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The Pursuit of Happyness celebrates the commitment and sacrifice of Hollywood's most responsible struggling father since Cinderella Man. Will Smith stars with real-life son Jaden Smith in the fact-based story of unsuccessful salesman Chris Gardner, whose marriage breaks apart and who goes broke pursuing a longshot chance at a better life. Chris's efforts to protect and care for his son under increasingly dire circumstances are both heart breaking and deeply moving, and young Jaden's matter-of-fact performance suggests both the resilience and vulnerability of childhood. Hard work and hope collide with hard reality and hard luck as The Pursuit of Happyness earns its title, and its happy ending. (Our review.)
—Steven D. Greydanus

Director Bryan Singer had done a great job with the first two X-Men movies, so when he jumped that ship to this one, I thought we'd get a terrific movie about the man of steel. Well, it's not terrfice, but it is very good—and clearly, as Singer even said he intended, depicts Supes as something of a Christ figure. Sure, he's shown saving the world, but perhaps the most compelling scene is when he hangs in the atmosphere, arms outstretched almost in a crucifix position, head bowed, eyes closed, and he's tuning in to the world's desperate cries for help—hearing our prayers, so to speak. No, he can't save our souls, but he sure can stop a runaway jet and a speeding bullet. (Our review.)
—Mark Moring

A devoutly Hasidic Jewish couple struggles with infertility and the "tests" that God sends their way during the harvest festival of Sukkot—including a couple of AWOL prisoners who drop by, one of whom knows the husband from his pre-conversion days. With a real-life couple playing the fictitious couple, and a real-life convert playing the fictitious convert, Giddi Dar's film is a delightful and suspenseful celebration of faith, marriage, and hospitality.
—Peter T. Chattaway

When a plane crash kills almost the entire Marshall University football team and staff in 1970, the town of Huntington, West Virginia is devastated. As they bury their sons, husbands, fathers, and football heroes, some of their spirit dies as well. But then the three remaining players and new coach Jack Lengyl begin the controversial work of rebuilding. Is it too soon to move forward? Or is this a needed step in the grieving process? Either way, we see hope rise—in realistic fits and starts. With it comes the realization that sometimes winning comes in simply showing up. (Our review.)
—Camerin Courtney

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