At The Movies

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...

The Art of Racing in the Rain Studio: 20th Century Fox Based on a book: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein Franchise: standalone Franchise position: N/A Release date: August 9, 2019 Runtime: 108 min Tagline: Life is full of challenges. Plot summary Art of Racing in the Rain tells the heartwarming story of Denny Swift, a race car driver, and his loyal dog, Enzo. Narrated from Enzo’s perspective, the film explores themes of love, perseverance, and the human condition. Enzo believes that he will be reincarnated as a human in his next life and reflects on the lessons he learns from his family’s trials, triumphs, and tragedies. The story emphasizes resilience, family bonds, and pursuing one’s passions despite life’s obstacles. Critics review Critics praised the film for its emotional storytelling, Enzo’s narration, and the performances, particularly Milo Ventimiglia as Denny. Some reviewers noted that the film can feel overly sentimental, but its uplifting message and appeal to an...

Annie Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Based on a Book: Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray Franchise: Annie Franchise Position: 3 Release Date: December 19, 2014 Runtime: 107 minutes Tagline: Every little girl deserves a chance to be a star. Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 6.8/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 4/5 IMDb Rating: 5.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 58% Metacritic Rating: 65% Plot Summary: In this modern musical adaptation, Annie is a spirited foster girl living in New York City who is determined to find a family while navigating the challenges of life on the streets. Billionaire Will Stacks, running for mayor, reluctantly takes her in, and Annie’s optimism transforms his life. The film incorporates contemporary music, settings, and cultural references, presenting a fresh take while retaining the core story of hope, family, and perseverance. Critics Review: Critics praised Quvenzhané Wallis for her energetic performance as Annie and the updated musical numbers. Some critics felt the m...

Annie Studio: Disney Based on a Book: Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray Franchise: Annie Franchise Position: 2 Release Date: December 5, 1999 Runtime: 90 minutes Tagline: The timeless story of the lovable orphan and her journey to find a family. Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 7.3/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 5/5 IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87% Metacritic Rating: 67% Plot Summary: This made-for-TV adaptation of Annie follows the beloved orphan as she struggles to survive in the orphanage and dreams of finding her parents. Wealthy businessman Oliver Warbucks takes Annie into his home, where she brings joy, love, and optimism to his household. The story emphasizes Annie’s resilience, her impact on those around her, and her determination to overcome adversity while staying true to herself. Critics Review: Critics noted the charm of the young Annie and the high-quality production for a television adaptation. Performances were generally praised, and the musical numbers we...

Annie Studio: Columbia Pictures Based on a Book: Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray Franchise: Annie Franchise Position: 1 Release Date: May 21, 1982 Runtime: 128 minutes Tagline: The lovable little orphan with a heart full of sunshine. Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 7.5/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 5/5 IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85% Metacritic Rating: 69% Plot Summary: Set during the Great Depression, Annie, a spirited orphan, is determined to find her parents. She is eventually taken in by wealthy industrialist Oliver Warbucks, who forms a bond with the young girl and brings hope to her life. The story follows Annie as she navigates life in the mansion, faces the schemes of Miss Hannigan, and inspires those around her with her optimism and courage. Critics Review: Critics praised the performances, especially Aileen Quinn as Annie and Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan. The film’s production values, sets, and choreography were lauded, though some reviews noted the adap...

Annapolis Studio: Touchstone Pictures Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Release Date: January 27, 2006 Runtime: 103 minutes Tagline: Some opportunities in life are worth fighting for. Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 5.5/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 3/5 IMDb Rating: 5.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 10% Metacritic Rating: 37% Plot Summary: Jake Huard, a working-class young man, earns a place at the U.S. Naval Academy despite his father’s reservations. Facing intense physical and academic challenges, as well as hazing from upperclassmen, Jake learns perseverance, honor, and responsibility. With support from fellow midshipman Ali, he navigates the rigors of academy life, culminating in the Brigade boxing tournament that tests his personal growth and resilience. Critics Review: Critics largely found Annapolis predictable, following familiar underdog tropes. James Franco’s performance was praised for sincerity, though the storyline was seen as formulaic. Training and personal con...

Title: 42 Runtime: 128 minutes Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Franchise Name: None Franchise Position: N/A Tagline: The story of a true American hero. Trailer Cast List Ratings My Rating: 7.5/10 The Dove Foundation : Not Rated  IMDb : 7.5/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 81%  Metacritic : 62/100 Plot Summary 42 tells the inspiring true story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. The film explores the challenges he faced breaking the color barrier and his impact on the sport and society. Critics Review Critics praised Chadwick Boseman’s powerful performance as Jackie Robinson and the film’s heartfelt portrayal of his struggle and triumph. Some noted the film’s conventional storytelling but overall found it moving and significant. Christian Perspective The film reflects themes of courage, justice, perseverance, and dignity, which align well with Christian values of equality, standing up for righteousness, and o...

The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984, G, 1h 34m) Franchise Position: #3 in the Muppet feature films series Tagline: "They’re taking Broadway by storm… one laugh at a time!" Trailer :  Full Cast Jim Henson – Kermit the Frog, Rowlf the Dog, Dr. Teeth, Waldorf, Swedish Chef, Beaker Frank Oz – Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam Eagle Jerry Nelson – Floyd Pepper, Crazy Harry, Camilla Richard Hunt – Scooter, Janice, Statler, Beaker (backup) Dave Goelz – Gonzo, Zoot, Beauregard Steve Whitmire – Rizzo the Rat Louis Zorich – Pete Juliana Donald – Jenny Dabney Coleman – Martin Price Gregory Hines – Roller Skater Joan Rivers – Eileen Reviews My Rating: 8/10 The Dove Foundation : Approved for All Ages –  IMDb : 6.9/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 83%  Metacritic : 64  Plot Summary The Muppets have just graduated college and are ready to take their original musical, Manhattan Melodies, to Broadway. But New York isn’t as easy as they thought—money is tight, producers aren’t biting, and t...

You Light Up My Life (1977), PG, 1 hr 50 min Franchise #: N/A (standalone) Tagline: "Sometimes a song can change a life forever." Trailer   --- Main Cast Didi Conn as Laurie Robinson Joe Silver as Sol Robinson Norman Fell as Harry Noble Michael McGuire as Bert Robinson Brittany Shannon as Tina Robinson Margaret Whitton as Ellen Trey Wilson as Mr. Fisher Michael Alldredge as Tony --- Reviews My Rating 6/10 Dove Foundation Approved IMDb 5.6/10  Rotten Tomatoes 50%  Metacritic No score --- Plot Summary Laurie Robinson is a young aspiring singer-songwriter struggling to find her own voice amidst the pressures of her small-town family and the challenges of the music business. As she tries to balance personal dreams and family obligations, she writes and performs the inspirational song “You Light Up My Life,” which becomes a hit, transforming her life and those around her. --- Overview This uplifting drama captures the journey of a talented young woman fighting to fulfill her...

Nothing Is Impossible (2022), NR, 1 h 46 min Studio: PureFlix Franchise: Standalone (Franchise #1 of 1) Tagline: Sometimes your second chance is right in front of you. Trailer Link --- Main Cast David A.R. White – Scott Beck (janitor, former high school basketball star) Nadia Bjorlin – Ryan Aikens (team owner and old flame) Steven Bauer – Archie Touraine (opponent/obstacle) Harry Lennix – Russell Banks (mentor figure) Robert Amaya – Nick Martin (friend, assistant coach) Mark Christopher Lawrence – Pastor Lawrence (spiritual guide) Stella Parton – Vincent De Paul – Ethan White – Marcus Haislip – (NBA trick-shot cameo)   --- Reviews Critics Ratings My Rating: 7/10 The Dove Foundation: 4/5 Faith, 5/5 Integrity IMDb : ~6.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes : Metacritic: Unrated / no Metacritic score listed --- Plot Summary Scott Beck, once a high school basketball star, now works as a janitor and assistant coach. When local pro team owner Ryan Aikens—Scott’s former high school sweetheart—announc...

Facing the Giants Year : 2006 Franchise : Kendrick Brothers Films Franchise #: 2 (following Flywheel, and preceding Fireproof) MPAA Rating : PG for some thematic elements Total Runtime : 111 minutes Tagline : “With God, all things are possible.” Main Cast Alex Kendrick as Grant Taylor (Head Coach) Shannen Fields as Brooke Taylor (Grant’s wife) Jason McLeod as Brock Kelley Bailey Cave as David Childers Jim McBride as Mr. Bridges Chris Willis as Larry Childers Reviews Synopsis Facing the Giants is about a high school football coach, Grant Taylor, whose life seems to be falling apart. His team can’t win, his job is on the line, and he and his wife are struggling with infertility. But when Grant surrenders everything to God—his team, his future, his failures—he starts coaching with a new purpose. The result? A season of miraculous transformation both on and off the field. Overview This movie is a faith-filled underdog story with a ton of heart. Think Remember the Titans, but with prayer a...

Overview Paul, Apostle of Christ is a quiet but powerful movie that digs into the final days of the Apostle Paul’s life. He’s locked up in a dark Roman prison under Emperor Nero’s rule, and things are bleak. But Luke—played by Jim Caviezel—visits him regularly to write down his teachings and letters, even while Christians in Rome are being brutally persecuted. James Faulkner does a great job as Paul, giving him both grit and deep spiritual peace. The story unfolds in a thoughtful, kind of meditative way. It’s not action-packed, but it’s emotionally rich and grounded in Scripture. We get flashbacks to Paul’s past, some tense moments in the Christian underground church, and powerful conversations about faith, forgiveness, and hope—even in the face of death. It’s definitely not a light watch—it’s slow-moving, sometimes heavy, and pretty emotional. But for mature audiences, church groups, or anyone who wants to reflect on early Christian history, it hits home in a quiet but meaningful way....