At The Movies

Peter Pan 2: Return to Never Land Runtime: 82 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Peter Pan, 2 Ratings: My Rating: 7.1 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 6.2 Rotten Tomatoes: 56% Metacritic: 57 Plot Summary: During World War II, Jane, the daughter of Wendy, is skeptical of her mother’s stories about Peter Pan and Neverland. When Peter returns to take her on an adventure, Jane finds herself in the magical world, encountering the Lost Boys, pirates, and Captain Hook once again. Through bravery, imagination, and friendship, Jane learns to believe in magic and discovers courage and self-confidence along the way. Critics Review: Critics had mixed reviews, praising the animation and continuation of the Peter Pan story, but noting that it lacked the originality and charm of the 1953 classic. The film was recognized for its messages of courage and imagination for children. Christian Perspective: The story emphasizes faith, belief in the unseen, courage, and standing up to f...

Staying Alive Age Rating: PG Runtime: 96 min Studio: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Saturday Night Fever Franchise Position: 2 A dance drama following Tony Manero six years after Saturday Night Fever, as he leaves Brooklyn for Manhattan and pursues his dream of becoming a Broadway dancer. The story traces his struggles balancing work, relationships, and artistic ambition while competing for roles in a major stage production. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.5–7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 3% Tomatometer, ~40% audience Metacritic: 24–38/100 TMDb: 5.8/10 Plot Summary: Former disco king Tony Manero now lives in Manhattan, working as a waiter and dance instructor while chasing a big break on Broadway. When he auditions for a new show, Satan’s Alley, he lands a part as a backup dancer and must navigate romantic entanglements, professional rivalries, and personal growth. Tony’s journey culminates in a high‑energy Broadway performance that t...

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...

A Christmas Story Christmas Age Rating: PG Runtime: 98 minutes Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures / HBO Max Franchise: A Christmas Story Franchise Position: 3 Ralphie returns home as an adult to give his own kids a Christmas as magical as the one he remembered — and learns that love, loss, and laughter make the holidays truly meaningful. Ratings: My Rating: 8.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for Ages 12+ IMDb: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 79% Metacritic: 58 TMDb: 6.9/10 Plot Summary: Decades after his childhood adventures, Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) is now a husband and father of two, struggling to become a writer. When his father unexpectedly passes away, Ralphie returns with his family to his old home in Hohman, Indiana, to spend Christmas with his mother. Determined to honor “The Old Man” by giving his kids a joyful holiday, Ralphie faces all the challenges of adulthood — tight budgets, broken dreams, and the chaos of parenting — while rediscovering the magic and meaning of Christma...

A Christmas Story 2 Age Rating: PG Runtime: 85 minutes Studio: Warner Home Video Franchise: A Christmas Story Franchise Position: 2 Ralphie Parker returns — now a teenager with a new Christmas wish: his very own 1939 Mercury convertible. Ratings: My Rating: 5.2/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for Ages 12+ IMDb: 3.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 37% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 4.9/10 Plot Summary: Set six years after the events of the original film, A Christmas Story 2 follows sixteen-year-old Ralphie Parker as he dreams of owning a beautiful 1939 Mercury convertible. When he accidentally damages the car at a dealership, Ralphie, Flick, and Schwartz scramble to earn enough money to pay for the repairs before Christmas. Meanwhile, the Parker family continues their quirky holiday traditions, complete with turkey mishaps and chaotic gift-giving. Despite his missteps, Ralphie learns valuable lessons about honesty, responsibility, and the spirit of giving. Critics Review: Released direct-to-video nearly th...

The Ghost of Frankenstein Runtime: 67 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures Franchise: Frankenstein Franchise Position: 4 Tagline: "The Monster Returns to Life!" Ratings: My Rating: 6.5 / 10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.1 / 10 Rotten Tomatoes: Critics 73%, Audience 66% Metacritic: 60 / 100 TMDb: 6.4 / 10 Plot Summary: After being driven from town, Ygor (Béla Lugosi) and the Monster (Lon Chaney Jr.) seek out Dr. Ludwig Frankenstein (Sir Cedric Hardwicke), the younger son of the original doctor. Ygor plans to have his brain transplanted into the Monster's body. However, Dr. Frankenstein's colleague, Dr. Bohmer (Lionel Atwill), has his own plans for the Monster's brain, leading to a tragic series of events. Critics Review: "The Ghost of Frankenstein" is often viewed as a transitional film in the Universal Monsters series. Critics have noted the film's shift in tone and style, with some praising its atmospheric direction and the performances of the cast...

Bride of Frankenstein Runtime: 75 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures Franchise: Frankenstein  Franchise Position: 2 A sequel to the 1931 classic in which Dr. Henry Frankenstein is coerced into creating a mate for his original monster by the eccentric Dr. Pretorius. As the creature yearns for companionship, the tale explores themes of isolation and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Ratings: My Rating: 8.4 / 10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 8.0 / 10 Rotten Tomatoes: Critics 94%, Audience 87% Metacritic: 80 / 100 Plot Summary: Following the events of the first film, Dr. Henry Frankenstein survives his ordeal and is determined to abandon his experiments. However, Dr. Pretorius kidnaps Frankenstein's wife, compelling him to assist in creating a female companion for the Monster. The Monster, longing for companionship, is initially hopeful but is ultimately rejected by his intended mate, leading to tragic consequences. Critics Review: Bride of Frankenstein is widely regarded as one...

Blues Brothers 2000 Runtime: 123 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Blues Brothers Franchise Position: 1 Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd), now released from prison and without his brother Jake, embarks on a mission to reunite the band with the help of a golden-voiced bartender (John Goodman) and a precocious 10-year-old orphan (J. Evan Bonifant), all while facing numerous obstacles.  Ratings: My Rating: 5.5/10 IMDb: 4.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 46% (Critics), 52% (Audience) Metacritic: 46/100 TMDb: 5.2/10 Plot Summary: Upon his release from prison, Elwood Blues sets out to reunite the Blues Brothers band to fulfill a new "mission from God." Along the way, he faces challenges and forms new alliances, including with a young orphan and a talented bartender, as they work together to revive the band and confront various adversaries. Critics Review: Roger Ebert gave the film two out of four stars, noting that while the film had good music, it lacked...

Kill Oscar Runtime: 90 minutes Studio: Universal Television Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Bionic Franchise Position: 6 Steve Austin teams up with the Bionic Woman to stop a criminal mastermind named Oscar, whose plans threaten national security and innocent lives. Ratings: My Rating: 6.9/10 The Dove Foundation: TV-PG IMDb: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 69% (Audience), 68% (Critics) Metacritic: Not Available TMDb: 7.0/10 Based on: Sequel TV Movie Plot Summary: Austin and Jaime Sommers (the Bionic Woman) confront Oscar, a cunning criminal orchestrating complex schemes. The duo uses their bionic abilities to outsmart him, protect civilians, and prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome. Critics Review: Critics found the TV movie entertaining but formulaic, praising the action sequences and the crossover of two bionic heroes. Some noted that character development was limited compared to the TV series, but the teamwork aspect was highlighted as a strength. Christian Perspective: Th...

The Errand Boy Runtime: 82 minutes Studio: Paramount Pictures Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A comedy following Stanley as he takes a new job as a lowly errand boy at a large corporation, resulting in a series of humorous mishaps. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5/10 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 82% Audience Metacritic: 76/100 TMDb: 7.5/10 Plot Summary: Stanley, played by Jerry Lewis, begins working as an errand boy at a major corporation, where his clumsy nature and over-enthusiasm lead to chaotic situations and comic misunderstandings. Through his misadventures, he inadvertently exposes corporate incompetence and brings humorous consequences to those around him. The film relies heavily on visual gags, slapstick, and physical comedy. Critics Review: Critics praised Lewis’s comedic timing and inventiveness, noting the film’s humor and charm. While some criticized the thin plot, the inventive slapstick and expressive performances were highlighted as the film...

Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure Runtime: 76 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Television Animation Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Lady and the Tramp Franchise Position: 2 of 2 Scamp, the curious and adventurous son of Lady and Tramp, longs for freedom and excitement outside the family home, leading him into mischief and encounters with a gang of stray dogs. Ratings: My Rating: ~6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 5.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 46% audience Metacritic: Not listed TMDb: 6.2/10 Plot Summary: Scamp is tired of being cooped up at home and dreams of life as a wild dog. When he joins a gang of stray dogs led by the charismatic Buster, he faces challenges that test his courage and loyalty. Along the way, he learns the value of family and responsibility, ultimately returning home with a new appreciation for Lady and Tramp. Critics Review: The film received mixed reviews. Critics noted it as a charming but formulaic direct-to-video sequel. Praise was given for its anima...

The Shaggy D.A. Runtime: 91 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Country of Origin: United States Franchise: The Shaggy Dog Franchise Position: 2 Tagline: "It's Laughter By The Pound! You'll Roll Over, Sit Up, And Beg For More!" Ratings: My Rating: 6.1/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb: 5.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 50% (Critics), 39% (Audience) Metacritic: 60/100 TMDb: 6.1/10 Plot Summary: In this Disney sequel to The Shaggy Dog, Wilby Daniels (Dean Jones), now a successful attorney, returns to his hometown of Medfield after a vacation to find his home has been burglarized. Determined to clean up the town, he decides to run for district attorney against the corrupt incumbent, John Slade (Keenan Wynn). However, Wilby's campaign takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a magical ring that transforms him into an Old English Sheepdog whenever its inscription is read aloud. As he navigates his dual identity, Wilby must balance his political aspirations with the ch...

Spaceballs 2 Studio: Amazon MGM Studios Franchise: Spaceballs Franchise Position: 2nd Runtime: ? Release Date: May 7, 2027 Production Status: Pre-production Tagline : "The Schwartz awakens again." Announcement Spaceballs 2 Is Back Spaceballs 2 Teaser Trailer  Spaceballs 2: Everything We Know  PopCulture Brain Video (FB) Returning Cast: Mel Brooks as Yogurt and President Skroob Bill Pullman as Lone Starr Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa What We Know So Far: Spaceballs 2 is confirmed to have a theatrical release, giving audiences the chance to experience the film on the big screen. The sequel is designed to expand the Spaceballs universe, exploring new storylines and characters while remaining faithful to the comedic style established by Mel Brooks in the 1987 original. The film is described as a “Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film,” indicating a self-aware take on modern franchise filmmaking. It a...

Bambi II Age Rating: G Release Date: February 7, 2006 Franchise: Bambi Franchise Position: 2 Total Runtime: 77 minutes "Bambi learns important lessons about life and courage from his father while growing up in the forest." Ratings My Rating: 7.6/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 5/5 IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 81% Metacritic: 60% Plot Summary Bambi II takes place during the early life of Bambi, filling in the gap between his mother’s death and his coming of age. The story focuses on Bambi’s relationship with his father, the Great Prince of the Forest, who is distant and stern. Throughout the film, Bambi struggles with fear and self-confidence while learning the values of courage, responsibility, and trust. The story combines moments of humor, friendship, and heartwarming lessons about family and growing up. Critics Review Critics generally viewed Bambi II positively, highlighting its charming animation and heartwarming storyline. While it does not reach the classic status o...

Any Which Way You Can Studio: Warner Bros. Franchise: Any Which Way Franchise Position: 2 Release Date: December 17, 1980 Runtime: 114 minutes Tagline: They knocked down the law… now it’s payback time! Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 7.2/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 3.5/5 IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 65% Metacritic Rating: 70% Plot Summary: Clint “Philo” Beddoe is back with his lovable orangutan, Clyde, facing new challenges in a world of biker gangs, mobsters, and love interests. The sequel blends comedy, action, and a little romance, following Philo as he navigates chaotic fights and outwits his adversaries. The movie continues the story of a man who relies on his wits, charm, and unconventional methods to overcome obstacles while maintaining his unique moral code. Critics Review: Critics noted that the sequel relies heavily on the charm of Clint Eastwood and the comedic antics of Clyde. While some felt the story was formulaic, the physical comedy, car chases, and pl...

King Kong Lives Runtime: 101 minutes Rating: PG Release Date: August 29, 1986 Studio: De Laurentiis Entertainment Group Franchise: King Kong Franchise Position: 6 Run time in minutes: 101 Tagline: The Ape is Alive… and More Dangerous Than Ever! Ratings My rating: 4.7 /10 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 4.7 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 20% Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary A sequel to the 1976 remake where King Kong survives a near-fatal injury and is kept alive artificially. The story introduces a female Kong and new dangers. Critics Review Critically panned for its weak story and effects, but has some cult following for nostalgia. Christian Perspective No significant Christian themes, mostly focused on fantasy adventure. Family Friendliness Rated PG but has some intense scenes; parental guidance advised.

Son of Kong Runtime: 60 minutes Rating: Not Rated Release Date: November 17, 1933 Studio: RKO Radio Pictures Franchise: King Kong Franchise Position: 2 Run time in minutes: 60 Tagline: The Ape’s Son Rides Again! Ratings My rating: 6.4 /10 Dove Foundation rating: Approved IMDb rating: 6.4 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary Following the events of King Kong, Carl Denham returns to Skull Island and encounters Kong’s son. The film is lighter and more comedic, featuring new adventures and threats on the island. Critics Review While not as groundbreaking as its predecessor, Son of Kong is enjoyed for its lighthearted approach and continuation of the King Kong story. Christian Perspective The film has minimal spiritual themes, focusing instead on adventure and fantasy. Family Friendliness More family-friendly than the original, suitable for children with parental guidance due to mild peril scenes.

Godzilla Raids Again AKA: Gigantis, the Fire Monster (U.S. release) Runtime: 73 minutes Rating: Not Rated Release Date: April 24, 1955 Studio: Toho Franchise: Godzilla Franchise Position: 2 Run time in minutes: 73 Tagline: The giant monsters battle for supremacy! Ratings My rating: 7.0 /10 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 6.1 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 50% Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary Godzilla returns and battles Anguirus, a giant spiked dinosaur-like monster. The fight brings devastation to Osaka as the monsters clash for dominance. Critics Review The film was viewed as a solid follow-up, with impressive monster fights but a weaker human storyline. It expanded the kaiju universe. Christian Perspective The destructive battles serve as a metaphor for the consequences of unchecked conflict and pride, echoing biblical calls for peace. Family Friendliness Unrated. Due to monster violence, best suited for older kids and adults.

Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles Runtime: 93 minutes Rating/Parental Guidance: PG-13 Studio: Paramount Pictures Franchise: Crocodile Dundee Franchise Position: 3 (third film) Runtime in minutes: 93 Tagline Crocodile Dundee hits the streets of L.A. with his trademark charm and wit. Trailer link   Cast List   Ratings My rating: 3.8 out of 10 The Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 4.8/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 25%  Metacritics rating: 31/100  Plot Summary In the third installment, Michael Dundee travels to Los Angeles to help his friend who has been kidnapped by a crime syndicate. Dundee’s rough-and-ready Outback methods contrast sharply with the high-tech urban environment, leading to comedic and action-packed moments. The film attempts to recapture the humor and heart of the originals but with a modern city backdrop. Critics Review The film was largely panned by critics who cited a lack of originality, weaker humor, and an overreliance on tired clichés....