience Metacritic: 44/100 TMDb: 6.4/10 Critics Review: The film was praised for its fast-paced action, visual effects, and faithful continuation of the TMNT universe. Critics noted that the plot was somewhat predictable, but the inclusion of classic villains and engaging fight sequences made it enjoyable for fans. Christian Perspective: The movie highlights teamwork...

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Runtime: 101 minutes Studio: Nickelodeon Movies / Paramount Pictures / Platinum Dunes Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Franchise Position: 4 When New York City is threatened by the villainous Shredder and his Foot Clan, the four mutant turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—team up with April O’Neil and Vern Fenwick to stop the criminal mastermind and save the city. The movie combines live-action and CGI to bring the heroes to life. Ratings: My Rating: 6.2/10 The Dove Foundation: PG-13 IMDb: 5.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 43% audience Metacritic: 31/100 TMDb: 6.1/10 Critics Review: The film received mixed reviews. Critics praised the visual effects and fast-paced action but criticized the story and character development. Fans of the franchise appreciated the updated CGI designs of the turtles and modernized action sequences. Christian Perspective: The movie emphasizes teamwork, courage, and using one’s gifts ...

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Runtime: 100 minutes Studio: New Line Cinema Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Franchise Position: 1 Four mutated turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—trained in ninjitsu by their rat sensei, Splinter, battle the evil Shredder and his Foot Clan to protect New York City. When reporter April O’Neil becomes involved, the Turtles must save the city while maintaining their secret identities in the sewers below the city streets. Ratings: My Rating: 7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 65% audience Metacritic: 55/100 TMDb: 7.1/10 Critics Review: The movie was praised for its entertaining mix of live-action and martial arts, faithful comic book adaptation, and the charm of its titular heroes. Critics noted that while some elements were campy, the film delivered fun action and adventure for a family audience. Christian Perspective: Themes of teamwork, loyalty, and using one’s abilities ...

Thunderbirds Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures / Working Title Films / StudioCanal Country of Origin: United Kingdom / United States / France Franchise: Thunderbirds Franchise Position: 4 Plot Summary: In this live-action adaptation of the classic 1960s series, the Tracy family operates International Rescue, a secret organization using high-tech vehicles to perform daring global rescues. When their arch-nemesis, The Hood, traps Jeff Tracy and four of his sons aboard Thunderbird 5, it's up to Alan Tracy and his friends to save the day and stop The Hood's plan to steal the Thunderbirds' vehicles for his own criminal schemes. Ratings: My Rating: 4.5/10 IMDb: 4.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 18% critic, 43% audience Metacritic: 32/100 TMDb: 4.8/10 Critics Review: The film received generally negative reviews, with criticism directed at its wooden characters and thin plot. However, the soundtrack, including the song "Thunderbirds Are Go" by Busted, was noted ...

G-Force Runtime: 88 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A team of highly trained guinea pigs becomes secret government agents on a mission to stop a high-tech threat. Ratings: My Rating: 5.2/10 (IMDb 5.1, Rotten Tomatoes audience 43% → 4.3, Metacritic 41/100 → 4.1, TMDb 5.7 → 5.7) The Dove Foundation: Approved for Ages 12+ IMDb: 5.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 22% critics / 43% audience Metacritic: 41/100 TMDb: 5.7/10 Plot Summary: In this family-friendly adventure, a secret government program trains guinea pigs to serve as elite undercover agents. The team—Darwin, Blaster, Juarez, and their tech-savvy mole companion Speckles—take on a dangerous mission to stop billionaire Leonard Saber from unleashing household appliances that could take over the world. When the program is shut down, the guinea pigs must rely on their wits, teamwork, and courage to complete the mission on their own. Along the way, they face capture, escap...

Blankman Runtime: 92 minutes Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A quirky inventor becomes an unlikely superhero after tragedy strikes his family. Ratings: My Rating: 4.5/10 (IMDb 5.2, Rotten Tomatoes audience 40% → 4.0, Metacritic 32/100 → 3.2, TMDb 5.6 → 5.6) The Dove Foundation: Not Recommended for Families IMDb: 5.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 13% critics / 40% audience Metacritic: 32/100 TMDb: 5.6/10 Plot Summary: Darryl Walker is a socially awkward but brilliant inventor who idolizes superheroes. He lives with his brother Kevin in a city overrun by crime and corruption. When their grandmother is killed by mobsters tied to crooked politicians, Darryl channels his grief into action. Using his talent for makeshift gadgets and homemade armor, he reinvents himself as “Blankman,” a clumsy yet determined superhero. With Kevin reluctantly helping out as “Other Guy,” the pair bumble their way into taking on the mob and uncovering political corruption. Despite h...