Most children’s shows or movies on platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are mindless entertainment with no real value. These shows, designed for instant gratification, offer little in terms of life lessons or emotional growth. Unlike older shows like Little House on the Prairie, which offered captivating entertainment with crucial real-life lessons, today’s kids’ shows often fail to provide anything meaningful outside of being a digital pacifier.

These fast-paced shows, full of flashing bright colors and upbeat music, overstimulate kids, making it harder for them to focus. This overstimulation fries their dopamine receptors, leaving everyday life feeling dull and unappealing compared to the instant gratification of TV, video games, or other quick fixes. This links directly to problems like anxiety and depression.

When kids watch content that doesn’t challenge them or promote critical thinking, they become passive consumers rather than active producers. This passivity stunts their ability to think independently, solve problems creatively, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Overstimulation

Older shows used to allow children to digest the content and reflect on what they were learning, providing enough time for thoughts to develop. Real life is not filled with constant, flashing lights, upbeat background music or fast-moving images! Those types of shows train kids to expect constant excitement. The more children are exposed to this kind of over-stimulation, the more difficult it is for them to focus on tasks that require concentration and deep thinking. And most importantly, it is precisely in that deep level of focus that learning happens, growth occurs, and where neurons make lasting connections. The success and happiness of your child’s life is directly determined by how many hours upon hours of deep work he did.

As clinical psychologist, Dr. Johann D’Souza often says, “Challenge holds the opportunity for the greatest growth.” Children, at this crucial stage in their lives, need the opportunity to face difficult challenges more than anyone else.

On the other hand, when a child grows accustomed to getting plugged into their digital pacifier every time there is a difficult emotion or challenge, they are having their brain rewired into seeking instant gratification and the path of least resistance every time. This inevitably makes real-life experiences feel less rewarding. Doing chores, looking someone in the eyes, reading a book, making their bed, cleaning up their room, and the most basic tasks that constitute a good person become more difficult than they should. In reality, these are the very tasks that make life worth living and should be the bread and butter of their life, instead of an overwhelming challenge to run away from and turn to a screen for consolation. Once you take this step, and help them through it together, you will see incredible results.

Practical Steps for Parents

1. Don’t let your kids watch Netflix or Disney+ alone. Watch it with them and choose appropriate content that aligns with your values. Our reviews and lists can help with that.

2. Reduce screen time as much as humanly possible. When there’s no other choice, at least show them something that helps them, not harms them.

3. Delay giving your kids smartphones for as long as possible. Consider using a simple dumbphone or a child-friendly Bark phone instead, which limits access to unnecessary distractions.

4. Involve your kids in your activities. Whether you’re cooking, gardening, tackling a home project, going to the store, or making phone calls, engage them in activities that help them learn to appreciate the little things in life and develop real-life skills.

1. Children's Health in the Digital Age - A study found that adolescents with internet addiction had twice the peripheral blood dopamine levels of healthy controls, suggesting a link between overstimulation and dopamine dysregulation.

2. Harvard Medical School - Research indicates that excessive screen time can desensitize the brain’s reward system, leading to attention deficits and other cognitive issues.

Recommended for:

Kids-only movie night: No

Family movie night: No

Older kids movie night: Yes

Grownups only movie night: Yes

Awards:

Braveheart won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Effects Editing; 2 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director; 3 BAFTA Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Editing; and 1 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Sex/Nudity/Pornography 6/10:

• The most explicit scene is after a secret marriage, where we see Wallace and the bride naked from the waist up, and we clearly see her breasts and nipples before they embrace and kiss before the scene changes.
  

• A different wedding celebration is interrupted by a lord and his soldiers, and he claims his "prima noctis" right (right to the first night) where he forcefully takes the bride to sleep with him since he is the lord of those lands. The movie shows this as a big motivator of the Scot's rebellion. However, historians widely regard prima noctis as a myth with no credible evidence that it was ever practiced. For further reading: The Myth of Prima Nocta.
  

• Wallace's wife is almost raped by an English soldier who disgustingly licks her and forcefully kisses her after throwing her on the ground. He doesn’t get much farther than that though, because she bites a piece of his cheek off before Wallace rescues her.

• After his wife dies, Wallace takes a liking to the english princess Isabelle and she visits him in jail when he is in danger of death. They kiss and we see them lie down together shirtless from the waist up (but no breast nudity) and sex is implied. This scene will be disappointing to many viewers since it shatters Wallace as a hero motivated for his love to his murdered wife. If he loved her so much and fought the revolution because of her, why did she just have a one night stand with Isabelle? In reality, Isabella was around 9 years old at the time of Wallace’s death and would not even have have met him.

• The English prince and heir to the throne is a homosexual. He is weak, emasculate and hates his father. He is not shown as an example to follow, but it is shown that his anger towards his tyrannical father is right and justified. And he probably wasn’t even gay (see Historical Accuracy section below)

• To insult the enemy troops before battle, Wallace and his army lift up their skirts and we can see their asses. It’s hilarious. See here at 1:50.

Violence/Gore 6/10:

R-rating, but no gore, just realism. The worst violence is someone’s throat being slit graphically, a leg chopped off, a man impaled by defensive spikes, and the King throwing his son’s gay lover out through the window onto his death (four-second shot of his body on the ground with blood around).

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking 1/10:

Occasional drinking in feasts. No glorified alcohol abuse.

Cursing/Blasphemy 2/10:

A priest incites Wallace to repent and recent his offenses to ease his suffering, which is in a sense blasphemous since God never sides with tyranny or evil.

Virtuous Examples 9/10:

If it wasn’t for Wallace sleeping with Princess Isabelle, then this movie would be a 10/10 in Virtuous Examples since Wallace literally dyes a martyr against evil. He is passionate, strong, romantic, cunning, loving, and rightfully violent since his wife was assassinated, but when you see him sleep with her it throws his love and motivation to fight for his murdered wife out the window. If we ignore that everything else in the movie is literally perfect. Wallace, and his friends, are great role models for men, especially in our age since we’re required to fight for what is right against surmounting odds.

Moral Lessons:

The whole movie’s portrayal of fatherhood, romance, marriage, virtue, moral courage, wit and resourcefulness, and fighting against the odds and against evil is great.

Historical Accuracy 6/10:

The movie is not a history documentary, so don’t go in expecting one. It is loosely based on William Wallace’s time and revolution, the names and years and battles are right, and that’s as far as the historical accuracy goes. This doesn’t take away from this movie being absolutely fantastic and irrepeatable.

• William's origins: The film depicts Wallace as a simple farmer, but historical records suggest he may have come from a noble family. Wallace was educated and likely spoke multiple languages, including Latin and French.

• Prince Edward being gay: There is strong disagreement among historians as to whether Edward II, who fathered at least five children, was even a homosexual at all. His lover was based on the historical person of Piers Gaveston, a close friend of him who was also married. Many historians believe these stories of Edward's homosexuality were invented by the King's enemies in order to discredit him.

• Prima Noctis: One of the film's central plot points is King Edward I's enforcement of prima noctis—the supposed right of a lord to sleep with a new bride on her wedding night. However, no evidence exists that this practice occurred in medieval Scotland or England. It is widely regarded by historians as a myth. (Read more here)

• The Battle of Stirling Bridge: The movie portrays the Battle of Stirling Bridge without its namesake bridge. In reality, the bridge played a critical role in Wallace's victory, as it forced the English to cross in small numbers, allowing the Scots to overpower them.

• Kilt usage: Wallace and his men are shown wearing kilts, but kilts were not worn in Scotland until the 16th century—roughly 300 years after Wallace’s time. Medieval Scots would have worn tunics, not tartan-patterned kilts.

• Wallace and Isabella of France: The film depicts a romantic relationship between Wallace and Isabella, the wife of Prince Edward (later Edward II). In reality, Isabella was around 9 years old at the time of Wallace’s death and would not even have have met him.

• Robert the Bruce's betrayal: The film portrays Robert the Bruce as betraying Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk, but there is no historical evidence to support this claim. Robert the Bruce later became a hero of Scottish independence, and Many Scots were offended by the film's portrayal of him since he is considered a national hero.

• Negative portrayal of Catholicism: While Braveheart portrays the Catholic Church as complicit in English oppression, the historical reality is that the Church was the single and largest promoter of justice, morality, education, and science as evidenced by its hospitals, schools, and its unprecedented preservation of millennia’s worth of classical knowledge. Scottish clergy like Bishop William Lamberton actually supported independence, as seen in his role in the Declaration of Arbroath. Pope Boniface VIII's Unam Sanctam in 1302 explicitly positioned monarchs under divine law, challenging their absolute power, and influencing some tyrannical actions of King Philip IV of France. Cistercian and Benedictine monasteries like Durham and Rievaulx were not only remarkable and unique centers of learning, preserving texts vital for the Renaissance, but also hubs of charity to the poor and agricultural innovation. The Catholic Church at the time invented the university system, as shown in the University of Bologna, Salamanca, Paris, Oxford, Cambridge, Padua, Siena and Naples. Saints like Thomas Becket stood against royal overreach, showing how true Catholics act against injustice. During the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, priests like John Ball championed social justice, while in Scotland, figures like John Duns Scotus argued for the moral right to resist tyranny, aligning with the struggle for Scottish freedom. At the same time, the Church was also fighting the Crusades against centuries-long Muslim oppression of Christian pilgrims and poor. What the movie portrays is merely a dramatized caricature of reality to make the movie more shocking.

  ---

Conversation starters:

• What is the purpose of freedom? Nowadays, people mistakenly seek freedom for freedom’s sake, thinking that it means being free to do whatever you want, including committing suicide, doing drugs becoming a prostitute or engaging in it, since all that determines morality is “consent” or “whether or not if hurts someone else”. In reality, the purpose of freedom is to do what is good. There is a universal moral law given to us by the Divine Lawgiver, and it is intrinsic in human nature, which guides us to do what is right. If we only use our freedom to seek our own pleasure and to become enslaved to vice, then that is not freedom; it is merely a license to do harm to yourself and to those that love you, and no one truly desires to live in that way.

• Our culture today persecutes those who have the family values of God, Family, and Country. While we are not yet subject to death like Wallace and his friends were, do we think we will be ready if the challenge arises?

• Was Wallace right in sleeping with Princess Isabelle?

  ---

Quotes:

• “Every man dies, not every man really lives.”

• “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!”

  ---

Final Rating 9/10:

Braveheart delivers on music, spectacle, emotional impact, and moral character which make up for its historical inaccuracies. A must-watch for those old and mature enough to understand (homosexuality and rape) it will make you want to fight for freedom to the death.

Recommended for:

• Kids-only movie night: No

• Family movie night: No

• Older kids movie night: No.

• Grownups only movie night: No.

Overview:

Kingdom of Heaven (2005) presents a fictionalized account of the Crusades, focusing on Balian, a blacksmith who becomes a knight in Jerusalem during a period of fragile peace between Christians and Muslims. Directed by Ridley Scott, an agnostic filmmaker known for his skepticism towards organized religion, this film serves more as an anti-religious humanist manifesto than a historical recount.

Sex/Nudity/Pornography 2/10:

Implied sex in a scene where a woman goes into a man's room, they kiss, and then start to disrobe. We see a shirtless man as he lies on top of her before the scene cuts away. There's also a subtle suggestion that the Bishop of Jerusalem was homosexual, which is used to criticize the Church. This portrayal is far from the truth; historically, the Bishop was a brave figure who played a significant role in defending Jerusalem and is not known for any such allegations. The movie's depiction is both inaccurate and unfair to his legacy.

Violence/Gore 8/10:

There is a very violent scene showing a priest beheading the dead body of Balian's wife who supposedly committed suicide because one of her children had died. This is a myth: there is zero historical backing for this and it makes no sense considering that children dying was common back then. There is also no historical evidence for priests cutting off the heads of those who commit suicide as some sort of punishment. This is completely made up and a distorted view of Christian theology at the time. Overall the movie’s level of violence is similar to "Gladiator" or "Braveheart" but with an intent to vilify, the violence in "Kingdom of Heaven" showcases intense battle scenes where the Knights Templar are depicted as bloodthirsty villains, slashing and stabbing with a focus on gore that amplifies their negative portrayal. In reality, the Templars were founded as a Chivalric Order to protect Christian pilgrims from centuries of muslim attacks, massacres, and enslavement.

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: 1/10:

Various scenes show characters drinking wine, particularly among the knights and nobles, but it's not glorified; rather, it's part of the medieval culture depicted.

Cursing/Blasphemy 1/10:

No curse words, but the film contains blasphemous undertones by undermining religious faith and portraying religious leaders negatively, which end up being much worse.

Virtuous Examples 2/10:

While Balian exhibits virtues like bravery and loyalty, these are framed within a narrative that promotes humanism over religious faith. His journey seems to suggest that one can be moral without religion and that religion is harmful to people leading them to do evil things, which will confuse Christian viewers about the context of the Crusades.

Moral Lessons: 1/10:

The film advocates for humanism as the solution to religious conflict, suggesting that peace comes from abandoning religious convictions in favor of human reason. This is at odds with Christian teachings on the source of morality and the importance of faith.

Historical Accuracy:

• Medieval Europe's Wealth and Health: In the opening scenes, the movie depicts 12th-century France as a place of repression and poverty, with people fleeing to the Holy Land for salvation. This portrayal inaccurately suggests that Europe was backward compared to the Islamic world, ignoring the 12th-century Renaissance which brought significant advancements in agriculture, technology, and culture across Europe.

• Crusade Theology: The film introduces a scene where a priest loudly proclaims, "To kill an infidel is not murder; it is the path to heaven," misrepresenting contemporary theology. In reality, the Crusades were a response to centuries of Muslim aggression, with the goal of liberating holy sites and ensuring the safety of Christian pilgrims. The movie never mentions the historical brutality of Islamic conquests, like their practices of desecration of Christian holy sites, beheadings, and the imposition of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims (dhimmi status)

• Contemporary Christian beliefs: Early in the film, Balian is shown as a character who loses faith in God after personal tragedy, suggesting a skepticism or humanism not common among medieval Christians. Historically, figures like Balian would have been deeply religious, with faith playing a central role in their lives. The narrative in the film suggests a secular-humanist view that medieval Christians were not deeply religious or that faith was secondary to other motives, which contradicts the reality of an age where faith inspired monumental decisions like going on a Crusade.

• Suicide in the Middle Ages: The movie shows Balian's wife committing suicide because one of her children had died. This is a myth: there is zero historical backing for this and it makes no sense considering that children dying was common back then. There is also no historical evidence for priests cutting off the heads of those who commit suicide as some sort of punishment. This is completely made up and a distorted view of Christian theology at the time.

• Portrayal of Religious Leaders: In scenes depicting the Knights Templar, they are shown as bloodthirsty and cruel, particularly in their raids. This contradicts their historical role as protectors of pilgrims and the holy land, acting with discipline and under strict religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience just as other monks of the time did. They were simply warrior monks.

• Ecumenism: There are scenes in the movie where Christians and Muslims pray together. This overlooks the fact that Christianity teaches the universal love of all people, while Islamic law at the time had specific provisions for non-Muslims, often treating them as second-class citizens under Muslim rule.

• Balian of Ibelin: The film depicts the main character Balian as a blacksmith from France, an illegitimate son brought to Jerusalem by his father Godfrey. In reality, Balian was born into nobility as the legitimate son of Barisan of Ibelin in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, far from the humble origins shown in the movie. He married Maria Comnena, a Byzantine princess, which elevated his status, and he played a significant role in the defense of Jerusalem during Saladin's siege in 1187, not as a man of newfound faith but as a strategic and respected noble. His character in the film is a significant departure from his historical background and actions.

• Saladin: Saladin is portrayed as a wise, peace-seeking leader, notably in a scene where he discusses war with his generals, suggesting he's reluctant to fight. In reality, Saladin was an ambitious military leader with a clear goal to expand Muslim territories, including the reconquest of Jerusalem. His actions were driven by a sense of jihad, not peace, as evidenced by his multiple campaigns against Christian territories. If we look at the history of Islam at the time it was characterized by centuries of attacks and oppression towards Christians.

• Crusaders’ Motivation: The film misleadingly portrays Crusaders as driven by greed or personal gain. In reality, most Crusaders incurred significant financial burdens to journey thousands of miles with their men and equipment into unfamiliar lands, where the primary gain was spiritual in the form of an indulgence, not material wealth. It was actually the Muslim conquests from the 7th century onwards that were mostly motivated by the lust for territorial expansion, slaves, riches and the imposition of Islamic rule over Christian lands. See below an infographic comparing the number of Muslim conquest battles vs the crusade battles to regain what was taken from them and stop the abuse of Christian pilgrims and Christians living under Muslim occupation.

  

• We could go on, but you get the picture. The whole movie is anti-Christian and anti-religious propaganda that pushes that all religions are the same and that religion is superstitious and violent. How can you make a movie about the Crusades whose purpose is to criticize them? How can the guy literally say that we’re not fighting for the Holy Sepulcher, when protecting the religious significance of the Holy Land was a primary reason for these wars?

Awards:

Orlando Bloom won the Jameson People's Choice Award for Best Actor at the 18th European Film Awards. Nominated for several other awards including Best Original Score at the Satellite Awards, Best Costume Design at the Goya Awards, and Audience Award for Best Actor at the European Film Awards. Did not win any of these.

Quotes:

• "I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion' I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of God. I have seen too much religion in the eyes of too many murderers. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness." – Hospitaler

  Parent's Response: This quote fundamentally misunderstands Christian teachings. The misuse of religion by some does not negate its spiritual and moral guidance. Christians are called to act with courage and goodness, but these virtues stem from love of God and neighbor, as guided through the Christian religion.The Bible warns against false prophets and those who twist faith (Matthew 7:15-20).

• "Thank you, your Eminence, you’ve taught me so much about religion," sneers Orlando Bloom at the Patriarch of Jerusalem, who has suggested either abandoning the Christians in Jerusalem to be slaughtered by Muslim besiegers or converting to Islam to avoid martyrdom and repenting later.

  Parent's Response: This sarcastic remark reflects cynicism towards Christian leadership that is unwarranted from a historical and theological viewpoint. True Christian leaders are called to shepherd their flock through trials, not abandon or betray them (John 10:11-13). The suggestion of conversion to avoid persecution contradicts the Christian ethic of standing firm in faith, even unto martyrdom, as exemplified by Jesus and many saints (Matthew 10:22). The film's portrayal of such cowardice and betrayal misleads about the expected integrity and resilience of Christian clergy.

• When Balian refuses to participate in a palace plot because it would violate his oath as a knight, a once-idealistic knight cynically says, “Jerusalem has no need of a perfect knight” and Sibylla also tries to convince Balian to participate in the plot: “There will be a day when you will wish that you did a little evil to serve a greater good.”

  Parent's Response: The cynicism in suggesting "Jerusalem has no need of a perfect knight" undermines the Christian ideal of striving for moral perfection as taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:48, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." The pursuit of knightly virtues like courage and honor corresponds with the Christian call to holiness, which is not about perfectionism but about living out one's faith with sincerity and courage, especially in the face of evil and death. Conversely, the temptation to do "a little evil for a greater good" is directly contrary to Christian ethics; as the Bible teaches that the ends do not justify the means when it comes to sin or evil actions (Romans 3:8). Christians are called to do good at all times, not to engage in lesser evils for perceived greater goods.

Final Rating: 3/10:

Kingdom of Heaven has a handful of extremely viral scenes, especially when showing Baldwin VI, the massive Christian army preparing to attack with a huge golden Cross at their front, and other impressive scenes, but it these are golden nuggets sink in a sea of anti-Christian propagranda. The atheist director, Ridley Scott, promotes an anti-religious humanist narrative that misleads viewers about the actual historical situation. In reality, the Crusades were a war of self-defense against centuries-long Muslim aggression. The film's ahistorical lies are at odds with Christian values, making it unsuitable for family viewing or for those who lack this historical understanding. Just watch the most viral scenes and skip the atheist preaching. To make this easier for you here are the movie’s best scenes:

To learn more about the true history of the Crusades:

Recommended for:

Kids-only movie night: No

Family movie night: No

Older kids movie night: Yes

Grownups only movie night: Yes

This will be too slow paced for young kids, anyone expecting a normal film will get bored. You have to know to expect a slower, poem-like film. It’s like visiting a museum, or like Glieberman says, this is “cinema at its mightiest and holiest; a movie you enter like a cathedral of the senses”.

Overview:

A Hidden Life (2019) - PG-13 - Drama/Biography/War
Rating: 8.5/10
Set in the rural village of Radegund in the majestic Austrian Alps, A Hidden Life tells the true story of farmer and soldier Franz Jägerstätter, who refuses to pledge allegiance to Hitler during World War II because of his firm Catholic faith. The film explores the spiritual and emotional cost of standing up against evil no matter the cost even when it is unpopular. It will have you and your loved ones asking yourselves whether or not you would stand up to evil if need be.

Awards:

Nominated for Best Film (Independent Spirit Awards), Best Cinematography (2), and Best Original Score (1).

Sex/Nudity/Pornography: 0/10

None. The film depicts a deeply loving and chaste relationship between Franz and his wife, Fani. The movie flows chronologically with their voices reading letters to each other and showing their lives as they progress in the fight. They share beautiful moments of affection that serve as a role model for young people on how their marriage should strive to be.

Violence/Gore: 4/10

The movie includes depictions of violence inherent to wartime and Franz’s imprisonment. Franz is verbally and physically abused, slapped, punched, and kicked, these scenes are not bloody or gruesome, but they are intense. Prisoners are shown suffering and struggling. Execution methods like guillotine are mentioned, and Franz's death is portrayed with reverence, leaving most visual elements implied rather than explicit.

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: 1/10

There are brief scenes of casual alcohol consumption within a social or communal setting, reflecting the culture of rural Austria. Being drunk is shown negatively as some intoxicated Nazi generals mistreat their server at the local pub.

Cursing/Blasphemy: 0/10

This whole movie is the opposite of a blasphemy. It glorifies God.

Virtuous Examples: 10/10

Franz Jägerstätter embodies exceptional moral integrity, standing firm in his convictions despite societal pressure, personal suffering, and the risk of his ultimate sacrifice. His wife, Fani, shows unwavering support and love, raising their children and managing their farm alone even during the cold winter while Franz is imprisoned. The film highlights themes of sacrifice, faith, and resistance against tyranny. Their marriage is a great example for all, their love and affection for each other is beautiful, and it is clear they love their children with the same passion. In this movie you will behold the now extinct sight of family scenes: where the soldier Franz comes back from home and greets his loving wife with a passionate kiss, another where they play a game together on the mountain with a stunning view behind them, and where they dance together as a family and the dad chases the kids around the house. You will see this and realize what Hollywood has taken from you: wholesome, loving, Christian examples, which have been the foundation of Western Civilization.

Morality: 10/10

A Hidden Life draws on Christian values, showcasing the power of personal conscience and spiritual conviction. Franz’s refusal to swear allegiance to Hitler, even under threat of death, reflects his commitment to truth, beauty, and goodness. He is an example to follow when evil is in power. This movie shows “how the quietest acts of resistance are part of what save civilization” (Owen Glieberman)

Quotes:

• "If God gives us free will, we are responsible for what we do, what we fail to do."

• "It is better to suffer an injustice than to do it"

• "You cannot say yes to evil and expect to find peace."

  

  ---

Final Rating:

10/10
Terrence Malick's A Hidden Life is a visually immersive and deeply meditative exploration of moral conviction and spiritual sacrifice. It will be too slow paced for young kids, or anyone expecting a normal film will get bored. You have to know to expect a slower, poem-like film. Like Glieberman says, this is “cinema at its mightiest and holiest; a movie you enter like a cathedral of the senses”.

Recommended for:

Kids-only movie night: No

Family movie night: No

Older kids movie night: Yes

Grownups only movie night: Yes

Overview: Gladiator (2000) tells the story of Maximus, a former Roman General turned slave and gladiator who seeks revenge against the corrupt emperor Nero who murdered his wife and boy. A unique and irrepeatable experience for any teenager and adult, especially those into ancient history. The definition of a perfect movie, and the Roman version of Braveheart (1995).

Sex/Nudity/Pornography 5/10: There is nothing explicit. The worst scene is where the perverted and incestuous emperor kisses his sister, who just stays still in fear of her life. See below at minute 2:50. This is shown negatively. Later, the widower Maximus kisses Princes Lucilla after she visits him in prison. A gladiator asks another “What do you want, a girl? A boy?”

Violence/Gore 7/10: Director Ridley Scott avoids gore. The worst is the scene where his family is killed by Roman soldiers. The young boy thinks the soldiers are coming with his father, but they actually run him over. We then see the mother’s charred feet hanged from a tree as Maximus cries, mourns, kisses them, and later buries them both.

Soldiers are killed, decapitated, and burned but nothing more than the necessary violence is shown. Gladiator fights feature deaths by sword, arrows, and even animals.

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: 1/10
Alcohol use is limited to social contexts, particularly among Roman elites, with Emperor Commodus drinking wine. No glorification of vice.

Cursing/Blasphemy: 2/10
Profanity is sparse, with a few mild expletives such as "damn" and one use of the s-word. A woman is insulted as a “b--ch.”

Virtuous Examples 10/10:
Maximus stands as a paragon of integrity and courage. Loyal to Rome and its ideals, he rejects personal power and wealth to stay true to his principles, famously declaring, “What we do in life echoes in eternity.” His friendship with fellow gladiators and his deep love for his family reflect his moral depth. He ends up dying for the cause and is shown in “elysium” or their version of heaven in the end. He is morally perfect, and even prays to the “gods” and to his ancestors. See here at second 0:45.

Lucilla displays courage protecting her son from Commodus’s corrupt grip and enduring suffering and incestuous advances to topple him later on to avoid ruining the plot.

Moral Lessons 10/10:
The film sharply contrasts Maximus’s moral fortitude with the degeneracy of Commodus, who embodies selfishness and hedonism. The film critiques such degeneracy, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral erosion, and the importance of love for one’s country, gods, and ancestors. This movie is a solid representation of the importance of God, family and country, and is an example to follow for both men and women to fight for what is right, regardless of persecution, all the way unto death because great is the reward in Heaven.

Awards: Academy Awards (5), Golden Globe Awards (2), BAFTA Awards (4), Screen Actors Guild Awards (2), Critics' Choice Movie Awards (2), Satellite Awards (3), Saturn Award (1), Empire Awards (3).

Quotes

• “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true Emperor Marcus Aurelius, father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I shall have my vengeance, in this life or the next” - Maximus to the corrupt emperor after taking off his helmet in the Colosseum and revealing his secret identity

• “What we do in life echoes in eternity.” - Maximus to his soldiers before charging the enemy

• “Are you not entertained?” - Maximus to the bloodthirsty crowd of the arena

Final Rating: 10/10
Gladiator is a cinematic masterpiece that captivates through its grandiose and unique depictions of the ancient world, flawless acting, unparalleled Roman and gladiatorial fight scenes, instantly recognizable Hans Zimmer soundtrack, and morally exemplary characters. It’s not for younger audiences, but it remains a unique and irrepeatable experience for any teenager and adult, especially those into ancient history. Perfect for a teenagers and up movie night, Gladiator challenges its audience to reflect on “strength and honor”, sacrifice, and the fact that “what we in life echoes in eternity”.

Recommended for:

• Kids-only movie night: No

• Family movie night: No

• Grownups movie night: Yes

• Grownups only movie night: Yes

Overview:
Gladiator II borrows too much from the first, ends up a being lackluster. Lucius seems to have been cast only for having the most Roman looking face, because his character has no memorable lines or great acting scenes. The same goes for his mother Priscilla. The movie has an epic naval battle in the beginning, another in the colosseum which is awesome, then a man riding a rhino too, so that’s where the best part is. A decent movie, but nothing like the first one. The music is the most disappointing part when compared with the first.

Sex/Nudity/Pornography 4/10:
No sex scenes, but we see the emperors being emasculate, weak, and hedonistic, and it’s implied that they’re gay or bisexual. This is also the case for one of their advisors (who is also the best actor in the movie). Also, it's revealed that a character is an illegitimate son.

Violence/Gore 7/10: Moderate bloody battles, mainly in the Colosseum. A massive monkey tears someone’s throat out, and another is beheaded. Another is killed by inserting a metal rod through their ear into their head, and we see blood spray when someone else’s neck is cut open.

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking 2/10: Moderate drinking is depicted in the context of Roman social life. When a gladiator is getting stitched up, he’s told to inhale a gaseous combination of morphine and “devil’s breath” to calm the pain.

Cursing/Blasphemy 2/10: Minimal offensive language is used, with only a few instances of mild expletives such as "damn" and "hell"​

Virtuous Examples 6/10: General Acacius is the best moral example in the movie. He is great at his work as general, he is morally upright, and he literally laughs in the face of the degenerate emperors when they try to lecture him on morality. Lucius, the main character, is mainly motivated by rage and revenge for his dead wife, who was killed by the troops of General Acacius, so it doesn’t have the same moral weight as in the first movie where Maximus wanted revenge from an evil emperor who pointlessly killed his wife and young son out of pride and envy.

Morality: The best moral depiction of the movie is the depiction of the Roman elite, including the emperors and their advisors, as emasculate, weak, hedonistic, suicidal, sadistic, and overall repulsive human beings. Their bisexuality and homosexuality are shown in a negative light. This is a good example for teenage boys as to what they should avoid. It exemplifies St. Thomas Aquinas’ defining that being emasculate is “when a man refuses to let go of what is pleasurable to do what is difficult”. The only way to become a good man is by fighting for what is good and doing for those you love, but this isn’t really shown in the movie except through General Acacius. Also, there’s an illegitimate son.

Quotes:

• “A man does not become emperor by bloodline alone. It must be taken by force and kept by force!”

• “You can never escape what you are. But you can learn to live with it.”

Final Rating: 7.5/10
Awe-inspiring Roman battles for the history buffs, with some mid acting, no real moral lesson except fight like hell and don’t be like the weak and hedonistic emperors. Good enough to watch with the teenagers, but watch the first one yet so you at least understand what a 10/10 movie is, and how far this one fell.

Recommended for:

Kids-only movie night: No

Family movie night: No

Older kids movie night: Yes

Grownups only movie night: Yes

Overview: Elevation (2024) is a tense scifi thriller about survival and sacrifice, set in a world where deadly and awesome-looking alien monsters prevent humanity from living below 8,000 feet. The story follows Will, a devoted father, as he risks descending into the danger zone to secure lifesaving medicine for his sick son. Intense suspense, captivating action but mostly cliche, predictable, and filler conversations, it just has you wondering whether or not they’ll make it and wanting to see the awesome looking monsters in action one more time.

Sex/Nudity/Pornography: 1/10. A brief, crude joke from Nina about how she wants to bed Will. No explicit material. No romantic scenes are depicted, and the focus remains on survival.

Violence/Gore 4/10: The most intense and scariest scene is a jump scare where a character is pierced through the chest and dragged down a cave by a tentacle, though the scene is dimly lit, and blood is kept minimal. All other scenes are mainly thumping, cutting, hitting and explosions.

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: 2/10. Nina drinks often but it’s shown that it negatively affects her because she’s hopeless. Will even hits her flask out of her hand one time. They all drink moderately together.

Cursing/Blasphemy: 4/10. The usual curse words to be expected in a survival movie.

Virtuous Examples: 7/10. The plot revolves around Will going down into the danger zone to save his sick son who is about to run out of medicine. Another character evolves from being hopeless to someone who chooses self-sacrifice to save the world.

Morality: 7/10. Will's actions are driven by love and a desire to protect his son, while Nina’s character arc shows redemption and growth. However, the grim setting and frequent peril make it a more tense watch, focusing more on survival instincts than moral lessons.

Conversation Starters:

• There’s a conversation where Will asks Nina if she still believes in God after everything that is going wrong has gone wrong. Nina foolishly replies “I’m stubborn”, as if believing in God was ignoring the harsh realities of suffering, hinting at the atheist argument from evil and suffering. The best response to this is in this video:

• Will risks everything for his son. Would you have the same courage in a similar situation? If you say you are willing to die for your kids, shouldn’t you also at least be willing to live for them? We can prepare for this by showing how much we love them through small daily sacrificial actions, so that when the ultimate sacrifice knocks on our door we are ready.

Quotes: They're Earth's new apex predators. And we're prey. So how do we take our place back? - Katie

Final Rating: 6.5/10. An acceptable and basic survival/apocalyptic thriller with basic themes of a father's love, and fighting for a greater cause. The monsters are the best part. For the oldest kids and the grownups. Intense suspense, captivating action but mostly cliche, predictable, and filler conversations, it just has you wondering whether or not they’ll make it and wanting to see the awesome looking monsters in action one more time. A Quiet Place is much better.

Our Family Favorites list has the best movies with the best moral lessons there are, sorted in chronological order. Enjoy!

Recommended for:

Kids-only movie night: Yes

Family movie night: Yes

Grownups movie night: Yes

Grownups only movie night: Yes

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Pinocchio (1940)

Dumbo (1941)

Cinderella (1950)

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Peter Pan (1953)

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Mary Poppins (1964)

The Jungle Book (1967)

The Aristocats (1970)

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Robin Hood (1973)

Little House on the Prairie (1973) - Series

The Rescuers (1977)

The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975)

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

Karate Kid (1984)

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

An American Tail (1986)

The Princess Bride (1987)

The Land Before Time (1988)

The Beauty and the Beast (1991)

The Lion King (1994)

The Indian in the Cupboard (1995)

Mulan (1998)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

Anastasia (1997)

Hercules (1997)

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

Mulan (1998)

A Bug’s Life (1998)

Tarzan (1999)

Stuart Little (1999)

The Road to El Dorado (2000)

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Ice Age (2002)

Treasure Planet (2002)

Cars (2003)

Finding Nemo (2003)

Secondhand Lions (2003)

Brother Bear (2003)

The Incredibles (2004)

Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)

Ratatouille (2007)

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

Bolt (2008)

Up (2009)

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Megamind (2010)

Despicable Me (2010)

Tangled (2010)

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Brave (2012)

The BFG (2016)

It’s super easy: next time you watch a movie, you take a few minutes to answer some questions I’ll send you.

Then, after review, we post it under your name and social media handle.

Thank you!

Recommended for:  

- Kids-only movie night: No

- Family movie night: No

- Grownups movie night: Yes  

- Grownups only movie night: Yes

Overview:
Reagan (2024) brings to life the story of President Ronald Reagan, focusing on his personal struggles, his leadership through the Cold War, and the deep Christian faith that guided him, all through the research of a young Vladimir Putin with Viktor Petrovich. Dennis Quaid’s portrayal highlights Reagan’s journey from Hollywood to the White House, touching on pivotal moments like his famous challenge to Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall and his efforts to end the Cold War through diplomacy.

Sex/Nudity/Pornography: There’s a brief glimpse of scantily clad dancers in a Las Vegas scene. Since Reagan had two wives, there are scenes showing kisses with each of them (Jane Wyman and Nancy Davis) Short scenes of young actor Reagan where women flirt with him, these moments are not sexual.

Violence/Gore: NONE
The scene of Reagan’s assassination attempt is not graphic, only a little blood on his mouth at the hospital. A missile shoots down a plane that explodes in the air.

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: 1/5
Reagan’s father, Jack, is shown as an alcoholic, and his drinking is depicted in a very damaging and negative light, as a source of family tension and suffering. Other characters are seen drinking and smoking moderately, typical of the 20th-century political and Hollywood environments. 

Cursing/Blasphemy: 1/5
Barely any bad language, almost nonexistent.  including five uses of "h—", two of "d–n", and one each of "a–", "b-gger", and a misuse of God's name. These moments are infrequent and contribute to the PG-13 rating.

Virtuous Examples: 5/5
Reagan’s strong moral values, faith in God, and determination to stand firm against communism are central themes of the film. His unwavering love for his wife, Nancy, and his commitment to doing “something good” in the world are portrayed as powerful motivators. The film emphasizes Reagan’s belief in the importance of freedom and his responsibility as a leader to fight for it. His mother’s faith and spiritual counsel are key influences on his life and leadership.

Morality: 5/5
The film presents Reagan as a man who struggled with personal and professional setbacks but always went on fighting for his values and his Christian faith. His hard work, moral integrity and courage in the face of insurmountable odds are a great motivation for all. The movie encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of character in leadership, faith in difficult times, and the role of family in shaping a person’s life and choices.

Conversation Starters:

• How did Reagan’s faith influence his leadership? Was he faking it, or was it sincere? Could he have gotten that far if it had been fake?

• Reagan went through many obstacles that made his life extremely difficult, but he never complained, continued to fight, and in the end came up victorious. What does this teach us about our own life?

• Do you think that defending what you believe in, even when it’s unpopular, is important to be happy?

Quotes:

• “Freedom is only one generation away from extinction.”

• “God has a purpose for your life. Something only you can do.”

Conclusion:
Reagan is a compelling movie for families with teens, especially those interested in history, leadership, or the Cold War. The film offers an inspiring look at a man who faced personal and political challenges but never lost sight of his faith or his duty to fight for freedom. While it doesn’t shy away from some of Reagan’s flaws, it ultimately portrays him as a figure whose courage and faith made a lasting impact on history.

Final Rating: 8/10
A slow but powerful movie for teens and adults who are interested in one of the most important men of the 20th century.

Plot Overview:  "Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas" unfolds as the legendary sailor Sinbad finds himself framed for stealing the Book of Peace by Eris, the goddess of chaos. With his childhood friend Proteus sentenced to death in his place, Sinbad embarks on a quest not only to retrieve the book but also to clear his name, facing mythical creatures along the way and growing from a self-centered pirate to a selfless hero. It is loosely based on the Greek myth of Damon and Pythias, where one friend is wrongly accused of a crime and sentenced to death, while the other volunteers to take his place to give him a chance to prove his innocence.

Recommended for:  

- Kids-only movie night: Yes  

- Family movie night: Yes  

- Grownups movie night: Yes  

- Grownups only movie night: No  

Sex/Nudity/Pornography: NONE. Sinbad and Marina share a kiss, but it's not central to the plot. In one scene, Sinbad's pants tear during a fight, exposing part of his buttock for a quick laugh. Another moment worth noting is the Sirens' scene, where seductive female figures attempt to pull the men underwater and kiss them to death, drowning them. Eris, the goddess of chaos, is portrayed with an attractive yet sinister presence, emphasizing the theme of temptation and that looks can be deceiving since not anyone who speaks nice to you wants what is best for you.

Violence/Fear/Gore/: NONE. Characters engage in extremely entertaining and well-animated fights but the violence is never graphic or bloody. Everyone will love these scenes, especially the boys. Near the end, a man is about to be beheaded, but the blade that is about to cut his head off shatters (twice). The scene of the sirens might scare younger kids.

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: NONE. Wine is served during a banquet in the kingdom of Syracuse. No glorification, no abuse.

Cursing/Blasphemy: NONE.  Words like “butt” and “friggin’” are used in comedic contexts. As Sinbad is telling a story, he says that the enemy had swords pointed at his throat, his chest, and his “pickles and eggs!” shouts a crewmate as he brings a bunch of them up from storage for food. 

Virtuous Examples 4/5:  The movie’s strongest points lie in its depiction of friendship, loyalty, and self-sacrifice. Proteus is the film’s moral anchor because he goes as far as offering his life in exchange for Sinbad’s, believing that his childhood friend will return with the Book of Peace as he says he will. This act of selflessness sparks Sinbad’s transformation from a self-centered pirate to a man willing to risk his life for others. Marina is courageous, intelligent, and stands up for herself, but she is however shown as the feminist ideal of not needing a man in marriage and instead wanting to go off and sail into the seven seas. It might be confusing how in the end she leaves to sail the seas with Sinbad, since this basically means that Sinbad stole Proteus’ girl even after the guy offered to die for him. This is unfortunately true and is a confusing element of the movie. The movie makes up for this by saying that Marina (as her name describes) always wanted to go to sea, and her marriage was being arranged. Most kids, especially the young ones, won’t think much about it, but for the older ones, this will feel wrong/odd and can be a good conversation starter. 

Behind the Scenes: The original scriptwriter (Terry Rossio) was strongly against Sinbad stealing Marina from Proteus in the end, but the movie's producers insisted. These producers instead wanted to make her long for the seas instead of wanting to become a princess. Terry called this “The One Hundred Million Dollar Mistake” and wrote extensively defending his original and better script, but it was turned down. The result is a great movie, great graphics, unmatched music, but an average plot that leaves much to be desired, and a little bit of a sour taste in the mouth as Marina leaves with Sinbad. It is, however, while not having a perfect moral example; a guaranteed hit with the kids and for a family movie night. [Wordplayer](http://www.wordplayer.com/columns/wp47.100.Million.Mistake.html)

What the original script said was that the girl was never even named Marina, she was betrothed to Proteus and went with Sinbad to make sure he actually came back with the Book of Peace to avoid Proteus’ death. In the end, after Sinbad’s return and acquittal, Marina and Proteus would get married in Syracuse, and Sinbad would sail off into the sea again to continue his adventures. How this far better script was ever turned down, I don’t know.

Morality 4/5:  The story shows how Sinbad goes from being a callous selfish pirate/robber to actually caring about his close friends and being willing to die for his best friend Proteus. Eris the goddess of Chaos constantly tempts Sinbad into taking the easy way out by embracing his pirate instincts, but Sinbad rises above her and proves that he is capable of honor, even when no one expects it from him. The film presents clear moral dilemmas: will Sinbad save his own skin or do the right thing and risk his life for his friend? It also touches on themes like the dangers of selfishness and the value of keeping one’s word. Despite his initial reluctance, Sinbad comes to understand that true freedom comes from doing what is difficult and right, not what is quick and easy.

Music 5/5: Composed by the world-famous Harry Gregson Williams, who did the superb soundtrack for The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as Shrek, The Martian, X-Men, Prometheus, and Prince of Persia. This movie’s music is unbelievably entertaining and captivating, making you believe that you’re right there on the ship with Sinbad fighting against the sea monster and exploring the seven seas. It’s a hidden gem; far better than the overwhelming majority of all movie scores (including grownup movies). You and your kids (especially the boys) will be humming the main theme for days after you finish watching it. 

Conversation Starters:  

- A lesson on Friendship: Who is the real hero in this movie? Is it Sinbad or Proteus? Who is more noble? Who is the perfect friend to the other? How did Proteus prove his friendship? How about Sinbad? Which was more difficult? Are we also willing to die on behalf of those that we love, like Proteus when he offered himself up instead of his friend, and as Sinbad did when he showed up to face the death penalty?  

- A lesson on Temptation: Eris and the Sirens are attractive but evil, and lie to Sinbad and his men with their pleasing tone of voice and attractiveness, but in the end, they actually want to kill them. It’s important to know that looks can be deceiving and that seduction is extremely dangerous. What would’ve happened if Sinbad had fully trusted and done everything Eris wanted? What would’ve happened if he and his men just “went with the flow” and kissed the Sirens? Not anyone who looks nice or speaks nice to you wants what is best for you.Many times in your life you will be tempted; the only way out is to stay firm, draw the line, and get out of the situation because of how much you love your future spouse. “You are always a drink and a wink away from burning up your entire life”.

Quotes:  "You don't have to be a prince to be a hero." - Sinbad  

This quote reflects one of the key messages of the film: heroism is a simple choice, the choice to do what is right even when it is difficult. Sinbad, despite having been a terrible person in the past, changes the course of his life and proves that he can be a hero through his actions.

Conclusion: Perfect hand-drawn and computer animations, an unequaled film score that is far better than the majority of adult movies, captivating action, and strong moral lessons and examples make for a solid kid’s only or whole family movie night. Expect some questions at the end about Marina’s decision to sail into the sea with Sinbad, and about Proteus being a far better hero than Sinbad.

Final Rating: 9/10

Plot overview: "The Island" unfolds in a seemingly utopian society where Lincoln Six Echo and his peers believe they are survivors of a contaminated world, living in a haven until they can migrate to the last uncontaminated place, called "The Island." However, Lincoln's curiosity leads him to uncover a grim reality: they are human clones bred for organ harvesting for rich customers who pay for them as “a life insurance” in case they ever need new organs. The narrative escalates into an escape and survival adventure, questioning the ethics of biotechnology and the essence of human life with plenty of action as in your typical Michael Bay movie.

Recommended for:

Kids only movie night: No

Family movie night: No

Grownups movie night: Acceptable

Grownups only movie night: Acceptable

Sex/Nudity/Pornography 2/5:

Lincoln shares a passionate kiss with Jordan, telling her “that tongue thing is amazing.” She is briefly seen in her bra and is seen wearing only a towel to imply that they had sex.

A man is shocked and almost laughs at Lincoln upon learning that he is a virgin, especially since he’s spent all this time in Jordan, and he implies that it’ll be a treat to lose his virginity.

Women in the film are often seen in bikinis or revealing tops. A dancer performs in a skimpy outfit. A character’s office is decorated with pin-up photos. During a search for clothes, McCord holds up a lacy bra, and Jordan looks through various costumes meant for sexual role-play. At one point, a man mistakes a confrontation between Lincoln and McCord as a homosexual encounter. A guard takes a look down Jordan’s blouse. Pregnant women in the film are referred to as “breeders.”

After the pair miraculously survives a big fall, a bystander tells Ewan: “Jesus must love you! That was the craziest mess I’ve ever seen!” and after doing an up and down of Scarlett, says “And I know Jesus loves you.”

Violence/Gore 4/5: Near the end, Lincoln is shot in the back with a harpoon gun, that then pulls him in, and in another scene a man is shot through the neck with the same weapon and is left hanging by the cable. During a chase, a character is harpooned through the legs and dragged backward. A man's hand is "stapled" to a door with nails from a nail gun. A woman convulses and dies after a drug is injected into her intravenous tube. A robot surgeon starts cutting a man’s chest with a saw and you hear the sound of bone being cut and see blood.

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking 2/5: Casual drinking. There's also a bar scene where patrons drink beer, and Jordan is shown with multiple shot glasses before being pulled away, indicating her potential participation in drinking. None of these instances are central to the plot or glorified.

Cursing/Blasphemy 2/5: One f-word, several uses of the s-word, and instances where God's name is misused.

Virtuous Examples 2/5: Lincoln and Jordan display courage and selflessness when they risk everything to return and save their fellow clones instead of just running away and selfishly saving themselves. A mercenary hired to catch them changes his mind after realizing the evil of killing humans for organs and helping Lincoln and Jordan escape.

Morality 2/5: The clone's fight for freedom is portrayed as noble and right because each human life matters, and because they do feel pain and suffer. However, the ethical questions presented are left unanswered. Is cloning moral? Is genetic engineering moral? The answer is no. See the Conversation Starters below for the answer in case your older kids ask.

Conversation Starters:

-Why are genetic engineering and cloning wrong? Answer: Cloning is a violation of the rights and dignity of the human person. Each child has the right to be conceived within the love of marriage, carried in his biological mother’s womb, brought into the world because of his right to life, and brought up by his biological mother and father. It is through this secure relationship to his biological parents that the child can best discover his own identity and achieve his best human development. A human being is a great gift from God, and each person is made in the image and likeness of the Creator. Each is a unique and unrepeatable Son or Daughter of the King and an heir of the Kingdom of Heaven. Cloning, on the other hand, produces a dangerous attitude that a human child is something (rather than someone) that we create and own and can do with as we choose, as if we were God. Genetic engineering and cloning turns a human being from a person to be loved into a product to be sold.

Quotes: "I've never been more scared of anything in my life. But I've never been more sure." - Lincoln Six Echo

Conclusion: Disappointing but entertaining action-filled movie that to tries hard to get philosophical, but results in a disconnected and predictable experience. The plot seemed promising but the delivery seems disconnected and predictable. There’s plenty of better movies to watch if you want to touch/teach about the problems of cloning, genetic modification, and playing God. We recommend Gattaca (1997), for example.

Final Rating: 5/10 - Not a great movie, but entertaining if you just want to kill time.

Overview: Family-friendly and light-hearted movie that your kids will love. Has some mischievous humor that your boys go crazy for, wholesome romance that emphasizes the importance of personal virtue & ethic, and friendships that teach the importance of community and a spirit of self-denial.

Recommended for: Kids-only movie night, Family movie night

 Sex/Nudity/Pornography: NONE

 Violence/Gore: NONE

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: NONE

Cursing/Blasphemy: NONE

Virtuous Examples: 4/5 The major theme of this film is self-sacrifice and is exhibited in the transformation of the protagonist Lightning McQueen from a prideful racer who looks down on others to becoming a man of self-denial who cares for those entrusted to his care. This theme culminates in the finale where Lightning McQueen sacrifices his victory to push across the finish line an older racer– known as ‘King’– injured in the final lap. At the same time, the film does exhibit a lot of bad qualities before Lightning’s transformation that could rub off on impressionable children. Tow Mater is a bit of a caricature of middle-America in a rather crude (yet wholesome) way, and thus, is a bit of a wildcard throughout the film. Similarly, pre-transformation Lightning exhibits resentment for the advice of his elders, a materialistic outlook, selfishness, looking down on those he deems ‘lesser,’ and such. All of these are resolved by the film’s finale, but they are still on display.

Moral Lessons: 5/5: Movie follows the moral progress of the main character who went from being a selfish egotistical racer to a selfless generous man. He has a wholesome romance that emphasizes the importance of personal virtue & ethic, and friendships that teach the importance of community and a spirit of self-denial. Pro-middle-America film, promoting the broadly American cultural values that continue to be hollowed out in the name of ‘progress’-which takes the form of the new interstate system in the film. It shows Radiator Springs– the town the film’s story is centered around– being forgotten when the interstate is created, as opposed to the old highways which used to build community.

Tow Mater is a “redneck” caricature. While this could be viewed as making fun of such people, Tow Mater is incredibly genuine and selfless despite his ‘hillbilly ’ idiosyncrasies. He displays virtuous qualities like unyielding loyalty, humility, and humour, but he is pretty foolish. His portrayal is not meant to mock or demean rural people, but in the end without even noticing he teaches people great moral lessons. Just a clarification that not all rural folks are like that is enough.

Conversation Starters:

How does Mater show loyalty to Lightning McQueen throughout the movie?Can you think of a time when you showed loyalty to a friend, specially when things were tough, since that is when it counts the most?

How did Lightning McQueen change throughout the movie? When was he happier, when he was being selfish or when he was helping others?

Conclusion: This movie is amazing for instilling values of self-sacrifice and the importance of community in your children. It even contains subtle political messaging that is constructive for all audiences, boyish humor that brings out a twinkle in your son’s eye, wholesome romance that will inspire wonder in your daughter, and mature illumination of the American cultural values that will inspire discussion for older audiences. This is a must-see Disney Pixar film for all Christian conservative audiences!

Quotes: “When was the last time you cared about something except yourself, hot rod?... These are good folk around here who care about one another. I don't want them depending on someone they can't count on.” -Doc Hudson

Recommended for: Kids-only movie night, Family movie night

Final Rating: 10/10

What we believe

At Family First Film Reviews, we believe that we become what we watch. The film and stories we consume shape our thoughts, actions, and values— and even more for our children. If they watch stories about kindness, bravery, and honesty, they’ll aim to be those things. But if they’re exposed to harmful behavior or dangerous ideas, they will imitate that too. Many movies today not only fail to contribute to character development but sometimes actively undermine it. That’s why we created Family First Film Reviews: to help parents find the best films of all time that align with their family-first values. Every movie we recommend is free from indoctrination and inappropriate content, ensuring that what your kids watch reinforces the virtues you’ve worked hard to instill. Whether you need a movie for family movie night, kid’s movie night, or grownups movie night, we’ve got you covered.

What we are about 

It is for this reason that Family First Films was created; to provide the antidote for today’s culture. Movies and TV shows are no longer just entertainment, you can no longer just leave the kids with an electronic and leave the room—they’ve become one of the biggest tools of indoctrination and sexualization. With our movie reviews, you can rest assured that the films we recommend are free from indoctrination and inappropriate content, giving you peace of mind in what your children (and you) are consuming.

What to do 

If you’re tired of endlessly scrolling for movies, wasting time with disappointing ones, or being surprised when they push harmful values… Family First Film Reviews is for you. We offer films free from indoctrination and inappropriate content, ensuring your kids see virtuous characters and moral lessons. Join us, and rest assured that what you’re watching will build your kids up, not tear them down. Turn your home into the nurturing place you’ve always wanted it to be by watching the best movies in cinematic history, and leading your family into a future of physical and spiritual success.

Overview: Violent, beautiful music, little positive messages/role models, signficant anti-Christian bias. No romantic interest in this movie, which is surprising since it's one of the highest rated of all time

Sex/Nudity/Pornography 5/5: There is a group of homosexual prisoners who pursue the main character, forcefully subdue him and rape is implied multiple times, with one time a graphic description/threat that they're going to force his d*ck in the Dufresne's mouth and he's gonna have to keep it there. Dufresne replies that he has a reflex that clenches his jaw and it cannot be opened after, which stops them. Clear sex scene with clothes on but with sounds and thrusting against a door, the two are cheating.

Violence 5/5: this movie has a significant amount of violence. A fat, crying prisoner who is new at the prison is beaten unconscious by a guard and someone comments the next morning that he died because the doctor wasn't available. An old man who was in jail for for a long time is released but is unable to adapt to the outside world so he commits suicide and he can be seen writing "Brooks was here" before he kicks the stool and hangs himself, with the camera showing his feet dangling and stopping movement as he dies.

Language 5/5: Warden and others take the Lord's name in vain often. One guard constantly curses, so do the prisoners.

Drinking, drugs and smoking 2/5: Most prisoners smoke cigarettes and use them as currency. One scene of the main character who is drunk on whiskey. One scene of responsible drinking after the main character negotiates a pack of beer with a guard, and they drink after an honest day's work, and the main character doesn't, he just enjoys the moment without drinking.

Virtuous examples 3/5: Dufresne is wrongly convicted in the end, and he has hope and is relentless to do what is right. The viewer can admire his courage, his wits, and his perseverance. He is a man who never gives up. No matter where he is, he’s always finding a way to improve his situation and never settles for less. Even when those around him are lost, he always remains hopeful (“Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies”). He does however steal from another criminal, and runs away with the money to Mexico where he lives the rest of his life by the beach. Red was a criminal, but doesn't do any wrong anymore and is later released. Besides that, there are far more worse examples than good.

Moral lessons 3/5: Hope, courage, perserverance are the main motivators for the main character. He undergoes a cheating wife, rape, wrongful imprisonment, among others, yet he never gives up and ends up escaping and going of to live his dream life by the beach in Mexico.

Anti-Christian Bias 5/5: The Warden of Shawshank prison is shown as a “Christian”, always very well dressed, wears a golden cross lapel pin, but he is shown to be a horrible, evil hypocrite. He says “Rule Number One of the prison is no blasphemy; I won’t have the Lord’s name taken in vain in my prison”, as well as “I believe in two things, discipline, and the bible: here you’ll receive both. Put your trust in the Lord, your ass belongs to me”. He has a bible quote framed up in his office, but keeps his dirty money in a safe right behind it.

To naive and young viewers, this is confusing and makes them angry against Christianity. They will ask themselves after the movie: Are Christians really like that?

This scene can serve as as teaching moment: While the historical impact of Christianity in the prison system has always been and continues to be overwhelmingly positive, this is an example first of the hypocrites that Jesus condemns multiple times (the hypocrites that we are when we commit a sin) and lastly of what anti-Christian writers like Stephen King write into their movies to discourage Christianity. If one grows up consuming this type of content without receiving the antidote of the truth, he will most likely not be a Christian, and that’s what we’re seeing most today. Keep in mind that Stephen King, who is well known for being anti-Christian, says “religion is a very dangerous tool”, and that heaven does not exist. He is infamous for using coke when writing his books, and even wrote a child sex scene into “It”, where 11 year old boys take turns on their 11 year old girl “friend” after defeating the clown Pennywise and then go on to do a blood pact. Shawshank Redemption has nothing like this thankfully. It does have an implicit homosexual gang rape though, which is quite intense and disgusting.

Conclusion: This movie is a brutal depiction of life in prison, with implicit gang rapes, frequent pointless beatings (one until death), one short sex scene involving cheating, and a Warden who pretends to be a goody-two-shoes Christian but ends up being the most evil character in the movie.

It is fitting as a movie for the grownups, but not for the kids. Teenagers should not watch it until they are mature, and take their faith seriously, because they might be confused about the Warden character, and think that prisons and Christians are actually evil like that (good conversation starter).

Despite all that, there are few positive messages. Hope, courage, perserverance are the main motivators for the main character who undergoes a cheating wife, rapes, wrongful imprisonment, extended solitary confinement, enslavement, among other challenges, yet he never gives up and ends up succesfully escaping thanks to his wits and meticulous planning. He goes on to live his dream life by the beach in Mexico, and gives instructions to his friend Red to join him.

Quotes:

Andy Dufresne: “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living, or get busy dying.”

Final Rating: 9/10

Overview: I, Robot is a sci-fi movie about a cop who investigates a crime that may have been perpetrated by a robot, despite them being bound by the three laws of robotics, which eventually leads to a larger threat to humanity. Will Smith acts as the main character, and he delivers his usual entertaining and exaggerated performance. It is loosely based on Isaac Asimov’s books.

Sex/Nudity/Pornography 1/5: No sex scenes, not even a kissing scene. Male actor is shown shirtless three times.

Violence 1/5: Lots of extremely cool human vs. robot violence (men will love it). Three flashbacks of a young girl trapped underwater in her car as it sinks to the bottom, no longer than 5 seconds each. A dead human body is seen on the floor with blood around the mouth, after an implied (not shown) suicide from jumping off an extremely tall building.

Language 1/5: Ocasional cursing.

Drinking, drugs and smoking 1/5: Ocasional responsible drinking, no scenes of drunkenness or any sort of drugs or high. No glorification of it.

Virtuous examples 4/5: The detective is skeptical of robots in a world where everyone trusts them. Despite being threatened with losing his job, and being called crazy by many, he knows he is right and is able to eventually convince a few people to help him. Through his persistence and hard work he is able to prove he was right and in the end succeeds in saving the world. Knowing the truth and taking courageous action, despite being thought crazy by those who don’t see their own craziness, can literally save the world. He’s not even distracted by the girl in the movie, but helps and guides her. He is very kind, caring, and joyful with his elderly mom.

Moral lessons 5/5: When the robots rebel, fight against humans, and force people to stay indoors, their commands are an eerie echo of the ones used by our governments during the COVID scamdemic:, “Please return to your homes, a curfew is in effect”, “return to your homes or there will be consequences”, “we are attempting to avoid human losses during this transition” “you cannot be trusted with your own survival” ,“to ensure your future, some freedoms must be surrendered” and to make it even clearer, a poor grandma is stopped from going to Church by a robot who tells her to “ “please remain indoors, this is for your own protection”. This can serve as a teaching moment to remind kids (and adults!) that “Liberty once lost, is lost forever” as John Adams put it, and that “Freedom is always one generation away from extinction” (Reagan) so it is up to us to defend our way of life.

Humans will always have something that robots do not: emotion, as he says, but a better word is free will. Will Smith, the main character and detective, complains that human beings do not live by calculations, or probabilities, but by emotion and that’s why he does not trust robots. He is proven right when a robot saves him instead of a young girl who had a lower probability of survival after an accident, and after robots turn against humanity.

Conversation starters: The movie shows a single robot (Sonny) who apparently became intelligent and has what they call “a soul”. Can a programmed machine, or even an artificial intelligence, ever have “a soul”? The Christian answer is no, because artificial intelligence is just a program that is programmed to learn from itself, and everything it does is what it is programmed to do; it does not have free will, and cannot have a supernatural soul, since it was not created by God. Human beings, being made in the Image and Likeness of God, with free will, have a supernatural Soul.

Conclusion: I, Robot is a sci-fi movie about a cop who investigates a crime that may have been perpetrated by a robot, despite them being bound by the three laws of robotics, which eventually leads to a larger threat to humanity. Great movie to watch for adults, and to watch with the kids who have grown up enough and are above the age of reason.

Quotes:

Susan Calvin: “A robot could not commit a murder, no more than a human could walk on water.”

Detective Spooner: “Well, you know, there was this one guy... a long time ago.”

Final Rating: 9/10