At The Movies

Father of the Bride Age Rating: PG Runtime: 105 minutes Studio: Touchstone Pictures Franchise: Father of the Bride Franchise Position:  3 A warm, funny family comedy about a loving father who discovers that letting go of his daughter is harder than he ever imagined. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 71% Metacritic: 51/100 TMDb: 6.4/10 Plot Summary: George Banks is a successful suburban father who believes life is moving along just fine until his daughter Annie returns home from Europe with unexpected news: she is engaged and wants to get married. George is stunned, not because he dislikes Annie’s fiancé Bryan, but because he cannot accept how quickly his little girl has grown up. What follows is a comic emotional spiral as George tries to process the wedding, the expense, the change coming to his family, and the realization that his role in Annie’s life is changing forever. As the wedding plans grow larger an...

Cinderella Age Rating: PG Runtime: 113 minutes Studio: Sony Pictures Releasing / Sony Pictures Entertainment Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 7 Modern musical retelling emphasizing personal ambition, self-confidence, and perseverance, while staying true to the classic tale. Christian Perspective: Promotes perseverance, humility, kindness, and moral integrity; inner virtue leads to positive outcomes. Family Friendliness: Rated PG; generally suitable for families; mild peril and villainy. Notable Songs: “Million to One” – Camila Cabello “Somebody to Love” – Camila Cabello “Perfect” – Camila Cabello

Cinderella Age Rating: G Runtime: 95 minutes Studio: NBC / Revue Studios Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 7 A made-for-television musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, starring Lesley Ann Warren as Cinderella, featuring traditional songs and a faithful retelling of the story. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 6.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 6.5/10 Plot Summary: This 1965 NBC TV musical follows Cinderella, a kind and patient young woman mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she attends the royal ball and captures the Prince’s heart. The story emphasizes virtues of patience, kindness, and integrity, complemented by classic musical numbers and colorful stage-style performances. Critics Review: The film was praised for its engaging performances, lively musical numbers, and family-friendly storytelling. While it lacks the animation or spectacle of Disney adaptations, it...

Cinderella Age Rating: PG Runtime: 105 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 4 A live-action retelling of the classic story where a kind young woman overcomes her cruel stepmother with courage, grace, and hope, ultimately finding true love with a prince. Ratings: My Rating: 8.6/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for Ages 8+ IMDb: 6.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 84% Metacritic: 67 TMDb: 7.5/10 Plot Summary: After the death of her father, Ella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters but remains kind and hopeful. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she attends the royal ball, capturing the heart of the Prince. Despite obstacles, including her stepmother’s schemes, Ella’s faith, patience, and courage help her overcome adversity and embrace her destiny. The story emphasizes inner beauty, virtue, and resilience. Critics Review: The film received praise for its stunning visuals, costume design, and Lily James’ perf...

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time Age Rating: G Runtime: 73 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Television Animation / Walt Disney Home Entertainment Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 3 When the stepmother gains control of the magical wand, she reverses Cinderella’s happily ever after, and Cinderella must fight to reclaim her rightful place and true love. Ratings: My Rating: 7.1/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 6.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 53% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 6.4/10 Plot Summary: In this direct-to-video sequel, Lady Tremaine steals the Fairy Godmother’s wand and uses it to turn back time, switching the Prince’s affections to Anastasia. Cinderella must rely on her courage, kindness, and resourcefulness to undo the spell, prove her worth, and restore the love and happiness she earned. The story emphasizes standing firm in the face of adversity and trusting in the power of goodness and true love to triumph over deceit. Critics Review: Critics generally viewed Cinderella ...

Cinderella II: Dreams Come True Age Rating: G Runtime: 74 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Television Animation / Walt Disney Home Entertainment Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 2 Cinderella adjusts to royal life through a trio of new stories that explore friendship, humility, and staying true to oneself — even in a palace. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 5.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 11% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 6.0/10 Plot Summary: This direct-to-video sequel to the 1950 Disney classic is divided into three heartwarming stories. In the first, Cinderella learns to follow her heart instead of rigid royal rules while planning a grand ball. In the second, Jaq the mouse wishes to become human to be more helpful to Cinderella, only to learn he’s valuable just as he is. In the final story, Cinderella’s stepsister Anastasia falls in love with a kind baker, showing that even the most unlikely hearts can change. The stories tie together with a theme of gr...

Christmas in Connecticut Age Rating: Not Rated Runtime: 101 minutes Studio: Warner Bros. Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A city columnist famous for her homemaking advice must fake the perfect country Christmas when her boss invites a war hero to spend the holidays at her “farm.” Ratings: My Rating: 8.2/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 85% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 7.0/10 Plot Summary: Elizabeth Lane is a popular food writer who delights readers with tales of her idyllic life on a Connecticut farm with her husband and baby. In truth, she’s a single New Yorker who can’t cook. When her magazine’s publisher arranges for a war hero to join her family for Christmas at her farm, Elizabeth and her friends must scramble to maintain the illusion. With borrowed homes, hastily cooked meals, and comedic misadventures, the truth threatens to unravel her carefully constructed persona. Critics Review: Critics and audiences alike have long cherished Christmas in Conn...

Sydney White Runtime: 108 minutes Studio: Morgan Creek Entertainment Country of Origin: United States Based on: Snow White (Brothers Grimm fairy tale) Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A modern college-era reimagining of Snow White set in a university sorority world. Ratings: My Rating: 5.7/10 The Dove Foundation: 10 (“Negative Rating”) IMDb: 6.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 36% Metacritic: 4.5/10 TMDb: ~6.0/10 Plot Summary: Sydney White (Amanda Bynes) starts college at Southern Atlantic University, eager to join her late mother’s sorority, Kappa Phi Nu. Once there, she discovers that the current sorority president, Rachel Witchburn (Sara Paxton), has turned it into a shallow, elitist clique. After Sydney is humiliated and expelled from the sorority, she moves into “The Vortex,” a rundown house occupied by seven socially awkward but kind male students. Together they challenge the social hierarchy on campus, aiming to make student government and campus life more inclusive. Along the ...

The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith Runtime: 90 minutes Studio: Reel Frog Films Distributor: Pure Flix Entertainment Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A biblical drama depicting the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow who chooses to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and travels to Israel, where she finds love and redemption through her marriage to Boaz. Ratings: My Rating: 7/10 IMDb: 5.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: Not Available Metacritic: Not Available TMDb: Not Available Plot Summary: After the death of her husband, Ruth, a Moabite woman, decides to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and journey to Bethlehem. There, she meets Boaz, a wealthy landowner who shows kindness and compassion. Ruth's faith and loyalty lead to a transformative journey of love and redemption. Critics Review: The film has been noted for its faithful adaptation of the biblical story, highlighting themes of loyalty, faith, and redemption. Christian Perspective: The movie emphasi...

Blue Hawaii Runtime: 102 minutes Studio: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A light-hearted Elvis Presley musical romance set in post-Army Hawaii, where surfing, singing, and sunshine collide with family expectations. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 (calculated average) The Dove Foundation: Not rated by The Dove Foundation IMDb: 6.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 67% audience (≈6.7/10) Metacritic: 70/100 (≈7.0/10) TMDb: 6.6/10 Plot Summary: Chadwick “Chad” Gates (Elvis Presley) has just been discharged from the U.S. Army and returns home to Hawaii, where his wealthy mother Sarah Lee expects him to join the family pineapple business. Instead, Chad wants to live free, enjoy the islands, and spend time with his girlfriend Maile Duval (Joan Blackman) and local friends. He takes a job as a tour guide at Maile’s travel agency, but his carefree lifestyle soon clashes with responsibility and parental expectations. After mishaps on the job and tens...

Blast from the Past Runtime: 99 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: N/A Franchise Position: N/A A man raised in a fallout shelter for 35 years emerges into modern society, experiencing culture shock and hilarity as he navigates the world for the first time. Ratings: My Rating: 7.2/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 78% (Audience) Metacritic: 63/100 TMDb: 7.4/10 Plot Summary: Adam, born and raised in a fallout shelter due to his parents’ fear of nuclear war, emerges into 1990s Los Angeles as a naive adult. He meets and falls in love with Eve, navigating the unfamiliar modern world with innocence, charm, and comedic missteps. The film balances romantic comedy with reflections on family, trust, and human adaptability. Critics Review: Critics praised the charm of Brendan Fraser and Alicia Silverstone, noting the clever premise and light-hearted humor. Some critics found the story predictable but acknowledged its heartwarming qu...

The Bishop’s Wife Runtime: 116 minutes Studio: RKO Radio Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: N/A Franchise Position: N/A An angel helps a bishop realize the importance of love, faith, and family during a time of personal and professional struggle. Ratings: My Rating: 7.8/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 95% (Critics), 90% (Audience) Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 7.8/10 Plot Summary: Bishop Henry Brougham struggles with his career ambitions and personal life while planning a new cathedral. An angel, Dudley, appears to guide him, helping him reconnect with his wife and rediscover the true meaning of faith, love, and service. The story blends charm, romance, and gentle humor with spiritual insight. Critics Review: Critics praised the performances, particularly Cary Grant and Loretta Young, and the film’s heartwarming story. The angelic theme and sophisticated storytelling were highlighted as timeless qualities, earning acclaim as a holiday classic. Christi...

Fever Pitch Runtime: 104 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Language: English Franchise: N/A Franchise Position: N/A A romantic comedy-drama about a woman who meets the perfect guy, only to discover she has to compete with his first true love: the Boston Red Sox. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5 IMDb: 6.2 Rotten Tomatoes: 66% Metacritic: 56 TMDb: 6.3 Plot Summary: Lindsey Meeks (Drew Barrymore), a successful corporate executive, falls for Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon), a schoolteacher with an all-consuming passion for the Boston Red Sox. As their relationship deepens, Lindsey struggles to understand Ben's obsession with the team, leading to tension and a breakup. The film culminates in a dramatic moment at Fenway Park during the 2004 World Series, blending fiction with real-life events as the Red Sox break their 86-year championship drought. Critics Review: The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the chemistry between the leads but noting the pre...

There's a Girl in My Soup Runtime: 108 minutes Studio: Columbia Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: None Franchise Position: N/A A romantic comedy following a suave, older television personality, Robert Danvers, whose life is disrupted when he meets a young, free-spirited woman named Marion (Goldie Hawn). Ratings: My Rating: ~6.9/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 71% audience Metacritic: Not listed TMDb: 6.8/10 Plot Summary: Robert Danvers, a successful and self-absorbed TV host, encounters Marion, a young woman with a zest for life. Their contrasting personalities lead to comedic situations and romantic entanglements as Robert navigates the complications of love, youth, and responsibility. Critics Review: The film received mixed-to-positive reviews. Goldie Hawn’s performance was praised for her charm and comedic energy, while the story was noted as lighthearted and entertaining but somewhat predictable. Christian Perspective: The film subtly...

Cactus Flower Runtime: 102 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: None Franchise Position: N/A A charming comedy about a dentist, his young girlfriend, and his long-time assistant. Goldie Hawn plays Toni Simmons, a free-spirited young woman caught in a web of romantic misunderstandings. Ratings: My Rating: ~7.1/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 83% audience Metacritic: 70/100 TMDb: 7.2/10 Plot Summary: Dentist Julian Winston is dating a young woman, Toni, but when she threatens to break up with him, he claims he is married. His assistant, Stephanie, is then enlisted to pose as his wife. The film follows comedic situations, romantic entanglements, and misunderstandings, culminating in heartfelt resolutions. Critics Review: The film received positive reviews, with praise for Goldie Hawn’s breakout performance, comedic timing, and charm. The movie’s humor and romantic misadventures were well-received by audiences. Christian Pe...

Lady and the Tramp Runtime: 104 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: None Franchise Position: N/A A live-action reimagining of the 1955 animated classic, following Lady, a pampered Cocker Spaniel, and Tramp, a street-smart mutt, as they navigate adventure, romance, and the challenges of city life. Ratings: My Rating: ~6.8/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 83% audience Metacritic: 60/100 TMDb: 6.7/10 Plot Summary: Lady lives a comfortable life in her home until she meets Tramp, a clever stray. Their budding romance takes them through city adventures, near-misses with danger, and lessons about trust, loyalty, and love. The story mirrors the original animated film while updating visuals with live-action animals and realistic sets. Critics Review: Reviews were mixed. Critics praised the performances of the animal actors and the faithful recreation of iconic scenes, but some felt the story lacked the charm and magic of the o...

Lady and the Tramp Runtime: 85 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: None Franchise Position: N/A A refined Cocker Spaniel named Lady lives a pampered life until she meets Tramp, a street-smart mutt. Together they navigate adventure, romance, and challenges, discovering love and loyalty. Ratings: My Rating: ~8.0/10 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 7.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 93% critics, 86% audience Metacritic: 86/100 TMDb: 7.8/10 Plot Summary: Lady, a well-cared-for Cocker Spaniel, struggles with jealousy and confusion when her owners bring home a new baby. Her life changes when she meets Tramp, a clever stray. The two dogs embark on adventures in the city, confronting danger and learning lessons about trust, love, and bravery. The story culminates in Lady finding her place both in her home and in Tramp’s heart. Critics Review: The film received critical acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and memorable musical score. It is noted for its charmi...

The Betsy Runtime: 125 minutes Studio: Allied Artists; Harold Robbins International Company Country of Origin: United States A ruthless auto magnate enlists a daring racecar driver to secretly create a revolutionary fuel-efficient automobile called “The Betsy”—but power struggles, romantic entanglements, and betrayal threaten to derail everything. Ratings: My Rating: ~5.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Not listed IMDb: 5.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 17% critics, ~19% audience Metacritic: Not available TMDb: Not available Plot Summary: Loren Hardeman Sr., an elderly auto industry titan, insists on reviving his company with a new fuel-efficient car named after his great-granddaughter — “The Betsy.” He brings in Angelo Perino, a charismatic racecar driver, to design the prototype. But his grandson, Loren Hardeman III, resents this intrusion and plots to undermine the project. Meanwhile, Angelo becomes romantically entangled with both the young Betsy and Lady Bobby Ayres, the disgruntled mistress of the...

Title: Mystic Pizza Age Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 102 minutes Studio: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States A coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama following three young women working at a pizza parlor in Mystic, Connecticut, as they navigate love, friendship, and personal growth. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5/10 The Dove Foundation: PG-13 IMDb: 6.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 7.2/10 Metacritic: 63/100 TMDb: 7.5/10 Plot Summary: Set in the small town of Mystic, Connecticut, the story follows Kat, Daisy, and Jo, three friends working at Mystic Pizza. Each woman faces her own romantic and personal challenges: Kat deals with a complicated love affair, Daisy navigates societal expectations about wealth and class, and Jo explores her aspirations beyond the small town. Through humor, heartbreak, and life lessons, they grow closer as friends and discover their paths into adulthood. Critics Review: Mystic Pizza received positive reviews for its charming performances, especially by Julia Roberts, An...

Sleeping Beauty Runtime: 75 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A classic fairy tale of Princess Aurora, cursed by the evil Maleficent, who must be saved by true love’s kiss and aided by three good fairies. Ratings: My Rating: 8.0/10 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 89% critics, 91% audience Metacritic: Not available Plot Summary: Princess Aurora is cursed at birth by the evil fairy Maleficent to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel. The three good fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—hide her in the forest to protect her. Despite Maleficent’s schemes, Aurora grows up surrounded by love and friendship. Eventually, Prince Phillip defeats Maleficent with courage and love, breaking the curse and awakening Aurora. The story emphasizes the triumph of good over evil and the power of love, courage, and perseverance. Critics Review: ...