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Last weekend, more than 3,200 churches presented Left Behind: World at War, the third film in the series based on the bestselling books. But it was harder to find detailed reviews of the film in the press, though newspapers noticed the film's unusual distribution plan—opening weekend in churches, followed by a DVD release on Tuesday.

Some Christian film critics got to see the film in advance of its release.

Todd Hertz (Christianity Today Movies) gives it two stars, saying it has "several touches of both cleverness and cheese … The mere existence of cheese in a Left Behind film comes as no surprise to some movie fans. However, excluding a few goofy moments, Left Behind: World at War plays out as an average TV drama. Many times, I caught myself thinking of it as 24—with less action and more prayer time. There's impressive acting, some intrigue, mostly decent special effects, and good themes for Christian discussion."

Hertz lauds "the plotline involving the governmental conspiracy (comparable to Senator Palpatine's manipulations in the Star Wars prequels) makes for the most compelling component of the film." But he says that "following the band of Christians is, well, downright boring most of the time. … Secondly, the movie just doesn't handle faith life all that well. … Scenes of a very godly wedding, prayer meetings and an intolerably long communion need an editor's attention. It's pretty weird that the best moments of a Christian film are those involving the non-Christians."

Elsewhere, Adam R. Holz (Plugged In) calls this Left Behind movie "the best of the lot, and the unfolding story line involving now-familiar characters should meet devotees' expectations." He also notes that the filmmakers "have designed this film very intentionally as a means to proclaim the gospel message. And indeed, it's impossible to miss Buck's clear and in-your-face gospel presentation to President Fitzhugh. Kudos, then, to the filmmakers for knowing exactly what they wanted to accomplish."

Douglas Downs (Christian Spotlight) praises the production value, and writes, "I think that most Christians will enjoy the effort." But he concludes, "I am not sure that the film will be effective on its own as an evangelistic tool. I'm afraid that it might create more questions or confusion."

America's biggest little superstar, 11-year-old Dakota Fanning, has had quite a year. She's been in Hide and Seek, War of the Worlds, Nine Lives, and she'll star in the upcoming adaptation of Charlotte's Web.

And now she's starring in a film about a girl who works out some tough issues with her father, even as she helps an underdog (underhorse?) come back to compete on the racetrack again. Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story co-stars Kurt Russell, and is directed by Coach Carter's John Gatins.

The film is full of familiar material, but Christian critics don't mind too much. They're just happy to have a well made, clean, appealing family film on the big screens.

Carolyn Arends (Christianity Today Movies) writes, "Cliché s are usually cliché s because they're true, and formulas are generally formulas because they work. Dreamer … is loaded with enough cliché s and formulas to choke a horse. But truly, it works. Kids who haven't seen many other horse movies will find the story thrilling; adults will likely find it engaging in a nostalgic sort of way."

David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) says it's "one of the better family films of the year. … Familiar plot notwithstanding, with its wholesome charm, unapologetic sentimentality and themes of family love and holding on to your dreams, Dreamer is a sure bet to win your heart."

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October (Web-only) 2005, Vol. 49