Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Descendants: The Rise of Red

As a standalone film, ‘The Rise of Red’ is one of the weaker—and more problematic—stories in the larger ‘Descendants’ franchise.

Drama, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Close Encounters of the Third Kind

This early Steven Spielberg classic holds up well story-wise, but it might have more content than you remember.

Comedy
Space Cadet

Space Cadet has its merits. But even as some of its messages reach a comfortable orbit, its problems pull it …

Action/Adventure, Drama
Seven Samurai

This classic film from director Akira Kurosawa still shines in its own groundbreaking way. But there is some samurai scruffiness …

Action/Adventure, Animation, Drama, Kids, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
The Imaginary

The animated Netflix film The Imaginary is beautiful, scary and mostly clean. But its handful of problems aren’t imaginary at …

Animation, Drama, Sports
Blue Lock: Episode Nagi

Blue Lock: Episode Nagi shoots for a goal, but this Japanese sports/anime mash-up might just earn a yellow card instead.

Drama
We Grown Now

We Grown Now is a work of cinematic poetry—a look at inner-city turmoil and poverty through the forgiving, knowing eyes …

The First Slam Dunk 2023
Animation, Sports
The First Slam Dunk

You don’t have to be a basketball fan at all to appreciate the strong redemptive themes in the Japanese anime …

Cabrini 2024
Biography/History, Christian, Drama
Cabrini

Cabrini isn’t an easy film. But for families looking for a faith-based biographical drama, the story of Francesca Saverio Cabrini, …

Biography/History, Christian, Drama
Sight

Based on a true story, ‘Sight’ gives us a resonant story, some inspiring characters—and a glimpse of God behind it …

Animation, Comedy, Drama
IF

Director John Krasinski’s follows a grieving tween named Bea who discovers the world is full of cast-off imaginary friends.

Action/Adventure, Animation, Kids, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Ultraman: Rising

Ultraman: Rising isn’t perfect. But as far as positive messages go, it definitely earns the title of “ultra.”

Forty-Seven Days with Jesus 2024
Christian, Drama, Musical
Forty-Seven Days With Jesus

Forty-Seven Days With Jesus introduces us to a father who works too hard. And while there’s a lot to like …

Action/Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation

This Disney+ flick delivers some nice messages about tense father-son relationships. But it’s got some spaceship speed bumps, too.

Action/Adventure, Comedy, Drama
The Fall Guy

The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, is light. It’s fun. It’s clever. And … it’s got some …