The new documentary Sheep Among Wolves Vol. II describes mass conversions of Muslims to Christ inside Iran. The film relates this good news amid some production foibles and controversial missiology, yet rightly challenges viewers to self-examination and prayer for the persecuted church.

The hero in Ad Astra never goes “to the stars,” as the new film’s title is translated, but stays relatively close to home. Me, I was all suited up for another Brad Pitt sci-fi thriller like 12 Monkeys or World War Z. I was unprepared to explore inner space—a man’s feelings. Abort mission! Knowing the flight path prior to launch, however, perhaps you’ll enjoy the journey more than I did.

It seems there are nearly as many TV shows about lawyers as there are lawyers. Few represent the craft honestly. (I’m talking about the TV shows.) The pilot of the new CBS legal drama All Rise doesn’t make a strong case for watching additional episodes. Romantic entanglements and a kooky trial clutter a promising premise. What All Rise needs is order in the courtroom. Better yet: Law & Order in the courtroom.

Sex, violence, and action sell movie tickets. An inspirational theme can also draw viewers to theater seats for a 90-minute escape, but into nobler realms. The first half-hour of the new film Bennett’s War allows for some modest expectations, but thereafter settles for a generic story.

Overcomer, the Kendrick Brothers’ new release, is billed “from the creators of War Room.” That 2015 film reached No. 1 in its second week at the box office. But look for the next movie that Alex and Stephen make to be marketed as “from the creators of Overcomer.” Genuine and compelling, Overcomer is the Kendricks’ best effort yet.

Judging by the preponderance of paw-print bumper stickers, furry lives matter more than ever. Hollywood has always made animal movies, but no major release is as self-serious about a canine’s “humanity” as The Art of Racing in the Rain. Conceptually, whether or not commercially, the new film is one giant leap for dogkind.

The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) lists this past weekend’s new release, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, as the 43rd Godzilla movie. Viewers worldwide have already spent nearly $200 million watching it. Thirty years ago, only the die-hardiest fans (shouldn’t it be safe to say?) turned out for Godzilla vs. Biollante, in which, according to IMDb, “Godzilla is threatened by a mutated rosebush.” But that 1989 film, sorted by rating, is tied for No. 13 among Godzilla movies! This leads me to believe that I have no clue what Godzilla fans look for in a movie.