Posts

Showing posts with the label survival

Eight Below, 2006, PG, 2h 0m

Eight Below Runtime: 120 minutes Age Rating: PG Release Date: February 17, 2006 Based on a True Story: Loosely inspired by the 1958 Japanese Antarctic expedition involving sled dogs Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Three members of a scientific expedition, Jerry Shepard (Paul Walker), his friend Charlie Cooper (Jason Biggs), and geologist Davis McClaren (Bruce Greenwood), are forced to leave their beloved sled dogs behind in Antarctica due to a sudden accident and worsening weather conditions. The dogs must survive alone in the harsh Antarctic winter. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 73% (Critics), 81% (Audience) Metacritic: 64/100 Plot Summary: In Antarctica, a scientific research team relies on a group of loyal sled dogs to help them with expeditions. When a sudden storm forces the team to evacuate, they must leave the dogs behind. The film follows the dogs’ struggle to survive the brutal winte...

Apollo 18 (2011), PG-13, 1 hr 26 min

Apollo 18 Studio: Bazelevs Release Date: September 2, 2011 Runtime: 86 minutes Tagline: There's a reason we've never gone back to the Moon. Franchise: standalone Franchise Position: N/A Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 3.0/10 IMDb Rating: 5.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 24% Metacritic Rating: 24% Plot Summary: In December 1974, the Apollo 18 mission, officially canceled by NASA, is secretly launched as a Department of Defense operation. Astronauts Commander Nathan Walker, Captain Ben Anderson, and Lieutenant Colonel John Grey are tasked with placing a radar detector on the Moon's surface. Upon landing, they discover a Soviet lunar module and the body of a cosmonaut. As they investigate, they encounter hostile extraterrestrial lifeforms camouflaged as Moon rocks, leading to a deadly struggle for survival. Critics Review: Critics largely panned the film for its lack of originality and suspense. The found footage style, intended to add realism, was criticized for being ineff...

Apocalypse: Tribulation (2000), PG, 1 hr 27 min

Apocalypse: Tribulation Studio: Jack Van Impe Ministries Release Date: January 1, 2000 Runtime: 87 minutes Tagline: The world plunges into chaos as prophecy unfolds. Franchise: Apocalypse Series Franchise Position: 3 Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 4.2/10 IMDb Rating: 3.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: N/A Metacritic Rating: N/A Plot Summary: The story continues the saga of end-times prophecy, focusing on escalating global crises and the consolidation of the Antichrist’s power. Individuals must navigate a rapidly changing world, facing moral dilemmas and spiritual tests. Themes of perseverance, discernment, and faith remain central, highlighting the necessity of adherence to biblical guidance during times of turmoil. Critics Review: Critics note that while the film effectively conveys its religious message, the low production values, simple narrative, and limited acting may deter broader audiences. It is primarily aimed at viewers interested in biblical prophecy and the Rapture. Christ...

Apocalypse: Revelation (2000), PG, 1 hr 28 min

Apocalypse: Revelation Studio: Jack Van Impe Ministries Release Date: 2000 Runtime: 88 minutes Tagline: The ultimate battle for the soul of humanity begins. Franchise: Apocalypse Series Franchise Position: 2 Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 4.0/10 IMDb Rating: 3.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: N/A Metacritic Rating: N/A Plot Summary: This film explores the unfolding of prophetic events described in biblical scripture, focusing on the rise of the Antichrist and the increasing global turmoil. Characters face moral and spiritual challenges as they navigate a world increasingly dominated by deception and evil forces. The narrative emphasizes vigilance, faithfulness, and the ultimate triumph of divine justice over worldly corruption. Critics Review: Critics highlight the film’s strong religious messaging but note its low-budget production, limited special effects, and straightforward storytelling. It appeals primarily to viewers interested in eschatology and Christian prophecy rather than m...

Apocalypse: Judgment (2001), PG, 1 hr 30 min

Apocalypse: Judgment Studio: Jack Van Impe Ministries Release Date: September 25, 2001 Runtime: 90 minutes Tagline: The world faces its final hour. Franchise: Apocalypse Series Franchise Position: 4 Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 4.2/10 IMDb Rating: 3.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: N/A Metacritic Rating: N/A Plot Summary: This installment follows the concluding events of the Apocalypse series. The Antichrist’s influence reaches its peak as global deception intensifies, challenging those who remain faithful. The narrative follows individuals striving to maintain their spiritual integrity while confronting the overwhelming forces of evil. The story emphasizes moral choices, divine justice, and the ultimate triumph of truth over deception. Critics Review: Critics point to the film’s didactic style and limited production values, noting that it prioritizes religious messaging over cinematic storytelling. The performances and special effects are modest, with the film largely appealing to ...

Deceived (2002), PG, 1 hr 30 min

Deceived (2002), PG, 1 hr 30 min Deceived Studio: Jack Van Impe Ministries Release Date: September 29, 2002 Runtime: 90 minutes Tagline: The deception of the end times is closer than you think. Franchise: standalone Franchise Position: N/A Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 4.1/10 IMDb Rating: 3.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: N/A Metacritic Rating: N/A Plot Summary: The film depicts the increasing spiritual deception in the last days, illustrating how believers must remain vigilant. It portrays scenarios of global upheaval, false prophets, and moral challenges, emphasizing the importance of discernment and scriptural knowledge. Critics Review: Critics recognize the film’s strong faith-based message but note its limited cinematic qualities. The performances are earnest, and the narrative is clear, though the production values are simple. Its main appeal lies in its educational and spiritual instruction. Christian Perspective: The movie underscores Christian teachings ...

Apocalypse: Caught in the Eye of the Storm (1998), PG, 1 hr 34 min

Apocalypse: Caught in the Eye of the Storm Studio: Jack Van Impe Ministries Franchise: Apocalypse Franchise Position: 1 Release Date: September 27, 1998 Runtime: 94 minutes Tagline: Two people, two beliefs. One choice. Ratings: Critics Review: My Rating: 4.5/10 IMDb Rating: 3.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: N/A Metacritic Rating: N/A Plot Summary: In a world plunged into chaos following the biblical Rapture, two news broadcasters, Bronson Pearl and Helen Hannah, find themselves left behind. As they investigate the unfolding events, they uncover a global conspiracy led by a charismatic leader who performs miraculous feats, deceiving many into believing he is the Messiah. The film follows their journey as they confront the truth and grapple with their faith in the midst of apocalyptic turmoil. Critics Review: The film has been criticized for its low production values, heavy-handed religious messaging, and reliance on stock footage. Despite its intentions to portray the biblical prophecy, ma...

Anaconda, (1997), R, 1 hr 29 min

Anaconda Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: Anaconda Franchise Position: 1 Run time: 89 min A documentary film crew in the Amazon encounters a giant, deadly anaconda and must survive. Ratings: My Rating: 5.8/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 12+ IMDb Rating: 45% Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 40% Metacritic Rating: 34% Plot Summary: A documentary crew travels deep into the Amazon rainforest to film a nature documentary about a legendary tribe. Their expedition takes a deadly turn when they encounter a massive anaconda that begins hunting them one by one. The film combines jungle adventure, suspense, and horror as the crew fights to survive the monstrous predator. The story also explores human greed, the dangers of wildlife exploitation, and the clash between ambition and survival instincts in an untamed environment. Critics Review: Anaconda received mixed to negative reviews from critics upon release. While some appreciated the suspenseful moments and the ambitious creature design, many criticized...

AmeriGeddon (2016), PG-13, 1h 30m

AmeriGeddon Runtime: 90 minutes Rating: PG-13 (Sequences of Violence) Release Date: May 13, 2016 Studio: Forewarned LLC Franchise: None Franchise Position: Standalone Tagline: “You were warned.” Ratings My Rating: 4/10 IMDb: 3.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 55% Audience Score Metacritic: Not Available Dove Foundation: Not Rated Plot Summary AmeriGeddon is a dystopian action film set in a near-future America where a globalist elite, in collaboration with the United Nations, disables the U.S. power grid through an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. This catastrophic event plunges the nation into chaos, leading to the declaration of martial law. The story follows a family of patriots who, after witnessing the betrayal of their country, take up arms to resist the foreign occupation and fight for their freedom. The film portrays themes of government overreach, loss of sovereignty, and the resilience of the American spirit. Critics Review Critics have largely panned AmeriGeddon, citing its heavy-han...

Gilligan’s Island (1964), TV-PG, 24 hours 30 minutes

Gilligan’s Island Studio: CBS Television Studios Franchise: Gilligan’s Island Franchise Position: Original TV series Runtime (total minutes): 1,470 minutes Tagline: Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale… Trailer link: N/A IMDb cast list:  Ratings My rating: 6.6 / 10 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 7.0 / 10  Rotten Tomatoes rating : 65% Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary Gilligan’s Island is a classic comedy series about seven strangers stranded on a deserted island after a storm wrecks their boat, the S.S. Minnow. The group includes the bumbling first mate Gilligan, the Skipper, millionaire couple Mr. and Mrs. Howell, movie star Ginger Grant, Professor Roy Hinkley, and farm girl Mary Ann Summers. Together, they face the challenges of island life while trying various humorous schemes to escape, all of which comically fail. The show is known for its slapstick humor and timeless charm. Critics Reviews  While critics often saw Gilligan’s Island as light and fo...

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015), PG, 1 h 32 min

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip Runtime minutes: 92 minutes Age rating: PG Studio: 20th Century Fox Franchise: Alvin and the Chipmunks Franchise Position: 4th live-action/CGI hybrid film Tagline: On the road to adventure! Trailer link:   Cast list:  Ratings My rating: — Dove Foundation rating: Approved for Ages 8+ IMDb rating: 5.1/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 22% critics approval  Metacritic rating: 36 (Generally unfavorable reviews)  Plot Summary The Chipmunks and Chipettes take a road trip to stop Dave from proposing to his new girlfriend, fearing they will lose their family. Along the way, they learn lessons about trust, family, and growing up. Critics Review The film received mixed to negative reviews but was noted for its humor and appeal to younger audiences. Christian Perspective Focuses on family values, forgiveness, and unity, reflecting Christian teachings about love and reconciliation. Family Friendliness Rated PG for some rude humor and them...

Airport '77 (1977), PG, 1 hr 56 min

Airport '77 Runtime: 116 minutes Rating: PG Studio: Universal Pictures Franchise: Airport Franchise Position: 3 Tagline: “The plane was hijacked...but this time the hijackers were nature itself.” Trailer link Cast link Ratings My Rating: 7/10 IMDb Rating: 6.0/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 36%  Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary Airport '77 takes the disaster formula underwater when a luxury Boeing 747 is hijacked and crashes into the Atlantic Ocean, sinking to the ocean floor. Trapped inside the submerged plane, passengers face dwindling air supply and rising panic while rescue teams race against time to save them. The film blends suspenseful underwater rescue action with personal drama, highlighting human courage and resourcefulness in extreme circumstances. Critics Review Reviews of Airport '77 were mixed, with praise for its special effects and underwater sequences but criticism for predictable plotting and melodrama. The film continued the Airport franchise's formula of intertwi...

After Earth (2013), PG-13, Runtime: 1 hr 40 min

Title: After Earth Runtime: 100 minutes Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: None Franchise Position #: N/A Tagline: “Every generation has a lesson. Every journey changes a family.” Trailer link Cast list Ratings My rating: 4/10 The Dove Foundation : 2/5  IMDb : 4.9/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 11%  Metacritic : 33  Plot Summary In a future where Earth has been abandoned due to environmental collapse, the story follows Kitai Raige and his father Cypher, survivors of a crash landing. Kitai must navigate the dangerous planet alone to retrieve a beacon that will save them both. The film explores survival, courage, and a strained father-son relationship in an alien and hostile world. Critics Review “After Earth” received largely negative reviews, criticized for its weak plot and underdeveloped characters. Though praised for its visual effects and ambitious concept, many critics found the film lacking emotional depth and coherence. Will Smith’s performance as C...

African Queen, The (1951), PG, Runtime: 1 hr 45 min

Title: The African Queen Runtime: 105 minutes Age Rating: PG Studio: Argyle Enterprises Franchise: None Franchise Position #: N/A Tagline: “Two people, two canoes, and a jungle of adventure!” Trailer link Cast list Ratings My rating: 7.5/10 The Dove Foundation : 4/5 IMDb : 7.9/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 98%  Metacritic : 86  Plot Summary Set during World War I in German East Africa, "The African Queen" follows a hard-drinking riverboat captain, Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), and a prim missionary, Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn). The unlikely pair join forces to navigate a hazardous river journey, aiming to attack a German warship. Their adventure is filled with challenges, growing respect, and a blossoming romance amidst the untamed wilderness. Critics Review “The African Queen” is widely praised for its blend of adventure, romance, and drama, with standout performances by Bogart and Hepburn. Critics laud the film’s direction by John Huston and its authentic location shooti...

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), G, 1 hr 35 min

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), G, 1 hr 35 min Franchise: Planet of the Apes Franchise Position #2 Movie Tagline: “The bizarre world you met in ‘Planet of the Apes’ was just the beginning…” --- Trailer   --- Main Cast James Franciscus – Brent Kim Hunter – Zira Maurice Evans – Dr. Zaius Linda Harrison – Nova Charlton Heston – Taylor Paul Richards – Mendez Victor Buono – Fat Man Don Pedro Colley – Ongaro David Watson – Cornelius (replacing Roddy McDowall) Gregory Sierra – Verger --- Reviews Critics Ratings My Rating: 7/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb : 6.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 45% Metacritic : 50/100 --- Plot Summary In this direct sequel to Planet of the Apes, astronaut Brent crash-lands on the same future Earth in search of Taylor. As he and Nova journey through the wastelands, they discover a hidden underground society of mutated humans who worship an ancient nuclear bomb. Meanwhile, the ape society is preparing for war. With Taylor eventually reappearing, the fate o...

Planet of the Apes (1968), G, 1 hr 52 min

Planet of the Apes (1968), G, 1 hr 52 min Franchise: Planet of the Apes Franchise Position #1 Movie Tagline: “Somewhere in the universe, there must be something better than man.” --- Trailer   --- Main Cast Charlton Heston – George Taylor Roddy McDowall – Cornelius Kim Hunter – Zira Maurice Evans – Dr. Zaius James Whitmore – President of the Assembly James Daly – Honorius Linda Harrison – Nova Robert Gunner – Landon Lou Wagner – Lucius Jeff Burton – Dodge --- Reviews Critics Ratings My Rating: 9/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb : 8.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 88% Metacritic : 79/100 --- Plot Summary In Planet of the Apes, astronaut George Taylor crash-lands on a distant planet ruled by intelligent apes who enslave primitive, speechless humans. As Taylor uncovers the bizarre and reversed society, he struggles to survive, earn the apes’ trust, and escape captivity. But the biggest revelation awaits him at the end—a shocking twist that redefines everything he thought he knew abo...

Jurassic World: Dominion (2022), PG‑13, 2 h 26 min

Jurassic World: Dominion (2022), PG‑13, 2 h 26 min  — the sixth entry in the Jurassic Park / World franchise: --- Franchise #6 – Jurassic Park Series Tagline: “The epic conclusion to the Jurassic era.” Trailer link:  --- Cast List Chris Pratt as Owen Grady Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing Sam Neill as Dr. Alan Grant Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm DeWanda Wise as Kayla Watts Mamoudou Athie as Ramsay Cole Isabella Sermon as Maisie Lockwood Campbell Scott as Lewis Dodgson B.D. Wong as Dr. Henry Wu Justice Smith as Franklin Webb Daniella Pineda as Dr. Zia Rodriguez Omar Sy as Barry Sembène Dichen Lachman as Soyona Santos Kristoffer Polaha as Wyatt Huntley Scott Haze as Rainn Delacourt --- Reviews My Rating 6/10 Dove Foundation Not rated dove.org (no review) IMDb ~5.9 / 10  (approx.) Rotten Tomatoes ~ 29%  Metacritic ~38 / 100  Critics generally considered Dominion the weakest in the franchise, calling its dialogue flat and ...

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), PG‑13, 2 h 8 min

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), PG‑13, 2 h 8 min Franchise #5 – Jurassic Park Series Tagline: “The park is closed—for now.” Trailer   --- Main Cast Chris Pratt as Owen Grady Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing Rafe Spall as Eli Mills Justice Smith as Franklin Webb Daniella Pineda as Zia Rodriguez James Cromwell as Sir Benjamin Lockwood Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm Toby Jones as Mr. Eversoll Ted Levine as Ken Wheatley B.D. Wong as Dr. Henry Wu Geraldine Chaplin as Iris Isabella Sermon as Maisie Lockwood --- Reviews Source Rating Website Link My Rating 6/10 Dove Foundation Not rated dove.org (no review) IMDb 6.2 / 10  Rotten Tomatoes ~47 %    Metacritic 51 / 100 -- Plot Summary Three years after Jurassic World’s collapse, Isla Nublar’s dormant volcano threatens the dinosaur survivors. Claire Dearing and Owen Grady return to rescue them, aided by the Dinosaur Protection Group and former park staff. But a darker conspiracy emerges: the creatures are aucti...

Jurassic World (2015), PG‑13, 2 h 4 min

Jurassic World (2015), PG‑13, 2 h 4 min  — the fourth installment in the Jurassic Park franchise: Franchise #4 – Jurassic Park Series Tagline: “The park is open.” Trailer link:  --- 👥 Main Cast Chris Pratt as Owen Grady Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing Irrfan Khan as Simon Masrani Vincent D’Onofrio as Vic Hoskins Ty Simpkins as Gray Mitchell Nick Robinson as Zach Mitchell B.D. Wong as Dr. Henry Wu Omar Sy as Barry Judy Greer as Karen Mitchell Jake Johnson as Lowery Cruthers Lauren Lapkus as Vivian Jake Corrigan as Young Boy (Parque) Colin Trevorrow cameo as Security Officer (voice)   --- ⭐ Reviews My Rating 7/10 Dove Foundation Not approved dove.org  IMDb 6.9 / 10    Rotten Tomatoes 72 %   Metacritic 59 / 100  --- 📖 Plot Summary Set 22 years after the original, Jurassic World is a fully operational dinosaur theme park. When a genetically-engineered hybrid predator, the Indominus rex, escapes confinement, chaos erupts. Owen Gra...

Jurassic Park III (2001), PG‑13, 1 h 32 min

Jurassic Park III (2001), PG‑13, 1 h 32 min  — the third film in the Jurassic Park franchise. Franchise #3 – Jurassic Park Series Tagline: "Return to Isla Sorna—or don't return at all." Trailer ----- 👥  Main Cast Sam Neill as Dr. Alan Grant William H. Macy as Paul Kirby Téa Leoni as Amanda Kirby Alessandro Nivola as Billy Brennan Trevor Morgan as Eric Kirby Michael Jeter as Udesky John Diehl as Cooper Bruce A. Young as Nash Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler Taylor Nichols as Mark Mark Harelik as Ben Hildebrand Julio Oscar Mechoso as Enrique Cardoso Blake Michael Bryan as Charlie Sarah Danielle Madison as Cheryl Linda Park as Hannah Sonia Jackson as Symposium Leader Bruce French as Science Reporter Bernard Zilinskas as Male Student Rona Benson as Female Student Frank Clem as Man in Suit   --- ⭐ Reviews My Rating 6/10 Dove Foundation Not approved dove.org (no review) IMDb 5.9 / 10    Rotten Tomatoes 49 %   Metacritic 42/100   --- 📖 Plot...