Don't settle. You don't have to. Even at the end of the world.

Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Jessica Henwick, Michael Rooker, Dan Ewing, Ariana Greenblatt, Hero and Dodge, Ellen Hollman, Tre Hale, Pacharo Mzembe, Senie Priti, Amali Golden, Te Kohe Tuhaka

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I really didn't have your typical upbringing. I mean, I did at first and then the world ended." – Joel

Why watch this? It's a post-apocalyptic movie... with a great love story.

Plot Summary: Seven years after giant monsters take over the world, a timid young man named Joel lives in an underground bunker with other survivors. When he reconnects via radio with his high school girlfriend and discovers she is 85 miles away, he decides to embark on a perilous journey to be with her. Along the way, he must face his fears and learn how to survive on the monster-infested surface, with the help of a loyal dog and a pair of seasoned scavengers.

Dad's Preview: In a sea of recent CGI-effects laden films, I find it rare that one packs some real emotional punch. Here the effects never dominate the film. Its center is the story and down-to-earth characters - you might even say, "A boy and his dog." This action movie is refreshing, full of heart and creative. Our likeable yet flawed hero's journey, undertaken for love, is wrought with serious danger. Joel's success hinges on his ability to accept help and grow as a person. You can't ask for more than that. Even with some of the slimiest, creepiest creatures on film, it's still a family-friendly affair, with an emotional ending you might not see coming. I am surprised that no sequel is planned.

21 Laps Entertainment, eOne Films; Paramount Pictures/Netflix