Phil Boatwright

Phil Boatwright recommends his favorite Christmas movies from the 1940s to today.

BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. (BP) -- "The Islands," from filmmaker Timothy Chey ("Freedom," "The Genius Club") and RiverRain Productions, is now playing in selected theaters and is expected to have a wider release later this month. This highly anticipated adventure film is based on the true story of Hawaii's High Chieftess Kapiolani's heroic mission to justify her Christian convictions. The movie is a salute to Hawaii's beauty and this island leader's moral courage.

Movie critic Phil Boatwright ranks "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" (releasing Nov. 22) one of the best films of the decade.

Movie critic Phil Boatwright offers two alternatives to the typical creepy Halloween fare. "Racetime" opens Nov. 5 and "Harriet" Oct. 31.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP) -- It's good to know that although we have to be wise in our film choices, there are some quality live-action theatrical releases suitable for Christian parents and their kids. One such film is "Overcomer," the newest venture from Christian writers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, founders of Sherwood Pictures.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP) -- America first saw Bethany Hamilton as the 13-year-old surfer who lost her arm to a tiger shark. A new documentary, "Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable," follows 2011's "Soul Surfer" dramatization of Hamilton's ascendency as a world-class surfer. This sequel captures the essence of this fearless athlete and what her story offers the world.

When the storms of death, tragedy and personal struggles darken life, Phil Boatwright suggests video fare that assures "we're not alone in the shadows."

Phil Boatwright became intrigued by "Rookie Blue" repeats on TV and their positive view of police work. But then he began to take note of the show's worldview.

Phil Boatwright expresses concern over "a new McCarthyistic era" of giving no pardon for the trespasses of heroes of the past or present.

Bring your mom flowers, take her to lunch, and call her, Phil Boatwright counsels. "And sometimes, you might even want to share a cinematic treasure with her."