Imagine a dark world in which most of North America is destroyed and what remains is ruled by a totalitarian regime that represses any urge toward uprising by pitting children to fight against each other to the death. That is the premise of Suzanne Collin’s best-selling novel-turned-film, The Hunger Games, the first of a trilogy. Both the novel and the film have been highly popular among middle- and high-school students, as the plot delves into the world of tyranny and the mind of a heroine who is motivated by her survival instinct and her desire to help those in need, even at her own peril.

Fast-paced Act of Valor focuses on a band of Navy SEALs [elite Sea, Air and Land clandestine commandos] working to prevent a Ukrainian-born mastermind terrorist's team of suicide bombers from entering the U.S. and fanning out to major cities. Featuring themes such as bravery and sacrifice, it also stresses the need for religious tolerance in a way that seems aimed at Muslim extremists. The plot is arguably sympathetic toward the U.S. wars in the Middle East, which may well rankle viewers weary of America's endless and expensive foreign interventionism and imperialism.

Based on a true story, The Vow is a romantic drama about how far one man will go to save his marriage. Though it is not a family-friendly film — it is marred by foul language as well as pre-marital sexual relations — it lauds marriage and the marriage vow. It also promotes the great virtues of love and forgiveness. For these reasons the timing of The Vow's release coordinates perfectly with Valentine’s Day, and The Vow is sure to be a movie enjoyed by couples in celebration of that special day.

The Grey is a film about survival in the Arctic wilderness when four men are confronted by a pack of wolves. It is an intense movie with strong Christian undertones, but its powerful qualities are undermined somewhat by oft-used expletives. In addition, the presence of some frightening scenes featuring wolves may prompt parents to keep their children home for this film.

Many Americans may not put much stock into a film that stars former female hip-hop artist Queen Latifah and country music artist Dolly Parton, but Joyful Noise just may surprise those skeptics. Focused on a gospel choir’s effort to win a prominent competition, the film includes very strong Christian morals, poignant analysis of familial relationships, and dazzling Gospel performances, but makes some unfortunate choices regarding sexual relationships that may keep Christian moviegoers away from the box office.

Breaking Dawn, part one of the final installment of the Twilight movie saga, brought in $139.5 million in its major North American box office debut. The film, though essentially just a teen flick, proved satisfactory to its most avid fans — which is about all that can be expected from a series about a girl who chooses to love and wed a vampire.

It is predictable that J. Edgar takes a less than favorable approach to J. Edgar Hoover, founder and director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Hollywood never did embrace anti-communist stalwarts. However, this production’s treatment of Hoover is somewhat surprising seeing as it was directed by Clint Eastwood, typically a more conservative-minded presence in Hollywood. J. Edgar is expectedly an entertaining and engaging film, given the impeccable cast and direction, but its somewhat unfair depiction of Hoover undermines its overall quality.

When Janie Jones was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival, it was a hit, and it is not too difficult to see why. Focused on a blossoming relationship between a father and his daughter, and comprised of wonderful musical performances, the film is heart-warming, though predictable. However, some of the film’s content may make it unsuitable for younger audiences.

The recently released movie The Big Year — featuring a cast of well-known faces and a number of poignant and also comical scenes — focuses on a group of bird-watchers who allow their pride to interfere with everything that's important in life. With a positive pro-family message and loads of humor, it's a family friendly film for audiences of all ages.

Courageous is one of the few films to hit the big screen this year that's worth writing home about. Exploring the lives of four men who are impacted by tragedy, the movie deals with spirituality and faith, and tells a story that will likely remain with its viewers long after the final credits.