This week, we feature a Disney animated classic about a puppet and a drama about an American woman’s transformative life experience in England.
New Release
‘Surprised by Oxford’
Young American Carolyn “Caro” Weber (Rose Reid) receives a scholarship to Oxford University and hopes to earn her doctorate. She arrives in England as an emotionally guarded person due to a rough upbringing. She eventually meets fellow student Kent Weber (Ruairi O’Connor), who guides her through a transformative journey of love and faith.
This is based on a true story of a woman who overcame many challenges and eventually went on to become the first female dean of St. Peter’s College, Oxford. It has a very inspirational message and is a great watch.
Drama | Romance
Release Date: Sept. 27, 2023
Director: Ryan Whitaker
Starring: Simon Callow, Rose Reid, Mark Williams
Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Where Hope Grows’
Calvin (Kristoffer Polaha) left Major League Baseball on bad terms and has turned to alcohol to ease his pain. On one of his liquor runs, Calvin meets a produce worker (David DeSanctis) and the two form a friendship that inspires him to repair his life and his relationship with his daughter, Katie (McKaley Miller).
This is an inspirational story filled with loss, hope, and eventual redemption through the kindness of others. It reminds us that although we can’t change the past, we can make current decisions that shape our futures.
Drama | Family
Release Date: May 15, 2015
Director: Chris Dowling
Starring: Kristoffer Polaha, David DeSanctis, McKaley Miller
Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Redbox, Hoopla, Vudu
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Opposites Attract in an ’80s Rom-Com
‘The Sure Thing’
Things aren’t going well for college freshman Gib (John Cusack) but his friends want to link him up with hot babe in California. He inadvertently travels with Alison (Daphne Zuniga) on his road trip out west, a spirited girl who previously rejected him. But who knows what will happen on their trip.
This is a pretty breezy romantic comedy that thankfully doesn’t have a lot of the raunchy themes of other teen movies. Although it has a predictable plot, watching how things unfold is delightful.
Comedy | Drama | Romance
Release Date: March 1, 1985
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Anthony Edwards
Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Amazon
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
An Endearing Disney Classic
‘Pinocchio’
Geppetto (Christian Rub) crafts a wooden puppet he names Pinocchio (Dickie Jones). Geppetto’s wish for the puppet to become human is partially granted by a fairy. But first, Pinocchio must cultivate good values if he is to become a real boy.
Sporting beautiful animation, this classic Disney film is not only entertaining but has some moral lessons never feel forced or preachy.
Animation | Adventure | Comedy
Release Date: Feb. 23, 1940
Directors: Norman Ferguson, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson
Starring: Voiced by Dickie Jones, Christian Rub, Mel Blanc
Running Time: 1 hour, 28 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: AMC on Demand, Amazon, Vudu
Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
