At The Movies

The Sign of Zorro Age Rating: G Runtime: 91 min Studio: Walt Disney Productions Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Zorro Franchise Position: Standalone A classic swashbuckling adventure edited from episodes of Disney’s hit 1950s TV series, Zorro. Don Diego returns home to find his town oppressed by the cruel Captain Monastario. By day he plays the effete nobleman; by night he dons the mask of Zorro, the masked hero fighting tyranny with his sword and wits, aided by his loyal mute servant Bernardo, to free the pueblo from oppression. Ratings: My Rating: 7.1/10 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 6.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: — Metacritic: — TMDb: 7.3/10 Plot Summary: Don Diego de la Vega returns to his hometown under Spanish rule to find a corrupt commandant terrorizing the citizens. To combat injustice, he assumes the secret identity of Zorro, a masked vigilante who uses swordsmanship and cunning to challenge Monastario’s tyranny. With help from his mute servant, Bernardo, Zorro engages in...

The New Adventures of the Lone Ranger Runtime: 5 hr 08 min (28 episodes, approx. 11 min each) Studio: Filmation Country of Origin: United States Franchise: The Lone Ranger A Saturday morning animated Western series featuring the masked hero and his loyal companion Tonto as they travel the American frontier battling injustice and protecting the innocent. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: N/A Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: N/A Plot Summary: The Lone Ranger and Tonto roam the frontier confronting bandits, corrupt officials, and other threats to peace and justice. Each episode features a self-contained story highlighting courage, integrity, and the Ranger’s strict moral code—never firing his gun unless fired upon. Tonto’s wisdom and bravery complement the Ranger’s resourcefulness as they restore order and protect settlers across the Wild West. Christian Perspective: The show promotes timeless moral lessons consistent with Christian values—justice, honesty, ...

The New Adventures of Zorro Runtime: 582 minutes Studio: Filmation Associates Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Zorro Franchise Position: N/A A masked hero defends Spanish California against corrupt officials, tyranny, and injustice, as Don Diego hides his secret identity to protect the people. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: N/A Plot Summary: In The New Adventures of Zorro, Don Diego de la Vega leads a double life: by day he is a refined nobleman, and by night the daring masked vigilante Zorro. Aided by his loyal companion Miguel and his horse Tornado, Zorro uses wit, skill, and swordsmanship to fight against corruption in Spanish California. Each episode brings new challenges—greedy officials, scheming bandits, and unjust laws—that threaten the innocent. Balancing his public persona and secret identity, Diego strives to uphold justice while keeping his heroic alter ego hidden. Critics Review: This Film...

Born to the West AKA: Hell Town Runtime: 59 minutes Studio: Paramount Pictures Distributor: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States Based on a Book: Born to the West by Zane Grey Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A black-and-white Western film featuring John Wayne as Dare Rudd, a roguish cowhand who gets entangled in a cattle rustling scheme while trying to win the heart of his cousin's fiancée. Ratings: My Rating: 7/10 IMDb: 6.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: Not Available Metacritic: Not Available TMDb: Not Available Plot Summary: Dare Rudd and his sidekick Dinkey Hooley arrive in Montana to visit Rudd's cousin, Tom Fillmore, a successful cattle rancher. Rudd falls for Tom's fiancée, Judy, and is persuaded to take a job as foreman for a cattle drive. However, he loses the herd's money in a poker game with a crooked gambler. Rudd and Tom must join forces to recover the money and thwart a cattle rustling plot led by the villainous Bart Hammond. Critics Revi...

Blue Steel Runtime: 54 minutes Studio: Monogram Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A U.S. Marshal goes undercover to investigate a series of robberies committed by the Polka Dot Bandit. When he is mistakenly suspected by the local sheriff, the two join forces to uncover a larger conspiracy involving a land-grabbing scheme by a wealthy businessman. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 IMDb: 6.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: Not available Metacritic: Not available TMDb: Not available Plot Summary: John Carruthers (John Wayne), an undercover U.S. Marshal, arrives in a small Western town to investigate a string of robberies attributed to the Polka Dot Bandit. When Sheriff Jake Withers (George "Gabby" Hayes) finds him at the scene of a robbery and the town's payroll is missing, he suspects Carruthers is the thief. However, the two soon discover that the true culprit is Malgrove (Edward Peil Sr.), a wealthy landowner who orchestrates the robberi...

Blazing Saddles Runtime: 93 minutes Studio: Crossbow Productions / Warner Bros. Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A gleefully vulgar Mel Brooks Western spoof that uses outrageous comedy to skewer racism, Hollywood mythmaking, and genre conventions. Ratings: My Rating: 8.0 The Dove Foundation: Not Dove approved IMDb: 7.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 9.1 Metacritic: 7.3 TMDb: 7.9 Plot Summary: In 1874, a greedy railroad developer plans to steal the town of Rock Ridge by driving its citizens away. To sabotage the scheme, he convinces the governor to appoint Bart, a Black railroad worker, as sheriff—assuming the town will reject him and flee. Instead, Bart uses his wit and integrity and teams with the alcoholic gunslinger the Waco Kid to outsmart the crooks and rally the townspeople. The film mixes broad slapstick, musical numbers, fourth-wall breaking, and anachronistic jokes that culminate in an outrageous finale that literally bursts through studio walls. Critics Review: Blazing Saddles...

The Lone Ranger Runtime: 149 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Lone Ranger Franchise Position: 8 Live-action feature film reboot of the classic masked hero, following the Lone Ranger and Tonto as they fight injustice in the American West. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: PG-13 IMDb: 6.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 33% Metacritic: 41/100 Plot Summary: The Lone Ranger, formerly Texas Ranger John Reid, teams up with Tonto to bring justice to the lawless American frontier. Together, they confront corrupt officials, railroad tycoons, and outlaws while uncovering a plot that threatens the innocent settlers. Through daring action and clever strategies, the duo upholds the principles of truth, fairness, and protection of the vulnerable. Critics Review: The film received mixed reviews, praised for its performances, visual spectacle, and action sequences but criticized for inconsistent tone and overly long runtime. Johnny Depp’s Tonto drew attention for both charm and controver...

The Lone Ranger Runtime: 120 minutes Studio: Warner Bros. Television Franchise: Lone Ranger Franchise Position: 9 Live-action TV movie reimagining the origin story of the Lone Ranger, set in the 1930s, with a modern twist. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: TV-PG IMDb: 5.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: In this reimagined origin story, a young Luke Hartman (Chad Michael Murray) becomes the Lone Ranger after witnessing the murder of his brother. Adopting the masked persona, he teams up with Tonto (Nathaniel Arcand) to fight injustice in the American West. The film explores themes of justice, identity, and heroism, with a contemporary setting that blends classic Western elements with modern sensibilities. Critics Review: The film received mixed reviews, with some praising the performances of the lead actors and the modern take on the classic character, while others felt the adaptation lacked the depth and authenticity of traditional Westerns. Christian Pe...

The Legend of The Lone Ranger Runtime: 106 minutes Studio: Warner Bros. Franchise: Lone Ranger Franchise Position: 6 Feature film reboot of the classic masked hero, following his adventures in the American West alongside Tonto. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 5.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 23% Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: The Lone Ranger and Tonto work together to stop a corrupt rancher and his gang from seizing control of a small frontier town. Through clever planning, bravery, and teamwork, they protect settlers and bring the villains to justice. The film showcases the Ranger’s moral code, commitment to fairness, and dedication to helping the innocent. Critics Review: The film was criticized for uneven tone and underdeveloped characters, though some praised its attempt to update the classic Western hero for a modern audience. Action sequences and stunts were adequate, but the film struggled to capture the charm and integrity of the original serials and TV series. Chri...

The Lone Ranger Runtime: 80 minutes Studio: Format Films Franchise: Lone Ranger Franchise Position: 5 Animated TV series bringing the classic masked hero and Tonto to Saturday morning audiences with colorful action and frontier adventures. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: Not rated IMDb: 6.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: The Lone Ranger and Tonto battle outlaws, protect settlers, and uphold justice across the American frontier in animated form. Each episode presents fast-paced adventures, clever problem-solving, and moral lessons. Villains range from bandits to corrupt businessmen, and the duo consistently triumphs through courage, intelligence, and teamwork. Critics Review: Critics noted the series’ vibrant animation and faithful adaptation of the character’s heroic traits. While simplified for younger viewers, the show successfully conveyed moral lessons and action-packed storytelling. Its brevity and format suited Saturday morning viewing and help...

The Lone Ranger Runtime: 92 minutes Studio: Republic Pictures Franchise: Lone Ranger Franchise Position: 4 Feature-length adaptation of the masked hero’s adventures, bringing the popular TV character to the big screen. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: Not rated IMDb: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: The Lone Ranger and Tonto confront outlaw Butch Cavendish, who has escaped justice and threatens law-abiding settlers. Through clever tactics, bravery, and teamwork, the duo works to stop Cavendish and restore order. The story highlights the Ranger’s moral code, emphasizing justice, loyalty, and the protection of the innocent. Critics Review: Critics appreciated the feature film for translating the TV hero to a cinematic format, with expanded action sequences and higher production values. Some felt the story was formulaic, but performances, particularly Clayton Moore as the Ranger, captured the character’s iconic charm and integrity. Christian Perspectiv...

The Lone Ranger Runtime: 7,518 minutes Studio: Wrather Corporation Franchise: Lone Ranger Franchise Position: 3 Classic live-action TV series following the masked hero as he brings justice to the American frontier. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: Not rated IMDb: 7.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: The series chronicles the adventures of the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto as they travel across the Old West to protect settlers, fight outlaws, and uphold the law. Each episode features a self-contained story filled with action, moral lessons, and frontier justice. From thwarting robberies to resolving conflicts in lawless towns, the duo demonstrates courage, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Critics Review: The series was acclaimed for bringing the Lone Ranger character to a broad television audience, solidifying his cultural impact. While production values were modest, the show’s storytelling, cliffhangers, a...

The Lone Ranger Rides Again Runtime: 265 minutes Studio: Republic Pictures Franchise: Lone Ranger Franchise Position: 2 A 15-chapter serial continuing the masked hero’s frontier battles for justice. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: Not rated IMDb: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: The Lone Ranger and Tonto face a new enemy, Captain Barnett, and his band of outlaws who aim to seize land needed for a railroad expansion. Robert Livingston now dons the mask of the Ranger as he protects settlers, safeguards railroad workers, and thwarts Barnett’s schemes. Across fifteen chapters, the duo demonstrates courage, intelligence, and teamwork while upholding justice on the frontier. Critics Review: Praised for higher production values and more polished performances, this sequel adds greater scope with large-scale battles and inventive stunt work. While some story elements are formulaic, the serial effectively continues the Lone Ranger legend, maintaining suspens...

The Lone Ranger Runtime: 270 minutes Studio: Republic Pictures Franchise: Lone Ranger Franchise Position: 1 First live-action adaptation of the masked hero, told as a 15-chapter serial. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: Not rated IMDb: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: The story begins with six Texas Rangers ambushed by a ruthless outlaw gang. Only one survives, nursed back to health by Tonto. He dons the mask of the Lone Ranger, swearing to fight injustice and bring law and order to the frontier. Across fifteen chapters, he takes on outlaws, rescues innocents, and works with Tonto to bring down the villainous Captain Mark Smith. Critics Review: Praised at the time for its fast-paced action, cliffhanger structure, and moral clarity, the serial was especially popular with young audiences. While low-budget, Republic Pictures’ stunts and practical effects were seen as impressive for 1938. Modern viewers note dated pacing and character tropes but recogniz...

Barbary Coast Release Date: May 4, 1975 Age Rating: TV-PG Runtime: 585 minutes Studio: Paramount Network Television Franchise: N/A Franchise Position: N/A Tagline: "He's a hitman with a conscience." Ratings: My Rating: 6/10 Dove Foundation Rating: N/A IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: N/A Metacritic Rating: N/A Plot Summary: Set in the 1870s, Barbary Coast follows government agent Jeff Cable (William Shatner), who uses various disguises to investigate crimes in San Francisco's notorious Barbary Coast district. He teams up with Cash Conover (Doug McClure), the owner of the Golden Gate Casino, to combat corruption and crime in the area. Critics Review: "Barbary Coast" received mixed reviews from critics. Some appreciated the show's adventurous spirit and the performances of Shatner and McClure, while others felt the series struggled to find its tone between action and comedy. Despite its short run, the show has garnered a cult following for its u...

Back to the Future Part III Age Rating: PG Franchise: Back to the Future Franchise Position: 3 Total Runtime: 118 minutes "Marty McFly travels back to 1885 to rescue Doc Brown from a deadly fate in the Old West, navigating train heists, duels, and the challenges of frontier life." Ratings My Rating: 8.0/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 5/5 IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 80% Metacritic: 58% Plot Summary In Back to the Future Part III, Marty McFly discovers that Doc Brown is trapped in 1885 and faces a deadly threat from the past. To save his friend, Marty travels back to the Old West, encountering period-specific challenges including gunfights, train robberies, and strict societal norms. The story combines humor, adventure, and western action, while exploring themes of loyalty, courage, and ingenuity as Marty and Doc navigate the difficulties of time travel in a bygone era. Critics Review Critics generally viewed the film as a charming conclusion to the trilogy, appreciating t...

Angel and the Badman Release Date: September 12, 1947 Studio: Republic Pictures Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Runtime: 95 min A Western tale of redemption, love, and the struggle between violence and conscience. Ratings: My Rating: 8.0/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 5/5 IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 100% Metacritic: 78% Plot Summary: Angel and the Badman tells the story of Quirt Evans, an outlaw wounded and taken in by a Quaker family. Through their love, patience, and moral guidance, Quirt is confronted with the choice between his violent past and a peaceful, honorable life. Themes of redemption, forgiveness, and personal transformation drive the narrative. Critics Review: The film is celebrated for its strong performances, particularly by John Wayne, and its moral storytelling within the Western genre. Critics praise its pacing, cinematography, and the way it handles serious themes like repentance and ethical conflict without sacrificing entertainment value. Christ...

The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw Runtime: 88 minutes Rating: TV-PG Release Date: April 14, 1991 Studio: CBS Television Franchise: The Gambler (Kenny Rogers) Franchise Position: 4th TV movie Runtime: 88 minutes Tagline: Brady Hawkes returns for one last hand. Ratings My rating: 7.0/10 Dove Foundation rating: Family Approved IMDb rating: 70% Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary In the final chapter, Brady Hawkes returns to face new dangers and settle old scores, proving that luck and skill go hand in hand. Critics Review Received mixed to positive reviews, appreciated for closure to the series and Rogers’ performance. Christian Perspective Continues the themes of redemption, courage, and faith. Family Friendliness Suitable for family viewing with mild action and good morals.

The Gambler III: The Legend Continues Runtime: 88 minutes Rating: TV-PG Release Date: March 8, 1987 Studio: CBS Television Franchise: The Gambler (Kenny Rogers) Franchise Position: 3rd TV movie Runtime: 88 minutes Tagline: The legend of Brady Hawkes rides on. Ratings My rating: 7.3/10 Dove Foundation rating: Family Approved IMDb rating: 73% Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary Brady Hawkes continues to confront his past while helping those in need, balancing his gambling skills with a growing sense of justice. Critics Review Maintains the solid Western tradition with engaging storytelling and strong performances. Christian Perspective Themes of redemption, justice, and faith are emphasized. Family Friendliness Family friendly with mild Western violence.

The Gambler: The Adventure Continues Runtime: 87 minutes Rating: TV-PG Release Date: February 20, 1983 Studio: CBS Television Franchise: The Gambler (Kenny Rogers) Franchise Position: 2nd TV movie Runtime: 87 minutes Tagline: Brady Hawkes returns for another adventure. Ratings My rating: 7.5/10 Dove Foundation rating: Family Approved IMDb rating: 75% Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary Brady Hawkes faces new challenges and villains as he continues his quest for peace and justice in the Old West. Critics Review Generally positive reception, noting the strong storytelling and Rogers’ continued strong performance. Christian Perspective Maintains themes of forgiveness, courage, and faithfulness. Family Friendliness Suitable for family viewing with mild action and positive morals.