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5 (tie). The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
directed by Andrew Adamson
"Classic literature presenting a timeless message about the struggle between Good and Evil." "Aslan is awesome!" "Even thought it didn't truly follow the book, if you look at it form a Christian point of view, you will see that it has an excellent message about faith and trusting God." "An amazing movie about coming back to faith after it's been lost." "Strongly Christian metaphor; family-friendly; invoking of strongly mythic elements; rollicking good yarn; gorgeous creatures and scenary. What's not to like?" "I was able to connect to it emotionally." (Our review.) (Discussion guide.)

5 (tie). Iron Man
directed by Jon Favreau
"The movie offers a good message, that what good is it to have everything and yet not have anything at all?" "Movie for the masses that has a moral." "Good escapist fun. Rich playboy grows a conscience." "Robert Downey Jr. was fabulous in creating a character with many layers. And I felt it was redeeming; you had a character who changed and grew because of his experiences." "A much-needed perspective on the redemptive power of realization. I've rarely seen a film in which the path from ignorant self-centeredness to active response to enlightened knowledge was so clearly demonstrated. A stellar movie on all points: moral message, entertaining, skilled performance and exceptional special effects." (Our review.) (Discussion guide.)

7. Gran Torino
directed by Clint Eastwood
"An incredible story of sacrifice, redemption and change." "Classic Eastwood. Solid story line and perfect delivery." "Real social commentary. The fact that most of cast were unknowns actually made this film more real and authentic." "The meditation on salvation and redemption is rich." "It showed how prejudice can be overcome." "The movie shows how stubbornness can be nudged toward change by kindness and caring." "The ending was one of the best pictures of redemption I have ever seen in a movie." (Our review.)

8. The Visitor
directed by Ethan and Tom McCarthy
"A marvelous story about the power of the 'other' (those who are different from us) to enrich our lives." "A tender tale of the re-awakening of a man who has essentially checked out of his life. The subtitle of the movie, 'Connection is Everything,' sums up this movie very well." "He found his inner music." "I love a story where there is an awakening of a human spirit and the capacity to love in response to the love of another, and this movie showed that in a tender, beautiful and sometimes funny way. Excellent acting." "Quiet and meditative with a pitch-perfect casts that asks questions and provokes discussion on immigrant laws that Hollywood often ignored, which is a rare gem in all the other shining diamonds." (Our review.)

9. Australia
directed by Baz Luhrmann
"It's an epic! It has history, a love story, it stands for something (against racism) and it has humor." "I'm Australian, it resonated with me." "It truly transports the viewer into another time, another place. Baz Luhrmann's films are always a joy to watch, shimmering with otherworldly magic." "What an epic story that had me alternately crying and laughing. I found it incredibly moving with superb performances." "I liked the way the movie dealt with racism and sin, reminding us all in the end that we are God's people." (Our review.)

10 (tie). The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
directed by David Fincher
"A slow, graceful film full of the joys and wonders of life. It forces us to remember the small graces we are given." "A great movie that engages your mind and your heart, and causes you to think about your own vision of life. Whether or not one agrees with the philosophy proposed in the movie, it remains a great example of how to properly deal with the philosophical realm in storytelling." "A very sad love story." "Opened lots of questions about how we view life; how through unconditional love we foster and nurture those around us; love knows no bounds of skin color; we have special moments in life and we should cherish them and the people around us; and we should always remember that we need to care for each other." "It made you want to be a better person."  (Our review.)

10 (tie). Mamma Mia!
directed by Phyllida Lloyd
"Feel-good factor." "The most fun I've had at a movie in a really long time!" "It centered around a more simplified life, and I enjoyed the music." "Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan light up the screen when they sang 'SOS.'" "It was fun, and that is needed when much of the news today is anything but fun." (Our review.)

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