Christian Movie Reviews

Why are Christian movie reviews or video reviews important?

As Christians, we might ask ourselves, “Should I see that movie? How about this new game my teenager is wanting? Is that video OK for my 6-year-old?” We tend to mentally score points against the entertainment being considered by assessing if it has too much bad language, too many offensive sex scenes, too much violence, or too many bad life examples for our kids.

If we compare movies or television programming or even music today with that of a decade or two decades ago, most of us are horrified to realize how far we’ve come. With gradually increased exposure to explicit sex, mockery of Christianity, homosexuality, occultic phenomena, and violence almost beyond imagination, our threshold of tolerance has increased. Things that at one time we would never have considered watching or listening to have somehow become acceptable. Our scorecard of “how much is too much” has changed dramatically. We have allowed ourselves to be conditioned.

Perhaps instead of “how much is too much,” we should be asking ourselves, “Is this a positive thing for our lives or our children’s lives? Does it teach us something? Does it leave us with worthwhile thoughts or ideas? Is it healthy, harmless entertainment? Would we invite Jesus to watch it or listen to it with us?

In Philippians 4:8 (NLT) we are admonished to Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Let this, instead of "how much bad is too much" be our guide.

One way we can know which movies or videos or music are positive and worthwhile is through Christian movie reviews, Christian video reviews, and Christian music reviews. In checking the Internet I found many excellent sites offering such services, but some stood out to me as being especially worthy. I am listing a few of the sites here that seem to approach their reviews and comments from a heartfelt biblical perspective. I hope that you find them helpful.

Al Menconi Ministries
In this comprehensive site, Al gives Christian movie reviews as well as reviewing computer games, television, movies, and more. Quoting from his site: “Al Menconi Ministries offers a balanced, responsible, biblical approach that teaches Christians how to think, rather than just what to think. A crucial aspect of this ministry concerns the entertainment media. In the spiritual warfare of this life, entertainment is the often ammunition that shoots down our faith. Before a parent or teacher can really teach positive biblical values, they must first help young people to control the entertainment media in their lives.”

Josh McDowell says about Al Menconi, "Thank God for Al! He equips you to minister to your own children."

From Tim LaHaye (co-author of the Left Behind Series) and Beverly LaHaye (Concerned Women for America founder): "Today's music is one of the most powerful vehicles to the minds and emotions of our young people. Al Menconi is a much-needed voice for them and their parents. He is biblical, relevant, and offers positive solutions."

Crosswalk.com
Visit this great Christian site for movie reviews, DVD news, move weblogs and more.

Dove
We provide timely movie reviews on our website. Our goals are to

• Prepare consumers by providing them with detailed content information before they purchase, rent or attend a movie

• Include a synopsis of the film, a critical review, and a content description supported by an easy-to-read chart

• Rate the quality of Dove Family-Approved films ranging from one to five “Doves”

Family Movie Review
Parents' resource center for movies, videos and DVDs.

Focus on the Family Clubhouse
Not surprisingly, Dr. Dobson’s site is great for reviewing kid’s movies.

Fox Faith
FoxFaith.com Movies is the online guide to current and upcoming faith-based video releases from FoxFaith. FoxFaith is a new branded distribution label from Twentieth Century Fox, created to house and distribute its growing portfolio of morally-driven, family-friendly programming. To be part of FoxFaith, a movie has to have overt Christian content or be derived from the work of a Christian author. You can tell which movies are FoxFaith because you will notice the FoxFaith logo next to the image of the DVD when the video is selected.

Movie Glimpse
The purpose of Movie Connect is to help connect spiritual insights and gospel themes to the movies that touch your heart.

MovieGuide.com
Movieguide is a ministry dedicated to redeeming the values of the mass media according to biblical principles by influencing entertainment industry executives and helping families make wise media choices. Be sure to check out this great site!

Planet Wisdom
On this site you will find Christian movie reviews and much more. They state that they have three reasons for doing movie reviews:
1. We like them!

2. We want to warn Christian students about negative content and/or lousy films.

3. We want to help Christians think biblically about movies.

One thing I especially appreciate about this site is that they offer discussion/thought questions at the end of each movie review. Good for parent/teen discussion, good for young people to discuss with their friends - or just to think about.

The Movie Reporter
"Know Before You Go: Film and video reviews from a Christian perspective. Phil Boatwright has been writing film reviews from a Christian perspective for fifteen years. Along with his opinion, he furnishes the synopsis and content (reason for the rating) so you can decide if the new releases are suitable for your family's viewing.

Plugged In Online
Focus on the Family offers insight into current movies, videos/ DVDs, music and television.

Preview
Preview Online is a fun, informative tool for Christian parents and moviegoers. Our reviews contain the content of films so you can decide if they are suitable for your viewing.