My Comments: We were intrigued by this new Netflix series. We thought it had a nice premise, so we watched the first episode. We liked it. We thought it had potential. But then by the next few episodes, we realized that Jack, the bar owner, has a girlfriend “with benefits” and that they hop into bed with each other. Subsequent episodes are a bit too much like soap opera. And other moral issues begin to arise. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this series, rating it a Clean 2. ENJOYMENT RATING: 3 stars.
Genre: Drama, Romance IMDB Rating: 8.3 Clean Rating: 4 Watched It On: Netflix
My Comments: When Calls the Heart is a Canadian-American television drama series, based on Janette Oke’s book from her Canadian West series, and developed by Michael Landon Jr. The series has run on the Hallmark Channel since 2014, and is available on Netflix in Canada. It is now in its 7th season. Ms. Oke is an excellent writer. This excellence is carried to the TV series. It’s nice to see an extremely popular series have such high standards for families. And it’s very cute! ENJOYMENT RATING: 4 stars. Dove Review: The entire series is Dove Approved for All Ages.
Genre: Action, Adventure IMDB Rating: 7.3 Clean Rating: 4 Rented It On: Crave
My Comments: This is a beautifully crafted action film. It is so much better than its predecessor. Although for much of the film, it is a bit sad to see how life is not going well for Peter Parker or even Spiderman, the flick has a kind of literary quality, with complex characters and story line. The plot is deep and meaningful. A good deal of integrity is portrayed. The action scenes are excellent and not too violent. The characters let out their hearts and souls. This whole film really works .ENJOYMENT RATING: I give it 4.5 stars. Dove Review: This film has it all-a terrific story, stellar performances from the cast, great special effects and music.
Tobey Maguire is fabulous as the dynamic hero Spider-Man and Peter Parker. He realistically deals with many concerns and he has a lot to juggle. This includes explaining to his girlfriend Mary Jane why he is often late or absent, and why he can’t make an eight o’ clock curtain to see her act in a play. His spent energy in capturing criminals and preventing crime is full-time work…
The film, despite being a comic book, superhero movie, manages to be dramatic. Yet there are plenty of jaw dropping scenes, including the runaway subway scene, which may just be the best superhero action sequence ever filmed. Some humor is appropriately added into the mix too. The content issues are minor … and we heartily award our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal to this picture.
My Comments: Having grown up with Spider-Man comics, I really enjoyed how the movie makers brought this to life. Quite true to the original story. The film has lots of action and adventure. I liked the first half of it better than the latter. The violence was a too gratuitous and brutal at times in the second half of the movie. I also didn’t like how evil they made The Green Goblin. In the comic he was much more fantasy; this was a bit too realistic. I also didn’t like the witch doctor masks and a seemingly demonic entity speaking to, and goading Mr Osborn in his mansion (The Green Goblin’s sane other side). I’m not in a hurry to recommend this movie, but if you are a Spider-Man fan, and you look forward to watching the second, then this could be the prequel for you. Spider-Man 2 is an excellent flick, with virtually none of these issues. Check out that review. ENJOYMENT RATING:I give it 3.5 stars.
Dove Review: A few moments in the climatic battle may be more graphic than necessary as Spiderman takes a brutal beating. There are two uses of “Jesus” as an exclamation, and several mild obscenities and those do prevent Dove from approving this film.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure IMDB Rating: 8.8 Clean Rating: 2 Watched It On: Netflix
My Comments: I watched this movie with some dear family members and I cherished our time together. Let that not be diminished by what I will say further down. This is an exciting fantasy based on the book by famed Catholic author J.R.R. Tolkien. It is visually amazing and has an excellent and moving soundtrack. But the violence, frightening scenes, and some occult practices assault my sensitivities. I can not endorse this film as suitable for any Christian, let alone kids or teens. I know this position will not be shared by all family members, but this is how I see it. I will try to watch The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe soon to compare. ENJOYMENT RATING: The good time I had with family notwithstanding, I give it 2.5 stars. Dove Review: “The Fellowship of the Ring” is an engaging and excellently-directed film by Peter Jackson. He brings the spirit of Tolkien’s book to life. This film and in fact the entire trilogy is a triumphant concoction of excellent direction, writing, acting, and music. The sets and locations are fantastic and a pleasure to view. It is in the violence content that the movie crosses our Dove acceptable line of a two rating. We have to rate the violence at a level four.
Genre: Comedy IMDB Rating: 5.6 Clean Rating: 3 Rented It On: Apple TV
My Comments: This movie is fun. Very funny. Renee does a great job with comedic timing and has nice chemistry with Harry. The Minnesota accents are hilarious. This movie makes you feel good. It has a positive ending that is heartwarming. We enjoyed the movie, but have to caution about the scene with the pokies, and seriously bad language. Otherwise this would be such a clean film! Pity. Not suitable for teenagers or children. For adults who are comfortable with the above, they can still have a nice evening of it. ENJOYMENT RATING: I give it 3 stars. Dove Review: This film has some heartwarming scenes including the ladies of the community doing nice things for her such as making her homemade Valentine’s Day cards and helping arrange an apartment for her. She also attends an outdoor Christmas caroling event, with the community singing “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”. She even finds romance and begins to realize that she likes the town very much. When the company wants to shut down the plant, she instead comes up with a plan to save it. The themes of community spirit and perseverance are nice themes in the movie.
Unfortunately, there is strong language used in the film and a joke about Jesus. There are some sexual innuendos included. This is not one for the entire family. We are unable to award our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal to the movie.
My Comments: Perfectly clean, but of course there are brutal scenes of Jesus’ torture and crucifixion. Movies can never fully measure up when depicting bible characters, but this is quite a good representation of the life of Christ. Perhaps a bit too rushed. Would have wanted to see more miracles, and less conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities to balance it when comparing to the gospels. This movie is a subsection of the larger movie called The Bible, an award winning, commercial success. It is clear that this movie was lovingly made by people of faith. It is well worth watching. ENJOYMENT RATING: I give it 3.5 stars plus.
Dove Review: Told with the scope and scale of an action epic, the film features powerful performances, exotic locales, dazzling visual effects and a rich orchestral score from Oscar®- winner Hans Zimmer. Award-winning actor Diogo Morgado portrays Jesus as the film spans from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. The movie is action-packed with special effects, powerful acting, and beautiful cinematography. It marks the first major motion picture about Jesus’ life since Passion of the Christ, released ten years before.
The best on-screen biblical account of the life of Jesus!
“Son of God” is lovingly made from start to finish. It is a warm and moving picture of the life of Jesus from the beginning to the resurrection. Producer Mark Burnett said they could not possibly film everything that happened in the gospels, so he selected certain highlights that conveyed the character and nature of Jesus as the true Son of God. This film is filled with compelling cinematography and closeups that draw the audience right into the midst of each scene.
I found myself spiritually stirred as I watched this movie. The brutality of the crucifixion reminded me of what Christ willingly endured to redeem the lost. It renewed me. This is a movie with a message. We recommend “Son of God” and award it our Faith Based Seal.
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi IMDB Rating: 6.9 Clean Rating: 4 Watched It On: Blu-Ray
My Comments: Fairly clean, no strong issues, except a bit of light language. Quite a good movie. Good story and lots of action. The concept of integrity is portrayed admirably. ENJOYMENT RATING: I give it 3.5 stars. Dove Review: Ehrenreich proves that he’s worthy of the role (of following in Harrison Ford’s footsteps) and rises handsomely to the occasion. Dove seeks to make it clear that a lot of thought has gone into the following decision. Though there are a few moments of content which might make you shift in your seat, Dove has decided to Approve Solo with the 12+ seal in hopes that the following nuanced caveats will be taken into consideration…
Genre: Action, Thriller IMDB Rating: 5.9 Clean Rating: 2 Watched It On: Netflix
My Comments: Huge amount of violence, and heavy language (lots of swearing). Could maybe be a “boy’s night” movie for adult men who have a desire for blood and explosions. ENJOYMENT RATING: I give it 3 stars. Dove Review: Effective January 1st, 2009, The Dove Foundation Review Team has ceased reviewing all NC-17 rated movies and certain extraordinarily explicit R, PG-13 and PG-13 Horror rated films. This decision was reached due to the fact that Dove reviewers are parents or grandparents with conservative values. As such, we feel that we can no longer expose these dedicated and caring people to movies that contain distasteful and appalling stories that are focused on graphic horror and violence, and/or gratuitous depictions of explicit sex and nudity.
