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Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents and Family Movie Night

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Let’s set the scene…..

You’ve picked the movie, you’ve popped the popcorn, everyone’s comfy. You pop in the movie and things are going well. You’re laughing and smiling and enjoying family time. And then it happens, that scene you forgot about, or those words that made you cringe.

Oh, shoot! Wasn’t this supposed to be a kid’s movie? How could I forget about this?! You cover the kid’s eyes while your spouse fumbles around trying to turn it off, or fast-forward, or even just hope the electricity goes out. Give us a break, right?!

You’ve been there, I know you have because I’ve been there too! But, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret that I’ve been carrying around for a while. With a simple click, you won’t have to worry anymore if the movie is kid-friendly, or stands up to your convictions.

You’re New BFF

These movie review sites for Christian parents will be your BFF when it comes to your next family movie night! I can almost guarantee that you’ll find family-friendly movie reviews on the show of your choice via one of these sites.

I do find it interesting that not one of these websites will give you a definitive “do not watch” or “definitely watch” at the end of the review. To make your decision, you will still need to gather information from the reviews and make a judgment call based on your family values and expectations.

You might find it helpful to look at more than one site to get a more well-rounded perspective! Fortunately, most of these websites use headings and organize the posts so you can quickly scan for the content that matters most, such as sexual content, profanity, violence, or nudity. 

I’ve put this list in order of preference, so I recommend you start at the top of the list for the best information and then work your way down when you can’t find what you need. If you need to make a fast decision the DOVE site has the most concise information. But if it’s the details you are looking for, I’d go with Plugged In first every time.

I don’t know how many times we’ve pulled out a movie we watched ourselves as kids and remembered fondly, only to get ten minutes into the movie and turn it off in shock. Growing up, growing in faith, and having children of our own certainly changes how we view content. For this reason, I’m glad we have sites that review older movies and not just the most current content.

8 Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents

This one is, by far, my favorite review site to check in on. I’ve used it numerous times, and not just for kids’ movies. We even check videos out for ourselves using this site too! It never fails to disappoint us with accuracy or detail, the writers at Focus on the Family really do a great job! If you have tweens, it would be perfectly safe to have them read the Plugged In review for the video in question before they ask you for permission. This will give your teens an excellent overview of things to watch for and also save you significant time as they will do the narrowing down for you. 

Common Sense Media 

This next movie review site is my second favorite. Like Plugged In, Common Sense Media is incredibly thorough and provides independent reviews based upon age, ratings, and other pertinent information you’ll definitely want to know about. This site was started to help parents navigate the digital age and protect their children from the unknown effects of too much media. If you can’t find what you are looking for on PluggedIn, you will find all the recent movies reviewed here!

Kinds In Mind

With a scaled rating of Sex/Nudity, Violence/Gore, and Language, the system works pretty well for this company. While I was hoping that this movie review site was geared mainly towards Christian parents, they do state that they are independent of all political and religious viewpoints.

I didn’t even know that Dove had their own movie review system. But, they’ve got a pretty good thing going here. I don’t find that it’s as detailed as some of the others here, but it could definitely get the job done if you need just a little snippet of information so you can make a quick decision.

Movie Guide

This is not your old-fashioned movie guide (like I was thinking it was) it actually is very informative and ranks at the top of the list for me! While the site doesn’t have much information about its roots, the site has a ton of movie reviews that are available!

Raising Children

I had never heard of this site until I started doing a little more digging on movie review sites for Christian parents. While this one is not Christian based, and not as detailed in the information, it does cover its bases- so we’ll still list it as a good option for movie review sites for parents.

Box Office Mom

She’s a great movie buff, but I do feel as though it’s a little less informative and a little more dependent on her own opinions when it comes to how her movies are rated. Yet, you may enjoy that real-life review about it. I also love throwing her in here to support another mom blogger!

Parent Previews

Parent Previews is just, well, okay . The problem is that with some of their movie reviews they have a disclaimer that they have not actually viewed the movie yet and the information is gathered from an outside source. No thanks.

Looking for more than just a review site?

If you’re looking for clean entertainment and want specific recommendations, you can check out these posts: Best Clean Shows on Netflix, Clean TV Shows on Amazon Prime , and Faith & Family Movies that you absolutely need to see too!

You might also like these:

All of these sites are different, so it really depends on your personal preference as to which site you’ll refer to when looking for a family-friendly movie review. The top two listed are my favorites, but you may be happy with what another site has to offer!

How do you do your due diligence when choosing what movies are “good enough” for your children?

Other Categories:

• Defeat Lust & Pornography
• Help Others Restore Integrity
• Rebuild Your Marriage

Movie Review Websites for Christian Parents

Last Updated: December 21, 2023

Luke Gilkerson  has a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies and an MA in Religion. He is the author of Your Brain on Porn and  The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality . Luke and his wife Trisha blog at IntoxicatedOnLife.com

Are you looking for Christian movie reviews? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a list of helpful websites where you can find reviews on all the latest movies from a Christian perspective. They include content advisories, worldview analysis, and even discussion questions for your family so you can thoughtfully consume media.

List of Review Websites

MovieGuide is an organization founded by Dr. Ted Baehr. Its mission is “to redeem the values of the entertainment industry, according to biblical principles, by influencing industry executives and artists.” They do this through reviews, as well as many other efforts to inform Christians and influence Hollywood.

PluggedIn is a Focus on the Family publication designed to help equip parents, youth leaders, ministers, and teens with the essential tools that will enable them to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment is part of ChristianAnswers.com, a site dedicated to answering all kinds of questions about Christianity. The “Spotlight on Entertainment” features quick content summaries and ratings, as well as extensive plot overviews and content analysis. This is a great option for Christian parents looking for in-depth review content.

CBN Movies is the movie website of the Christian Broadcasting Network. More than just movie reviews, this site features exclusive interviews, and entertainment news as well.

CrossWalk Movies

CrossWalk Movies is a movie review service of CrossWalk.com. Find reviews on all the latest movies, all written from a Christian perspective.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is not a Christian organization. Nonetheless, they’ve done a lot of work to help families make informed decisions about media. Each movie review has a grading system for different types of content, making it easy for parents to make informed decisions.

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All Reviews

Since 1995 The Dove Foundation has been publishing our movie reviews on the Internet.  Well over 100,000 families rely on these reviews each month to help them make informed choices about the entertainment their family can watch with confidence.  Below is a description of the different types of reviews that The Dove Foundation publishes.

Now Showing in the Theater

Here you will find a list of Dove approved feature length movies that are currently playing at your local theaters.  While most of these films should be available in all areas of the country, some may be designated as “limited release” and only shown in select cities.  This list contains only Dove approved titles.

Coming Soon to Home Entertainment

Here you will find a list of Dove approved home entertainment products.  These videos and DVDs can usually be found at a local retailer for purchase or you can rent them at your local video store.  This list contains only Dove approved titles.

Theatrical Reviews

This link will group all of our theatrical reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent films appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

Video/DVD Reviews

This link will group all of our home entertainment reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent products appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

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This link will group all of our Book reviews together and sort them by their review dates with the most recent reviews appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

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This link will group all of our made for television movie reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent reviews appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

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This link will group all of our audio CD reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent reviews appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

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This link will group all of our manuscript reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent reviews appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

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​Unique and Imaginative – But May Be Too Confusing for Young Children

In the realm of storytelling, few mediums can touch the heart and soul quite like film does. As a lover of cinema and a devout Christian, I care about what types of movies my children watch, and I feel called to share my thoughts with you. In this IF Christian Movie Review, I give parents the information they need before seeing this film with children.

Furthermore, it should be noted that we pay for our movie tickets so you can be sure that you are getting my unbiased thoughts on each film I review. For Christian families, selecting the right movie isn’t just about avoiding the bad—it’s about actively seeking the good, those stories that resonate with our core values. They provide a unique opportunity to explore themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption in a way that’s accessible and engaging for people of all ages.

IF Christian Movie Review

Studio synopsis of if:.

From writer and director John Krasinksi, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends—and what she does with that superpower—as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

My Synopsis of IF:

When  John Krasinski  introduces us to a young girl grappling with difficult situations in his latest creation, she discovers an extraordinary world brimming with imaginary friends. This isn’t just a story about overcoming sadness; it’s a profound exploration of coming to terms with what life throws at you.

The tale of 12-year-old girl named Bea and her journey is a heartwarming reminder of how unseen companionship can bring immense comfort and guide us toward healing. As a Christian, recognizing the significance of imagination and faith as tools for navigating life’s challenges offers a fresh perspective. This film, with its unique blend of whimsy and heartfelt emotion, splendidly encapsulates the essence of hope and the power of believing in something greater than ourselves. 

IF Christian Movie Review – What Parents Want to Know

Frequent use of taking God’s name in vain. In fact, at one point my adult son leaned over and just said that I could stop writing each incident down and just say they used God’s name a lot. Uses include lots of “Oh my g-d,” and “oh g-d.” Furthermore, “swear to g-d,” “good g-d,” “oh dear g-d,” and “thank g-d,” are used. It was almost as if they tried to get God’s name in as many times as they could.

Three uses of h-ll, and one use of d-mn.

One person makes a comment about having a “broken butt.” Another person calls someone a fool.

A man is seen breaking into a house.

Additionally, a child is in the hospital with multiple broken bones, and he says he “falls a lot.”

One imaginary friend is invisible and people are seen tripping over him.

Spiritual Content:

A girl is told, “you are the chosen one.”

Extensive use of magical elements transforming a retirement home. Keep in mind that it may be all in one’s imagination that this transformation takes place. Additionally, one IF (Imaginary Friend) is a ghost.

Sexual Content:

In the land of IFs, an art class takes place. The participants are painting an apple that is posing, and she is told to “cover up.”

Other Content: See SPOILER BELOW for the questions of death in the movie. Does Bea’s mom die? and Does Bea’s dad die?

Bea’s mom is shown in the hospital with a scarf on her head. Bea’s dad is later shown in the same hospital.

As a woman whose husband was in the hospital for heart bypass surgery, I found the depictions of the hospital were totally unrealistic. After Bea’s dad’s surgery, he is in bed with no monitors, no tubes, and just a pulse oximeter on his finger.

In one scene, Bea goes with Cal (Ryan Reynolds) to a closed Coney Island amusement park. He opens a door and they go through a secret passage underneath a ride. It felt kind of “icky” in the moment. As the movie continues, it makes more sense, but throughout the movie, not only does Bea run around the streets of New York City alone, but she also goes around with Cal. No one seems to notice or care including her grandmother.

Positive Content:

Throughout the movie, you see Bea coming to terms with growing up and dealing with the challenges of life.

She is told by an IF, “Nothing you love can ever be forgotten.” Bea has forgotten things, but uses the time at her grandmother’s apartment building (while her father is in the hospital) to remember good times with her family.

Bea is on a journey of self-discovery, healing and trying to make sense of life. While her dad is his hospital room bed, and not awake, she tells him a story of her life. He awakens and tells her it is a good story.

Teaching with the Movie IF

Each movie I see, I try to view it through the eyes of my children or grandchildren. What elements will they see, and what will they miss? If your child has ever dealt with being in a hospital, discuss how unrealistic the entire hospital setting was. Do you think a child pushing a used gowns/hospital bedding cart would go unnoticed? Additionally, digging through hospital gowns and bedding is 1) unsanitary, and 2) a health risk.

Did you or your children ever have imaginary friends? Have your child draw their imaginary friend. If they never had one, ask them to use their imagination to create one now. Ask, “What would your IFs special talents be?”

Who could your child invite into their life as a friend? As a Christian, we know there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” That friend is Jesus Christ, and He isn’t imaginary.

Additionally, discuss whether or not the movie was “real” or just a product of Bea’s imagination.

​The opening of the film with the Paramount Logo was uniquely done. Have your child redo a logo for another movie with elements from the film.

Christian Review of IF – My Viewing Recommendations :

Am I the only person that sees Jim from the Office every time I hear John Krasinski’s voice?

While this family film did have a lot of positive elements, I am once again saddened by the repeated misuse of God’s name. I’ve said this before, and I will continue saying it until Hollywood “gets it,” but did you ever notice they never say, “Oh my Al-ah?” Because it would be totally offensive to the Muslim community.

Overall, the musical score was very good, and was a product of Composer Michael Giacchino who was also responsible for Mission Impossible, Jurassic World, Up, and other famous works. Additionally, the concept was original-ish. It was refreshing to see a movie that was not a remake of a remake. (I’m looking at you, Disney!) However, this film is slow moving at times, and my husband actually fell asleep – I’m usually the one doing that.

As far as my recommendation, I would say, “see this movie,” but it pains me to hear God’s name taken in vain sooooo many times.

Evaluating Entertainment: The Role of Christian Review Sites

Have you ever found yourself scrolling endlessly through movie titles, wondering which film aligns not just with your entertainment preferences but also mirrors your values? Many of us face this dilemma, especially when selecting content for family movie nights.

This is where Christian movie review sites become an invaluable resource. This platform is more than just a list of film critiques; it is a guiding light for families seeking entertainment that upholds their Christian values. With an array of movies to choose from, these reviews offer  easier access  to detailed information on content, themes, and moral evaluations, making it a simpler process to find films that resonate with our faith. The significance of such resources cannot be overstated; we aim to provide a beacon of insight, ensuring that our recommended movie selections are entertaining and enriching to our spiritual lives and family values. 

About the Movie IF:

Rating: PG for thematic elements and mild language

Release Date: May 17, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour, 44 mins.

Genre: Animation/Children’s film

Studio: Sunday Night Productions, Maximum Effort

Directed by: John Krasinksi

Written by: John Krasinksi

Produced by: John Krasinksi, Allyson Seeger, Andrew Form, Ryan Reynolds

Edited by: Christopher Rouse, Andy Canny

Music by: Michael Giacchino

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

The Cast of IF :

Cailey Fleming plays Bea

Ryan Reynolds plays Cal

John Krasinksi plays Bea’s Dad

Fiona Shaw plays Bea’s Grandmother

Alan Kim plays Benjamin

Liza Colon-Zara’s plays Nurse Janet

Bobby Moynihan plays Jeremy

Voice Cast:

Blue voiced by Steve Carell (Purple Monster)

Blossom voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Butterfly dancer?)

Marshmallow Man voiced by John Krasinksi (Flaming Marshmallow)

Gummy Bear voiced by Amy Schumer

Lewis voiced by Louis Gossett Jr. (Teddy Bear)

Unicorn voiced by Emily Blunt

Sonny voiced by Matt Damon (A flower)

Spaceman voiced by George Clooney

Keith voiced by Brad Pitt

Ally voiced by Maya Rudolph (Alligator)

Robot voiced by Jon Stewart

Bubble voiced by Awkwafina

Guardian Dog voiced by Sam Rockwell

Dragon voiced by Vince Vaughn

Octopus’s voiced by Blake Lively

Magician Mouse voiced by Sebastian Maniscalco

Ghost voiced by Matthew Rhys

Slime voiced by Keegan-Michael Key

Ice voiced by Bradley Cooper (Ice Cube)

Cosmo voiced by Christopher Meloni (Private Detective)

Art Teacher voiced by Richard Jenkins

Banana voiced by Bill Hader

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can i watch if.

If was released into theaters on May 17, 2024. At that time, it could only be watched in theaters. A streaming date has not been announced.

Is there an end-credit scene for If?

​Yes, there is a very quick end-credit scene. 

Will  IF stream on Disney+? 

No. IF will not be streaming on Disney Plus. Because IF is a Paramount film.

Will IF stream on Peacock?

It is unlikely that IF will stream on Peacock. In fact, it is a film distributed by Paramount and will most likely stream on that platform.

How much did it cost to produce IF?

The production budget was $110 million.

What other movies have been made that deal with Imaginary Friends?

One movie, that is similar in some ways, is Wonder Park which tells the story of a young girl who creates an amusement park with her mom. When her mom leaves for cancer treatments, the girl’s park come to life.

Other movies include, Where the Wild Things Are , and Winnie-the-Pooh .

Then we have movies such as The Velveteen Rabbit who gains “real status” because he is loved. And certainly we can’t forget Toy Story where Andy believes his toys are real, and they come to life when no one is looking.

What black-and-white movie is playing on the television?

The film Harvey, starring James Stewart, is playing on the television. In fact, you may know Stewart from the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie playing is about an invisible giant rabbit named Harvey that Jimmy Stewart’s character talks to.

*****SPOILER ALERT BELOW******

Does bea’s mom die.

Yes, Bea’s mother does die. However, nothing is shown on screen. There is a discussion when Bea’s dad is in the hospital and he says that he is not going to die.

Does Bea’s dad die?

No. Bea’s dad does not die. He “had a broken heart,” has some sort of heart surgery or procedure and recovers.

Who is the tribute to at the end of the movie?

The tribute was to the late Louis Gossett Jr. who voices Lewis the bear. This was one of his final roles before his death in March 2024.

Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!

Christian Homeschooling mom – 30 years and counting

Autism Mom & Disney enthusiast

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Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents: Several Websites that Give a Christian Take on Movies

There are several different options for the movie fan that is looking for Christian reviews of film. Arguably the most popular site is pluggedin a branch of Focus on the Family. Pluggedin reviews its films by giving a short synopsis and then diving deeper into the actual content of the film. Each review features separate sections for positive elements, spiritual content, sexual and violent content, language and drug content, and a conclusion summarizing the major themes of the film.

Pluggedin also features interviews with film makers and actors who are eager to share the spiritual side of their work. The site has almost everything the Christian movie review seeker would want like other vod service 123movies . Perhaps the only negative comment one could make on this website is it does not allow users to post discussion comments.

Many Christian Magazines Offer Their Own Movie Review Sites

Christianity Today also offers Christian perspective movie reviews on their website christianitytoday. The reviews are often multi paged and offered from a secular perspective. They do however feature Christian themed discussion questions related to the movie in question. Christianity Today also offers users the ability to post discussion comments and questions on the article.

Crosswalk is another resource for Christian movie reviews. The review its self is done in a secular perspective similar to christianitytoday. At the end of the review the movie is broken down into several categories such as drugs and alcohol, language and profanity, and violence. Crosswalk does offer the user the ability to post comments and feedback, as well as the ability to rate the article on a five star system.

Another famous Christian movie review site is Christianawnsers.net. This website begins each movie review with its own moral rating system. Christianawnsers.net will give the actual film rating and then give its own rating based on a moral scale the creators of this website invented. The morality rating of the website is a five point scale ranging from “excellent” to “offensive”. The film Avatar for example has an actual rating of PG-13, yet on christianawnsers.net it receives a moral rating of “offensive”. The website creates this rating system by taking into account the number of times the movie portrays certain morally objectionable elements.

Christianawnsers also features a unique system for posting comments and suggestions. The user first selects either the positive, neutral, or negative column to post their comment in. This allows other readers to have the ability to quickly scan the posted comments and measure how many people are posting positively or negatively in relation to the film.

Several Secular Sites Also Offer Christian Reviews

Finally there’s movieguide.org. This website features movie reviews with a content rating scale. The content of each film is given either a positive or negative number depending on the factors within the film. For example Disney’s A Christmas Carol get’s a plus one on movieguide.org while the new film Up In The Air is given a negative three.

These five sites represent the five major Christian movie review websites. Many others do exist all with different rating scales and different methods for achieving the ratings they post. Parents should be advised that several Christian movie review web sites do post spoilers intentionally. This is done to give parents a better idea of what they’re getting into before they leave for the theatre.

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Inside Out 2 (Christian Movie Review)

A triumphant return to form, Inside Out 2 is Pixar’s best film in years. 

About the Film  

The original Inside Out film (2015) likely makes many people’s short list of favorite Pixar films. The inventive tale was a triumph that showcased the animation studio at the top of its game. Unfortunately, it also marked a high point that has seldom been reached since. A recent string of mediocre-to-bad films— Luca, Turning Red, Lightyear , and Elemental —has led many people to wonder if Pixar has lost its golden touch. Sequels often reek of studio desperation, but revisiting one of its most beloved stories may be exactly what the doctor ordered (and not just because Pixar’s chief creative officer is named Pete Docter). A triumphant return to form, Inside Out 2 is Pixar’s best film in years.  

Inside Out resonated with viewers not only because of its fun and vibrant story but also because it provided a rich and enlightening framework for understanding our emotions. Inside Out 2 takes a similarly insightful approach, but it keeps things fresh by exploring a later stage in young Riley’s development. When a flashing red light announces that “puberty” has arrived, the personified emotions of the first film—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust—are unexpectedly greeted by newcomers such as Anxiety, Embarrassment, and Envy. Suddenly, Riley’s head becomes a chaotic and turbulent place as she struggles to process the confusing experience of being a teenager. If the original film focused on navigating our base-level emotions, the sequel shows how we mature and form the beliefs that ultimately comprise our sense of self.   

If that sounds more like Psychology 101 than a form of family entertainment, take heart that the delightful film is brimming with effective humor and amusing worldbuilding. While some of the themes and specific circumstances may target a slightly older demographic, the film doesn’t leave younger viewers behind. My own nine-year-old twin boys loved the film, even if they resonated with different moments than I did as an adult. While younger viewers may not relate to the need for deodorant or the whiplash of hormonal mood swings, they can nevertheless understand Riley’s more universal struggles surrounding loyalty to her friends and developing a healthy self-esteem.   

The concept of personified emotions may not be the novelty it was in 2015, but the filmmakers keep things fresh by expanding the worldbuilding in fun and interesting ways. For example, the characters float down the “stream of consciousness,” a river filled with items representing whatever is currently on Riley’s mind. Later, they must cross “Sar-chasm,” a pit that amusingly lends a sarcastic tone to every spoken word. In other scenes, the characters are literally “bottled up” as “suppressed emotions” and get caught in a “brain storm,” as “idea lightbulbs” pelt down on them like raindrops. The concept may not be new, but the worldbuilding remains as clever and playful as ever.   

Many parents’ relationship with Pixar has been tested not only because of a drop in quality but also because of the studio’s tendency to emphasize unwanted themes or messages. Thankfully, Inside Out 2 is clean and wholesome, a refreshing change of pace from the ideological minefield children’s entertainment has increasingly become. There are several opportunities for the film to travel down some of those undesirable roads, but it restrains itself—and the film is better as a result.   

For example, while much of the movie is about developing a sense of self, the role of sexuality is not given prime importance. With a cast of human characters comprised almost exclusively of teenage girls going through puberty, Christian parents may find themselves holding their breath and waiting for the inevitable LGBTQ subtext, but the film doesn’t go there. Yes, Riley’s personified emotions journey to Mount “Crushmore” (which represents her juvenile crushes on real and fictional boys). But as a thirteen-year-old girl, her sexuality is not emphasized as a defining component of her sense of self. Instead, the film leans into deeper, more fundamental values, such as her convictions that “I’m a good person” or “I’m a good friend.”    

Fun, wholesome, and thematically rich, Inside Out 2 offers an important reminder that people are complex, and life is messy. In fact, while writing this review, one of my children dashed by my home office in tears over a trivial conflict with his brother. Instead of reacting with annoyance, I found myself thinking, “There’s a lot going on inside that head right now.” That’s the power of the Inside Out movies. Yes, they’re colorful and entertaining. But on a deeper level, they provide a lens through which we can see and understand ourselves and each other more clearly.    

For Consideration

Language : No profanities, although there are several uses of words such as “heck” or “oh my goodness.” One character also unleashes a nonsensical string of words that functions as a sort of profane tirade, although none of the words themselves are problematic.   

Violence: None.  

Sexuality : In a changing room, several girls are seen wearing modest sports bras. Much of the film takes place at an all-girl hockey camp. I didn’t notice anything suggesting a romantic relationship between any of the female players. If there are any subtle “wink and nod” allusions, young viewers are unlikely to notice them.    

Engage The Film

Beliefs and self            .

Inside Out 2 focuses on the formation of beliefs and values. It doesn’t expand its commentary to include religious or spiritual matters, but it showcases how our fundamental beliefs take root and how pivotal these beliefs are in understanding ourselves.  

In the movie, the personified emotions take Riley’s important memories down an elevator shaft to the deepest part of her, planting them and allowing them to take root and grow. It is a potent visual for how our sense of self is not merely the product of abstract ideas or “head knowledge.” It is shaped by our memories and experiences at a deeper “heart” level. The Bible cautions, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).  

The film is a timely reminder that as we interact with people, we are dealing with a myriad of deeply rooted influences (if that interests you, I encourage you to check out my new book on that topic, Straight to the Heart: Communicating the Gospel in an Emotionally Driven Culture ) . 

Empathy            

Arguably the most immediate lesson of both Inside Out films is that people are complex, and life is confusing. As a result, we should all strive to show grace and patience rather than frustration and judgment. Actions have consequences, as Inside Out 2 makes clear. But Christians should be slow to assign nefarious motives or hasty character assessments, understanding that there is always more taking place on the inside than we can see. An effective way the film highlights this truth is by having the audience leave Riley’s head to check in on the various emotions working behind the scenes in the minds of her friends and family. In a culture increasingly characterized by emotional excess and division, Inside Out 2 reminds us to show empathy and grace. The Bible urges us, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). 

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by Jeanniekay Zinda

Thanks so much for the thorough review. I have been searching for a Christian entertainment review site and stumbled across yours. Just what I was looking for! Our family is thankfully looking forward to the movie.

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Inside Out 2

Reviewed by: Aiden Sexton CONTRIBUTOR

Girl’s 13th birthday

Coming-of-age

Puberty horomone issues

Controlling one’s strong pubescent emotions — fear, sadness, disgust, anger, anxiety, envy

“Ennui” —a French word that combines the feeling of tiredness and boredom

But the fruit of the Spirit is love , joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness , faithfulness , gentleness , self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Gal. 5:22-23

Overcoming FEAR, Anxiety and Worry —What does the Bible say? Answer

“Big changes. New emotions.”

Prequel: “ Inside Out ” (2015)

I n the last thirty years, an abundance of animated movies have been released. A lot of them have been great, others disappointing.

Among the pool of good animated movies, there is at least one for every occasion ( Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ). There are ones I go to for a good laugh (“ Kung Fu Panda ” 2008) or a good cry (“ Up ” 2009). Others I watch for a light-hearted thrill-ride about courage, bravery, and friendship bonds (“ How To Train Your Dragon ” 2010), or else a devastating, heart-rending look on the horrors of war and the preciousness of familial bonds (“ Grave of the Fireflies ” 1988).

I loved the original “ Inside Out ” since I first saw it in theaters in 2015, and I have continued to love it after multiple rewatches. Those who have seen the movie know that it was practically begging for a sequel. Whereas most of us can name a handful of sequels that did not at all match up to their predecessor, I feel like that tends to be the case because a lot of those movies did not necessarily warrant a sequel (#TheMatrix). “Inside Out” most certainly did, however, and as a result I knew that if the sequel ended up being bad, it would have no excuse to be.

I’m happy to say that “Inside Out 2,” the nine-year-wait sequel to the original (which from now on I will refer to as “IO2” and “IO,” respectively), well deserves to be placed in the category of “great” animated movies, and is easily the best Pixar film (or possibly animated film!) since the original “IO.” I was delighted by the overall quality, as well as the minimal amount of concerning content (both of which I’ll cover later in detail).

Aside from this, “IO2” inhabits a unique and niche category for a specific viewing experience. That experience may as well be called “A Neurological Exploration of Puberty.” Not only does “IO2” do this extremely well (just as the first film dealt with the psychological issues that commonly develop in the early double digits), it does it in an entertaining and creative way that feels relatable, personal, and surprisingly real. Again, I’ll add to this later.

The plot of “IO2” is simple and easy to follow. Riley Anderson is now a teenager, and consequently has an extra load of psychological issues on her plate. The first scene features Riley playing in the last hockey game of the season with her fellow “Foghorns.” A high school teacher invites Riley and two of her friends to a three-day hockey summer camp where she will participate in tryouts for the “Firehawks” hockey team, as well as make new friends.

Just as she arrives to this camp, Riley’s head is bombarded with several new emotions. These include Anxiety , Envy , Embarrassment, and Ennui (a.k.a., boredom), as well as another one that I won’t give away. There arises a conflict between the original five emotions and the new ones, so that Anxiety (essentially the ring leader of the new emotions) decides to do away with Joy, Sadness, Anger , Fear, and Disgust because they’re no longer needed. Anxiety heads up operation “new Riley” by bottling the five emotions up and causing Riley to operate under new values that contradict the good ones put in by Joy. It’s up to the original quintet of emotions to find their way back to headquarters and stop Anxiety’s plan before too much goes wrong.

The story is very fast paced. It never once drags, but I never felt like I was being left in the dust, either. I understood what was going on every step of the way, and I’m sure smaller children can do the same easily. Even if they are not tracking with the plot (let alone with all the puberty talk), there is still much by way of subplots and visual imagery to be entertained by.

One thing to point out is that Riley is a much more prominent character in “IO2” than in the original. She has much more screen time here, and hence we are constantly cutting back and forth between her narrative and the conflict going on in her head. I think they managed to do this very well and in a way that is not confusing.

One of the things I was wondering about was if “IO2” would suffer from a classic case of “sequelitis.” I’m happy to say that this is not the case. Sure, the original did it first, and the same basic formula is used in “IO.” Even so, “IO2” works quite well because of how much more there is to tell.

Both of the movies have to do with change. In the original, the change is external. Riley and her family are forced to move from Minnesota to San Francisco, and she has to cope with that in her head. In “IO2,” the change she’s dealing with is internal, based on the psychological alterations that occur in everyone around that age. So, while this movie definitely borrows some things from the original, all the concepts here are still fresh and presented in a way that doesn’t feel cheap or mimicky.

I’ll start with the obvious. Like all the Pixar movies that have preceded it, “Inside Out 2” looks and sounds incredible. The animation is visually captivating and immersive, bursting with colors and shapes consistent with a typical fantastical Pixar landscape. While “IO2” was made 9 years after the original movie (almost to the day!), the visual feel and style of the sequel is very similar to the original, making it feel like it could have been made only two years after “IO,” which is the length of time that passed chronologically between the stories. The sound design is also well done.

“IO2” as a whole did an excellent job of drawing me in. From the first moment I was immediately on board with the characters, and what all their motives are. Even Anxiety, the clear antagonist of the film, has a motive that you can understand, even though you know she’s not doing the right thing. I really cared about what was going to happen, and there were times where I genuinely didn’t know what the next move should be. There were a few shocking left turns that made me say “oh no” out loud in the theater.

The dialog was also consistently on point. I regularly laughed and chuckled at all the right times. The interaction between all the characters is fun to watch, and feels very organic.

And, not to give anything away, but the ending is emotional and cathartic in a way that I didn’t expect, and it’s all the better for it.

A question that I had long before the movie was released is a question that most Christians who were fans of the first film had: “Is it going to be woke?” My head was practically swimming with ideas of Gay nods that could have taken place within the story. I’ll be honest, I literally had a page in my notebook for this review titled “LGBTQ+” so that I could write any relevant information down.

I’m delighted to report that I never had to write anything on that page, because to my knowledge there is nothing in this movie that would even hint at some sort of queer sexuality within Riley.

For starters, it’s clear throughout the movie that Riley is attracted to boys. Multiple times throughout it’s shown that she has a crush on at least four specific male characters (one of them is a videogame character, but still). Also, if you’ve seen “Riley’s First Date?,” a 5-minute short film that came out in 2015, she goes on a “date” with a boy. These details unequivocally establish Riley as a heterosexual.

One thing to say is that throughout most of the movie she is constantly trying to win the favor of girls at the camp, specifically one girl named Val. But nothing about her interactions with Val or any other girl are even remotely queer. At no point do the filmmakers indicate that she wants a queer type of relationship with girls. Rather, she’s (awkwardly) trying to fit in and make friends while her emotions (dialed up to nine, literally) are running amok in her head. Anyone who was or is her age knows what it was like to go through this awkward phase as a teenager, and therefore it makes perfect sense for a straight teenage girl to act this way.

I never saw anything that carried any woke baggage (e.g., no two moms sitting together, no Pride rainbow, no pronoun issues) . While I’m not perfect, and therefore want to hold the possibility at hand that I missed some tiny detail that may have contained something questionable, I did not notice anything. At one point Riley wears a multi-colored sweater (the same one she wears in the original), but the colors most likely represent her emotions rather than a Pride flag. Some wondered if Riley’s “Deep Dark Secret” was the fact that she was queer, but the end credits prove otherwise.

The Mixed Elements

This section contains things that aren’t necessarily good or bad. They’re just important to know going in.

The most obvious thing I can put here is that, while this is technically a movie for all ages, it’s targeted more toward teenagers going through adolescence, as well as for people who have gone through that phase of life and can relate to all the change inherent to that period. That said, while anyone can watch it and enjoy it, there are many themes in the movie that smaller children may not understand.

Here’s another thing on that same note. For lack of better words, a lot of “IO2” has a very “teenagesque” feel to it. A lot of the interactions between Riley and the “died-hair girls” feels angsty and juvenile. This makes perfect sense within the movie, though, as Riley is going through puberty and her emotions are working through these social and relational issues while she’s trying to make friends. Again, this is not a negative thing at all, but it’s something that smaller children may not be able to relate to or understand.

On a different note, I did find it slightly curious that at times some of the emotions are quite literally acting out of character. At times Joy gets angry or sad, Disgust gets fearful, and Anger gets empathetic—adding conflict to the dialog. Perhaps this can be explained by saying that they’re only able to control Riley to emote according to their title, while they as characters are not bound by that. I wouldn’t say it’s a plot hole; it’s really just a thought.

As you’ve probably been able to guess, I love this movie, so the bad things when it comes to IO2’s quality are pretty much nitpicks. The average viewer will probably not be bothered by them.

While the story is mostly well paced, I think it may have been a little fast for me at times, especially near the end. The way everything wraps up feels like it could have been slightly less rushed. The “dark night of the soul” moment of “IO2” is a little short (unlike the original movie, which I think was written and executed to perfection), and I wish they had let that part last a little bit longer. And, considering that the runtime is 96 minutes, I think they could have easily done this without overstaying their welcome.

Also, I think that a couple of the emotions (nine regularly show up in the movie!) seem a little bit off to the side for most of it. I didn’t dislike any of the emotions, but there are times when I wonder if some of them are necessary, as they do not play a big part in the plot. On the other hand, there’s an argument to be made that the movie would have felt more bare without them.

Content of Concern

Thankfully the bad content in “IO2” is very minimal. I’ll do my best to avoid revealing crucial plot points here.

VIOLENCE: Light to mild. There are a few instances of mild peril. Some scenes are a bit suspenseful. A monster called “Dark Secret” appears for a couple of minutes, and he could be frightening to some children. The overall tone of “IO2” is a bit tense, but not in an overwhelming way. There’s also a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of a girl throwing up. Overall, I think the violence is lighter than what’s in the original.

LANGUAGE: Light. Just a few mild exclamations (“oh my goodness,” “oh my gosh” (3x), “what the heck,” “for crying out loud”). One instance of name-calling (“turkey”). I also heard one occurrence of “jiminy mother loving toaster strudel” (played, of course, for laughs). I noticed no one taking God’s name in vain, or anything else like that.

NUDITY: Mild. We see a couple inches of Riley’s midriff in the mirror (played for laughs as she realizes her old clothes are no longer fitting). Lance Slashblade, a male video game character, shows a small midriff as well. In a girl’s hockey locker room and in one other place we see a couple of girls in modest sports bras, as well as one putting on deodorant (very brief, and not revealing). One of Riley’s emotions says, “We will not change in front of [our teammates].” Another emotion reassures her that it’s not considered weird in this context. We don’t see anyone changing at any point. For a split second you can see a couple inches of Embarrassment’s crack (played for laughs).

SEX: Mild. It’s clear in Riley’s head that she likes boys. The section of “Imagination Land” called “Mount Crushmore” features four boys that Riley has or had a crush on at one point or another. One of these is a video game character called Lance Slashblade, who appears for a couple minutes in the middle of the movie. This crush is humorously shared by Disgust as a few moments show. All of this is tastefully done. Other than that, there is an easily missed moment where Riley’s Dad, upon dropping her off at the hockey camp, rhetorically asks Mom if she has any “weekend plans.” She replies by listing some boring chores.

DRUGS/ALCOHOL: None. The closest we get to this is the occasional appearance of an energy drink. At one point one of the emotions drinks six of them in one go. I did not notice any drugs, alcohol, or smoking.

OCCULT: Light. A girl on Riley’s team wears a Hijab, meaning she’s a Muslim. Nothing is said about it.

WOKEISM: None! My little brother and I watched this movie like hawks for any hint of LGBTQ+ references or woke elements, and we did not see anything.

OTHER: In a couple scenes, Riley falls prey to some common side effects that come with puberty. This includes moodiness and strong body odor, both of which are pointed out by her mom (and for laughs).

Positive Moral Elements

The most obvious thing to talk about here is the conflict between the two opposing ideologies in this film that essentially drive the plot. Up until the other emotions show up, Riley is being controlled by Joy, whose philosophy is to do the right thing by being kind and faithful. In headquarters, there’s an object that represents Riley’s “Sense of Self,” and emanating out of it you can hear the words, “I’m a good person.” Riley also has a “Belief System,” holding many beliefs that make her who she is. Some of these include, “Mom and dad are proud of me,” “I’m kind” and “I’m a really good friend.” These are all good beliefs and ideas, and the movie presents them as such.

Anxiety, the emotion that kicks everyone out and takes command of Riley’s head, operates under a very different philosophy that goes, “If I’m a Firehawk, I won’t be alone.” The object that represents this philosophy has the words, “I’m not good enough” emanating from it. Anxiety plants many other negative thoughts in Riley’s “Belief System” that have similar rings to them. It’s the headbutting of these two ideologies that provides the plot impetus of the film.

When Joy holds sway in her head, Riley is constantly motivated by good values consistent with Scripture. When a classmate of hers named Grace (coincidence?) drops a jar of pennies for show and tell, Riley decides to come and help her pick them up while kindly introducing herself to her. This echos Biblical themes that tell us how we ought to value our neighbor.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit , but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:3-4

What does the Bible say about HUMILITY ?

For a follower of Christ, what is LOVE —a feeling, an emotion, or an action?

Another one of Riley’s core beliefs has to do with keeping her word to others, and another one is asking forgiveness. These go hand in hand throughout the narrative, and both of them are regularly on display.

“ Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” — Proverbs 12:22

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy .” — Proverbs 28:13

In contrast, Anxiety has the upperhand pretty much anytime Riley does anything bad. There are times where Riley breaks promises to her old friends, and at one time she steals an important object from someone she knows. This is clearly painted as wrong in the movie, both to the viewer and to Riley after she realizes the weight of the wrong things she has done.

What is SIN AND WICKEDNESS? Is it just “bad people” that are sinners, or are YOU a sinner? Answer

Are you good enough to get to Heaven? Answer

How good is good enough? Answer

“IO2” does a great job of showing what the logical and personal outcomes of each of these philosophies are. There are multiple times where Riley is faced with the choice of playing on a different team than the one her best friends are on, even though she promised them that she would play with them. There is also another time where her concern for getting enough points in hockey begins to trump her concern for her friends. This contrast is powerful because it’s important to showcase these different ideologies in a way that glorifies the one and discourages the other.

*** MAJOR SPOILER *** In one of the most powerful scenes, the five original emotions arrive back at headquarters to find Anxiety zooming dangerously around the control panel, causing Riley to have a panic attack. Note: I’ve personally never had one, but the woman sitting behind me in the theater afterward told me that she had, and the movie’s portrayal is exactly what it’s like. Joy finds her way into the tornado next to Anxiety, and whispers to her, “You have to let Riley go.” Joy also says that what Anxiety is doing will not help Riley at all; in fact, it’s just hurting her. Eventually, Joy manages to pull Anxiety loose from the control panel and plug in Riley’s “Sense of Self.” The Bible explicitly commands us to not be anxious in several places (Philippians 4:6-7), which is clearly what Joy is pushing for here. *** END MAJOR SPOILER ***

• ANXIETY, FEAR AND WORRY —What does the Bible say? Answer

Now let’s talk about IO2’s treatment and exploration of puberty and adolescence. Here I think is where the movie is most brilliant, and it’s one of the few areas where I think “IO2” definitely improves upon the original film. What “IO2” does so well is it essentially uses Riley’s head as an allegory for what goes on inside a typical teenager’s head amidst all the changes that happen during this time of maturity, and it does so in a way that makes sense.

Here are a few examples, without giving too much away. Riley has islands in her head that correspond to certain values that she holds, such as “Friendship Island” and “Family Island,” among others. These islands connect and lead down to where her “Belief System” begins to form. They’re at the bottom of everything, which suggests that this is the bedrock of her very psyche. This was not there before, but it appeared once she hit puberty. This makes sense, because it is that time of life that most kids begin to think seriously about and determine the key values that they will hold on to for the rest of their lives.

Similarly, it makes sense whenever the new emotions show up because your feelings about yourself and other people become much more complex when you hit puberty, which necessarily calls for other emotions that can give voice to those feelings. It also makes perfect sense for Anxiety to “override” all other emotions in this context. After all, Anxiety “plans for the worst,” which is what the mind tends to do in Riley’s situation, meeting new people and having a rapidly changing psyche. Even though she means well, she ends up influencing Riley for the worse.

In one of the most tear-jerking lines in all of Pixar, Joy says, “I don’t know how to stop Anxiety. Maybe this is what happens when you grow up. You feel less joy.” This is, again, something that many people are able to relate to. Growing older often means taking on more cares and responsibilities, which often means that anxiety will take the wheel instead of true joy.

“For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” — Ecclesiastes 1:18

There were also several changes made to “Imagination Land” that are consistent with puberty, much to the surprise of the emotions. Just to name a few, there is the “Parade of Future Careers” (a parade with a plethora of vocations to choose from), the “Rumor Mill” (a gossip hub), and “Mount Crushmore” (a humorous addition that shows how puberty often sparks interest in the opposite sex). There are several more changes like this that I really enjoyed seeing.

One of the later lines of “IO2” may as well be the message of it, where Joy says, “Every bit of Riley makes her who she is. And we love all of our girl. Every messy, beautiful piece of her.” For some going through puberty, it may feel frustrating to have to deal with certain emotions that we feel, or to know how to react in any given moment. But Joy reminds us that these hardships are to be expected during puberty, and it doesn’t make it any better to hate on yourself for the frustrating things that you do. There’s even a sign at one point in the movie that says, “Pardon Our Dust; Puberty Is Messy.” It can be helpful having these kinds of expectations going into the teen years.

Many things like this in “IO2” give parents a great stepping stone for talking to their children about these issues in a way that I think can be genuinely helpful. There are some honest and realistic explanations in “IO2” that help explain why teenagers tend to act a certain way. This is without a doubt a movie that parents and teenagers should watch together, and there are many possible conversations that could be started between them about these issues.

Negative Moral Elements

This section will be short, but there are some things to talk about here.

Early on in the movie, Riley is disrespectful towards her parents. For example, on a particularly rough morning, she says “Oh my gosh, mom, just go away!” As Riley’s parents drop her off at camp, she gets very frustrated at them as they make sure she has everything she needs. While quite a bit of interaction between her and her parents is positive, she never apologizes for doing things like this against her parents.

While I’m not defending Riley’s actions in this regard, it’s important to remember all these disrespectful moments within the context of Riley’s rapidly changing psyche from tweenie to teen. Near the beginning of “IO2” Riley’s emotional headquarters are torn down partially so that they can be rebuilt, but they have to stop in the middle because Riley wakes up. Because of this, the emotions have to control Riley’s actions with a broken dashboard, which results in all these disrespectful interactions. Additionally, the movie never condones Riley’s disrespectful behavior. On the contrary, the core tenets of Riley’s “Belief System” (“I’m a good friend;” “I’m a kind person”) directly contradict these actions that she’s temporarily indulging in.

The reason I include this in the negative is because it can be confusing for younger viewers who are not aware of the context behind her actions. It may be helpful to explain these to them.

Final Thoughts

Overall, “IO2” is a movie that I absolutely loved. It delivered in every way that I wanted it to, and in ways I didn’t even expect. The animation, story, dialog and character interaction really brings you into the movie. It feels suspenseful, emotional, and fun in all the right ways.

But easily my favorite part of this movie is the fact that it is a “conversation starter factory.” There are so many themes in “IO2” (many of which I have not listed here) that are wonderful launch pads for certain conversations between Christian parents and their children (specifically teens , but also smaller children).

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone, as I think it’s one of the few animated movies that have been made that is truly for everyone (2009’s “ Fantastic Mr. Fox ” being another). Thankfully, the surprising lack of offensive content makes “IO2” a movie that most parents will be fine with their kids watching, and will likely enjoy themselves.

“IO2,” similarly to the original, does one of the best things a movie can do for a person: it helps people understand themselves better. Puberty can be a confusing and frustrating transition time for most people, and movies like this can offer certain explanations (fantastically, of course) for why certain things happen in the psyche the way they do. In my opinion, that’s the thing that makes “IO2” shine the most.

• Violence: Mild
• Nudity: Mild
• Vulgar/Crude language: Minor
• Occult: Minor
• Profane language: None
• Drugs/Alcohol: None
• Wokeism: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers .

PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.

• Millennials

Should You Take Your Kids to See “Inside Out 2”?: A Christian Mom’s Review

As a Christian mom, I’m always on the lookout for family-friendly movies that align with our values and provide wholesome entertainment. The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Pixar film, “Inside Out 2,” recently hit theaters, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the original while being suitable for my kids. Here’s my take on the film, including its appropriateness for different age groups and whether it aligns with Christian family values .

“Inside Out 2” continues the story of Riley, now a teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence. The film dives deeper into the emotional headquarters in Riley’s mind, introducing new emotions, including Anxiety, Ennui, Embarrassment and Envy. The animated film also explores the challenges that come with growing up. As Riley faces new experiences, her emotions must work together to help her manage the ups and downs of teenage life.

Appropriateness for Different Ages

The film is rated PG, and after watching it, I would say it’s suitable for children aged 7 and up. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect for various age groups:

• Ages 7-9: Younger children will enjoy the colorful animation, humorous moments, and the personification of emotions. However, some of the themes around adolescence may be a bit complex for this age group to fully grasp.
• Ages 10-13: Pre-teens are likely to relate more closely to Riley’s experiences and the emotional rollercoaster of growing up. The movie provides a great platform for discussing emotions and mental health with kids in this age group.
• Ages 14 and up: Teenagers will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of teenage life and the more sophisticated humor. They might also find the film’s deeper themes resonant and thought-provoking.

Common Sense Media approved the film for kids ages 6 and up based on reviews from parents and kids across the internet.

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Plugged in reviews: new ‘jesus’ film in american sign language, plus ‘thelma’ and ‘the bikeriders’.

“Jesus” retells the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ — all in American Sign Language. “Thelma” has good actors and some winning ideas, but it lacks a bit of grandmother’s common sense. “The Bikeriders” can feel a teensy bit like ‘West Side Story,’ but with a lot less dancing and a lot more swearing.

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Read on to get Plugged In on what’s beyond the movie titles and trailers for faith-filled and family-first reviews from Focus on the Family’s Plugged In .

Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film – In Theaters

“Jesus” provides a unique depiction of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ — one that will hopefully take the gospel to many Deaf people for the first time.

The creation of the film didn’t come without its challenges. When translating the gospels into American Sign Language, Deaf director Joseph Josselyn had to find unique ways to express the same timeless truths found in the Bible — not only in ways that continue to align with Scripture but also in ways that carry the same emotional weight.

Be sure to listen in to The Plugged In Show , a weekly podcast with lighthearted reviews for parents and conversations about entertainment, pop culture and technology: 

And that weight is shouldered by Josselyn’s Deaf cast, who effectively translate the gospel accounts’ most emotional moments not only with their hands but also with their facial expressions. And if I, someone who isn’t a part of Deaf community, can feel the weight of the emotional undertones in Jesus, I can only imagine the impact it can have on someone who is.

And that impact is the point of the movie’s creation.

“Deaf people, including myself, often watch movies where the actors are speaking and we have to rely on the captions,” Josselyn signed in a YouTube video about the project. “Because of this, we don’t have that same connection with the film that a hearing person would. If the deaf community sees a film that’s done entirely in sign language, they’re captivated, regardless of the topic of the film.”

And when that topic is Jesus, in our eyes, it’s all the better.

[“Jesus” is out in select movie theaters June 20 and 23, 2024.]

Read the rest of the review here . Watch the trailer here .

Thelma – In Theaters

Actress June Squibb has been gracing stage and screen for a good long time. And now she gets her first lead role in a film at the young age of 94. Squibb hits her marks and cues with the seamless poise of a pro and delivers her punchlines with aplomb, but her film … isn’t always so graceful.

Don’t get me wrong, “Thelma” has some very nice, and at times tender, thoughts to share about family, the elderly, and the inevitable changes that come with age. But frankly, the whole doesn’t equal the parts.

Writer/director Josh Margolin attempts to make his protagonist’s get-the-scammers quest into something, uh, cute . But it becomes a silly fantasy adventure pic that tends to clash with June Squibb’s and Richard Roundtree’s earnest characterizations. And then when you lacquer everything with a coating of completely unnecessary crude language (including three f-bombs in a PG-13 movie!) the whole thing feels a bit out of sync.

Maybe it just needed more grandmotherly good sense.

It’s too bad, too. This could have been a film that family audiences would enjoy and mull over instead of one they’ll likely, and wisely avoid.

The Bikeriders – In Theaters

The Vandals gang was built on a number of things: chrome and leather and loyalty and such. But it was built on something else, too: paradox .

The Vandals’ members were loners who formed a tight, near-unbreakable family. Kathy notes that they despised any law or rule — until they formed the club. Then they wrote up plenty of rules for themselves, and they increasingly adhered to those rules with the passion of a pharisee. The Vandals loved their freedom. And yet, within the bonds of the gang, many ultimately found themselves virtual prisoners — unable to shake free of its constricting culture, unable to change its trajectory.

Maybe there’s a spiritual lesson in there: When we, in our very human ways, seek freedom outside of Christ, we find ourselves imprisoned by our own human desires and failures. When we submit to Him, we — again paradoxically — find ourselves free.

But “The Bikeriders” doesn’t really go there, so we’ll leave it at that and focus on the movie itself — a movie that can feel a teensy bit like “West Side Story,” but with a lot less dancing and a lot more swearing.

And language isn’t the film’s only problem. The violence can be extreme and is, at times, unremitting. The way women are treated here is often abysmal. And if you’re looking for a film that lauds law-abiding citizens … well, this ain’t it.

“The Bikeriders” takes us into a culture with which few of us are likely personally familiar. But the film doesn’t seem to have much more reason for being than simply that: There are no broader themes in play, nothing to think about afterward.

It is, perhaps, like a ride on the open road on your Harley or Indian in a driving snowstorm. Sure, the trip theoretically has its pleasures. But in reality, it’s kind of a slog.

Plugged In is a Focus on the Family publication designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live. Through our reviews, articles and discussions, we hope to spark intellectual thought, spiritual growth and a desire to follow the command of Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

Reviews written by Paul Asay , Bob Hoose and Kennedy Unthank .

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission .

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Kevin costner reveals how faith shaped narrative of 'horizon,' says 'church has always been part of my life'.

While creating "Horizon: An American Saga," a sweeping Western epic exploring America's frontier history, director Kevin Costner was keenly aware that he couldn't depict the settlers' stories without highlighting the crucial role faith played in their often-tumultuous journeys.

​​”Faith is what guided people out there to the unknown,” the 69-year-old Oscar-winning actor and director told The Christian Post . “They just leaned on it. There was this promise, but the promise was not enough. You had to go on faith. And people brought the religion with them west.”

“I grew up a Baptist and church has always been a part of my life, my grandmother, the whole thing, so I don't mind it bleeding into a movie,” the actor said. “I don't force it in. But when I think about why people went west, when they said goodbye to people back east, they never saw them again, there was some kind of trust that people needed to lean on, because they were often times in situations where they didn't even know what they were doing. They were out of control, they needed faith.”

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Costner, a veteran of the genre, stars in “Horizon” alongside Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington and Luke Wilson, and also directed, produced and co-wrote the three-hour film, the first of a four-part series. The first installment debuts in theaters on June 28 and "Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2" will be released six weeks later, on August 12, while the third is expected to be released in 2025.

Filmed in Moab, Utah, and set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, “Horizon” captures the intense emotional landscape of a nation divided, viewed through the interconnected lives of families, friends and adversaries striving to define what it means to be the United States of America.

It’s a passion project for Costner, who has been working on the franchise since the ‘80s and even invested $38 million of his own money into it. The actor told CP that the prolonged creation process required a steadfast belief that the film would come to fruition in its own time.

“I've had hands over me, for sure, in my life, and I'm like anybody, I try to force it,” the “Yellowstone” actor said. “I try to force things through force of will, and I've been able to do that a lot in my life. But I've also found that things come in their own time. I think that's how my career's gone, to be honest. Everything in its own time, I didn't burst onto the scene as a teenager. It took me a while. So, I trust my journey.”

Rated R for violence, nudity and sexuality — and not a faith-based project — “Horizon” doesn’t shy away from portraying the violence and struggles of the Old West and the settler’s often-bloody relationship with Native Americans. There is no shortage of blood and gore in the film.

Despite this, Costner stressed the profound influence faith and family had on the narrative.

Scripture verses are subtly infused throughout the film, often quoted by characters in times of trial. In one scene, a settler quotes Psalm 23:5 - “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

“I wanted [Scripture to] obviously relate to the situation,” Costner said.

The film also highlights the nobility and strength found within families and the vital role they play in creating a thriving society. Costner, a father of seven, told CP the theme is close to his heart; his youngest son, Hayes, 15, appears in his father's film as Nathaniel Kittredge.

“Anybody can make a movie about a gunfight, and I'm going to get you to those gunfights, and those gunfights are going to be terrifying, and they're going to be loud,” he said. “But I think just a woman trying to bathe because she feels so dirty, or a mother and daughter who realize that some hell is going on above them and the only way they're going to survive is if they share breath, I feel the closeness. I feel like that really has an important part in Westerns.”

Rooted in the belief that “violence and humanity can go together,” Costner said he hopes that audiences, despite the film’s R rating, will feel compelled to share the story with younger generations.

“I think a lot of people are going to say, ‘I'm going to bring my son and daughter because they need to understand what their great-great-grandmothers and grandfathers went through,’” he said.

“This does have violence, but it also has a nobility, a sense of why family is important. When she says goodbye to her son, she has the faith that she will be with him again. Violence and humanity can go together. That's my hope that while it's an R, a lot of people will say, ‘I feel like my daughter should see this.’”

Costner, who won two Oscars for his 1990 frontier saga "Dances With Wolves” and a Golden Globe for his role as John Dutton in the long-running TV series "Yellowstone,” said that through “Horizon,” he hopes to contribute to the legacy of American Westerns and offer a nuanced understanding of America’s historical narrative.

“I hope that it stands on its own. I'm not looking to reinvent the West or set the record straight,” he said, adding that the film tries to acknowledge the harsh realities and cultural clashes of the era while celebrating the resourcefulness and courage of those who ventured west.

“This was hard fought for,” he said. “The resourcefulness it took for the people that came out, not even being necessarily equipped to be in the West, is something that I admire. But I also understand the great clash that happened between cultures and what we lost. There were people that were displaced. So I don't ignore any of it. I just go after it. I hope I land on the side of behavior and authenticity.” 

Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]

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Despicable Me 4

Short takes

Not suitable under 7; parental guidance to 9 (violence, scary scenes, themes)

This topic contains:

• overall comments and recommendations
• details of classification and consumer advice lines for Despicable Me 4
• a review of Despicable Me 4 completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 25 June 2024 .

Overall comments and recommendations

About the movie

This section contains details about the movie, including its classification by the Australian Government Classification Board and the associated consumer advice lines. Other classification advice (OC) is provided where the Australian film classification is not available.

ACCM review

This review of the movie contains the following information:

• a synopsis of the story
• use of violence
• material that may scare or disturb children
• product placement
• sexual references
• nudity and sexual activity
• use of substances
• coarse language
• the movie’s message

A synopsis of the story

As part of an ‘Anti-Villain League’ sting operation, Gru (voice of Steve Carell) attends his high school reunion to capture his old rival Maxime Le Mal (voice of Will Ferrell), as well as Maxime’s evil wife Valentina (voice of Sophia Vergara). Maxime does not go quietly and threatens Gru in the moments before he is hauled away. Gru is unnerved when he sees how vicious, vengeful and physically altered Maxime has become but, content that Maxime is finally locked up in a maximum-security prison, he returns to his family, which now includes his baby son Gru Junior. Within days of his return, Gru is alerted by the agency that Maxime has escaped and is coming for him and his family. Wasting no time, Gru and Lucy (voice of Kristen Wigg) take their children into hiding, assuming fake names and new identities, in a place where they hope never to be found. As the family struggles to assimilate into their new home, Gru is blackmailed by their new neighbour’s daughter Poppy (voice of Joey King), who discovers his identity and wants nothing more than to go into the same villainous high school that Gru once attended. Hatching a plan to steal the school mascot from the principal’s office, Poppy uses Gru’s expertise to help her achieve her objective but things don’t go quite according to plan, and the ill-fated adventure soon leads Maxime right to Gru’s doorstep with disastrous consequences for them all.

Themes info

Children and adolescents may react adversely at different ages to themes of crime, suicide, drug and alcohol dependence, death, serious illness, family breakdown, death or separation from a parent, animal distress or cruelty to animals, children as victims, natural disasters and racism. Occasionally reviews may also signal themes that some parents may simply wish to know about.

Revenge; Bullying; Blackmail; Good versus evil; Dishonesty; Genetic mutations.

Use of violence info

Research shows that children are at risk of learning that violence is an acceptable means of conflict resolution when violence is glamourised, performed by an attractive hero, successful, has few real life consequences, is set in a comic context and / or is mostly perpetrated by male characters with female victims, or by one race against another.

Repeated exposure to violent content can reinforce the message that violence is an acceptable means of conflict resolution. Repeated exposure also increases the risks that children will become desensitised to the use of violence in real life or develop an exaggerated view about the prevalence and likelihood of violence in their own world.

There is some violence in this movie, including:

• Gru shoots a goo-gun at Maxime, trying to freeze the man’s cockroach pincers in an immobilising goo ray.
• A character is punched in the face.
• The Anti-Villain League helps Gru secure Maxime with net guns and tasers, which they simultaneously shoot at him.
• Maxime tells Gru that he will exterminate him.
• Maxime briefly escapes and tries to attack Gru before he is subdued once again.
• Minions shoot spit-balls at a bus driver’s neck and later throw a cream pie in his face.
• Two minions repeatedly slap another minion on the bottom.
• A dog attacks a minion.
• A wall comes down and crashes onto four minions.
• Edith karate-chops a character, breaking his toe and knocking him backwards into a gong that crashes down on top of him.
• Acid begins to burn through the scalp of a character who soon finds herself with a huge bald patch.
• A huge robotic cockroach blasts through the sidewalk and up the side of a building, damaging everything it encounters.
• Gru accidentally drives his car onto the sidewalk and into construction workers.
• A couple of minions drop soda cans on another minion’s head while he sits inside a vending machine. They then shake up a can and drop it into the machine where it explodes, knocking the minion into the glass.
• A minion is slapped into a wall.
• A minion uses his laser eye to blast through a cup of coffee, through a building, through the Earth, and through an igloo on the other side of the world.
• A ninja star hits Gru in the head.
• Maxime grabs a petrol station attendant and throws him into a row of shelves before shooting him with a cockroach gun.
• A character chases Lucy through a supermarket as Lucy tries to out manoeuvre her so as not to worry the girls. Items and displays are knocked over and groceries and utensils are thrown in the chase.
• A man’s bag is stolen and another character is hit in the face by a piece of metal pipe.
• A minion lasers a woman’s hair, chopping it off. He then accidentally lasers part of a cat’s tail and an umbrella stand at an outdoor cafe.
• A train ricochets backwards off the tracks and into a building.
• A mega minion eats a bomb that explodes in his mouth.
• Characters throw vegetables, coffee and signs at the mega minions.
• A honey badger attacks Gru.
• Gru accidentally stabs himself in the bottom with a tranquiliser dart.
• A character chases Gru in her souped-up wheelchair, with monster wheels that tear up the floor. She plummets off a second-floor landing and smashes into a portrait on the opposite wall. Her two henchmen plummet off the landing to the floor below.
• A red card is slammed over a character’s head.
• A man is hit with tons of tennis balls.
• A character smacks Gru with a ruler and then tries to hit him with a giant hand.
• A character grabs Gru and tries to punch, stab and hit him.
• Gru Junior bites Maxime.
• A character is crushed by a falling bookcase and furniture.
• Maxime and Valentina attack Gru and Poppy. Gru makes his way onto Maxime’s cockroach aircraft and Maxime does all he can to make Gru fall off.
• Maxime’s cockroach aircraft crashes into a construction site at the top of a building.
• A robot machine tries to stab and crush Gru as he scurries closer to the edge of the building.
• Gru and Maxime fight, with Maxime kicking Gru in the face and stepping on his hands as he holds onto a bar dangling over the edge of the building.
• Gru Junior bites Maxime’s ear.
• Gru punches Maxime in the face. Maxime falls off the building and hits lots of items on his way to the ground, knocking out some of his teeth in the process.
• A character is trampled by a stampede of buffalo.
• A character is covered in cheese and crushed by a giant minion.
• Maxime and Gru slap each other.
• One of the mega minions lasers another one.
• A minion crashes out of a vending machine, only to be nearly crushed by it and locked in a house which disappears underground in a full lock down.
• A minion gets punched through a cake.

Material that may scare or disturb children

Under five info.

Children under five are most likely to be frightened by scary visual images, such as monsters, physical transformations.

In addition to the above-mentioned violent scenes, there are some scenes in this movie that could scare or disturb children under the age of five, including the following:

• Maxime transforms from a man into a cockroach monster with long antennas, wings and powerfully sharp arms and legs. He appears to be subdued but suddenly and violently attacks Gru, slicing a trophy in half and cutting Gru’s face. He later uses his cockroach gun to transform a petrol station attendant into a mindless cockroach monster. Viewers watch the man’s terror as he begs not to be hurt in the moments before he is shot with the ray gun. Maxime also transforms Gru’s baby into a mini cockroach monster, though viewers do not see this transformation happen.
• Maxime has developed a large machine that looks and moves like a cockroach. It stabs up city blocks and skyscrapers as it emerges from the earth and climbs up the sides of buildings. The sudden bursting through the ground as people flee in terror may upset some very young viewers
• Against their will, five minions are transformed into Mega Minions with superpowers, such as super strength, the ability to fly, a laser eye, an elastic body and an indestructible, stone-like body. This scene is not inherently scary, but the minions try to get out of going into the transformation machines and the man in charge of the test says, just as they enter, there is a chance that they could explode. The minions are clearly scared. They come out alive but are initially unable to control their powers, although they soon adapt quite well.

Aged five to eight info

Children aged five to eight will also be frightened by scary visual images and will also be disturbed by depictions of the death of a parent, a child abandoned or separated from parents, children or animals being hurt or threatened and / or natural disasters.

In addition to the above-mentioned violent scenes and scary visual images, there are some scenes in this movie that could scare or disturb children aged five to eight, including the following:

• Gru Junior is kidnapped by Maxime and Valentina. The baby can be heard crying as he is taken from his home. Gru chases after Maxime who holds the baby, telling him that the boy is his now and that he will turn him into a cockroach too. Junior is holding his arms out to Gru and desperately trying to get back to his dad while Gru is horrified when it finally sinks in that Maxime has his son and that he will not be able to reach him in time.
• After Gru Junior has been turned into a cockroach baby he is forced to watch as Maxime tries to kill Gru. When Gru tells his son that he loves him it seems to break the spell and Gru Junior helps save his father. The baby’s eyes look glazed and vacant, but viewers can see the struggle in them when the spell is broken, and he decides to help his father. He is terrified and then angry and responds accordingly.

Aged eight to thirteen info

Children aged eight to thirteen are most likely to be frightened by realistic threats and dangers, violence or threat of violence and / or stories in which children are hurt or threatened.

• Nothing further noted.

Product placement

The following products are displayed or used in this movie:

• The BTS logo is displayed on the back of a character’s phone.

Sexual references

• None noted.

Nudity and sexual activity

There is some nudity and sexual activity in this movie, including:

• A baby’s bare bottom is shown.
• A minion strips down to nothing but his underwear.
• A character’s large stomach keeps popping out from underneath his shirt, exposing his lower abdomen.
• A character repeatedly slaps his bottom as he dances in a gyrating fashion.

Use of substances

There is some use of substances in this movie, including:

• A character consumes what can only be assumed is an alcoholic beverage.
• Two characters sip martinis at a table. One of whom quickly downs both glasses before she must leave.

Coarse language

There is some coarse language in this movie, including:

• Gruser (Gru’s name combined with loser.)
• The word ‘Strudel’ is used as an expletive.
• An agent goes by the name, “Ramsbottom”, which the minions find amusing and love to make fun of.

In a nutshell

Despicable Me 4 is an animated adventure and the fourth film to follow the exploits of Gru and his adorable family. Similar to its predecessors, the movie contains a fast-paced plot with vibrant graphics, lots of slapstick violence and humorous moments. The film is best suited to slightly older children and above.

The main messages from this movie are to never underestimate the bonds of family; that friendship (even tenuous ones) can be found in everyone if you take the time to understand where they have come from; and that, in the end, good will prevail, even if it’s not perfect.

Values in this movie that parents may wish to reinforce with their children include:

This movie could also give parents the opportunity to discuss with their children attitudes and behaviours, and their real-life consequences, such as:

• Bullying or blackmailing others to get what you want.
• Holding a grudge and exacting revenge instead of talking to the other person about what is bothering you.
• Encouraging dishonesty.
• Using violence to ‘solve problems’.

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Movie Reviews

App reviews.

• © Children and Media Australia 2012 - 2024

THELMA (2024)

"don’t steal from grandma".

What You Need To Know:

Miscellaneous Immorality: Selfish behavior, dysfunctional family.

More Detail:

THELMA is an extremely funny movie about a 93-year-old woman, Thelma, who’s been conned out of $10,000 and will do whatever it takes to get it back. Inspired by the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE movies, and supported by her grandson Daniel, along with her fellow senior citizen, Ben, “Grandma” goes on a mission. She fights for justice and peppers it with a little mercy. Lots of laughter ensue as she travels across L.A. in a motor scooter to catch the thief. There are a few obscenities and a strong profanity, so this isn’t a movie for children.

Thelma is the kind of grandma most people only dream of having. Her grandson, Daniel, is just as wonderful. The two have a fun and extraordinary relationship. Daniel shows her the ins and outs of the computer. Grandma shares her wisdom, with a great deal of “tangential” information.

Daniel’s overbearing parents, who lack trust in his abilities, pressure him to take care of Grandma and make sure she’s safe. Daniel loves Grandma with all his heart. However, he has troubles coping of his own.

Grandma will do anything for Daniel. She proves it when a scammer calls to tell her that her grandson’s in trouble. The only way he can be saved is if Thelma sends the conman, posing as a lawyer, $10,000. She unwittingly mails $10,000 cash to the crook.

When her daughter and son-in-law discover she’s been conned, they blame her inability to live an independent life. Thelma catches wind of their plans to send her to an assisted living facility.

Thelma visits an old friend, Ben, in senior living, and steals his motor scooter to go after the thief. It isn’t long before Ben hops on the back of his two-seater scooter to help his friend in need. So, the two end up cruising the streets of LA together to catch the thief.

Meanwhile, Thelma’s “helicopter” children are at loss as to where she could have gone. The logical scapegoat? Daniel. He “lost” his grandma. In a desperate attempt to feel secure, they put grandma’s security medic alert bracelet on Daniel. When grandma needs him most, will Daniel be able to escape the grip of his controlling parents?

THELMA is a fun movie that goes right to the heart. It has a very redemptive worldview. Thelma pursues justice, but she manages to show some mercy too. Christians believe that mercy is an important part of justice. However, we don’t really know this until we’ve experienced the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Love and mercy are too often impossible for sinful human beings to give. This is one reason our savior, Jesus Christ, enters the world and shows us the way (and the truth and the life).

Find the latest movie reviews here at CrossWalk.com! We offer family friendly movie reviews from a Christian perspective allowing you to make an informed decision prior to going to the theater. Our Christian movie reviews include your standard information such as release date, rating, genre, run time, director, and actors, but they will also include "cautions" about language, profanity, alcohol, smoking, drug use, violence, crime, religion and morals. You can also find Christian music , Christian video , Christian news and much more all free on Crosswalk.com

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Christian writer's new book reminds kids what makes them different makes them special

Jason DeRose

Jonathan Merritt's book reminds kids what makes them different makes them special

In Jonathan Merritt's new book My Guncle and Me , a little boy's gay uncle helps him understand that being different makes him special. Hachette Book Group hide caption

Evangelical Christian writer Jonathan Merritt has written books with titles like Jesus Is Better Than You Imagined and A Faith Of Our Own aimed at younger evangelicals looking to distinguish their faith from that of their parents. Merritt’s new children’s book is something of a departure. It’s called My Guncle and Me .

The guncle — a portmanteau of the words gay and uncle — comes to visit his awkward nephew, who tells the story:

"My name's Henry Higgleston, and kids think I'm strange. My hair, clothes and voice - there's a lot I would change. But right now, I'm excited, because today's Saturday, and my most fabulous relative is coming to stay."

That "fabulous relative" teaches Henry that being different isn’t just okay, it makes him special.

"You write the book you wish you had as a child,” says Merritt, “and when people read this, they immediately say, OK, I get it - you're the guncle. I mean, the guncle even kind of looks like me.”

United Methodist Church lifts bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings

Illustrator Joanna Carillo drew the guncle as a bit of a dandy, with a five o'clock shadow and a French bulldog named Jimmy Chew.

“The present-day me was able to travel back in time to a past version of me,” explains Merritt, “and to get down on one knee, and look that kid in the eye and tell him what I know now he needed to hear.”

But Merritt didn't always know what he needed to hear. He's the son of a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and a former pastor himself. Coming out as gay meant rethinking his life — though not, it turns out, the core of his faith.

Merritt doesn’t shy away from addressing his Christianity directly in the story:

"At church the next morning, my guncle sings loudly. He prays and gives thanks, and he does it devoutly. His bright-colored outfit makes two women stare. When we pass, they both snicker, but he doesn't care."

Merritt says not many children's books include LGBTQ characters who are clearly Christian.

“A lot of people today are told by the religious people in their lives,” says Merritt, “that they can either be people of faith or they can be gay. That is a false choice, and I think it's important for children to know that.”

Odd man out to Christians and LGBTQ+ People

Increasing numbers of people of faith agree that it’s a false choice. But what’s surprised Merritt are the reactions he's been getting while reading from My Guncle and Me during queer story times at bookstores and libraries.

“I'm so used to very religious people looking at me strange because I'm gay, and now I'm in the opposite situation,” says Merritt, “Where I have my queer brothers and sisters who are looking at me with those same weird faces because of my faith.”

Merritt wants to be clear, his book isn't just for kids with guncles or for kids who might be LGBTQ+. He says it’s a story about accepting yourself in whatever way you might be different from everyone else.

That message resonates with 6-year-old Phoebe Riddle, who noticed the expression on the guncle's face as he sings in church.

“He looks like he doesn't notice, and he's like, ‘Oh, I don't care. I'll just move along,” says Phoebe.

She relates to the emotions the nephew experiences and appreciates how the guncle encourages Henry not to be so worried about what other people think.

“I really liked that part,” says Phoebe, “because sometimes, at school, I feel sad, but then I just get back up.”

The lesson is slightly different for Phoebe's 11-year-old brother, Thomas.

“I don't think ‘gay’ is funny,” he says, “I think it's something that people actually like. LGBTQ people don't want to be made fun of.”

Merritt's message is that God is love

To a certain extent the lessons in My Guncle and Me aren’t just for kids, many of whom have grown up in environments where LGBTQ+ people aren’t considered that unusual. The adults who are reading the book to their kids, says Merritt, might have something to learn as well.

“All of us come to understand the what of our identity: What are we like? What do we feel? What are we attracted to?” he says. “But there's always a why behind the what. Why are we this way?”

That "why" for Merritt, isn't based on endless arguments of nature versus nurture — whether being LGBTQ+ is based on biology or environment. Rather, the why is grounded in his faith.

“The driving force that's making us who we are, at least in the Christian conception, is God. And God is love,” says Merritt. “That means that love is making you who you are — gay or straight, cisgender or transgender. Love is the driving force that is making you that way, and that love is loving you always.”

• lgbtq youth
• Christianity

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Christian mingle, common sense media reviewers.

Preachy faith-based romcom is for believers only.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Telling the truth is an essential building block o

Gwyneth works in marketing, prettying up less-than

Adults kiss, fully clothed.

Parents need to know that Christian Mingle is an advertisement for commitment to born-again Christianity in the form of a story about a young woman seeking marriage. Dating self-absorbed guys has gone nowhere so she logs in with the online dating site of the title, meets a nice guy, and uses her advertising…

Positive Messages

Telling the truth is an essential building block of a loving relationship.

Positive Role Models

Gwyneth works in marketing, prettying up less-than-perfect products and ideas. She signs up with a Christian dating website and fudges her Christian credentials, spouting lies about herself that eventually drive away the nice guy she likes. Later, she teaches English in a poor Mexican village.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Christian Mingle is an advertisement for commitment to born-again Christianity in the form of a story about a young woman seeking marriage. Dating self-absorbed guys has gone nowhere so she logs in with the online dating site of the title, meets a nice guy, and uses her advertising-agency wiles to pretend she is a believer. After a dark period of reassessment arrives, she becomes a Christian. Adults kiss, fully clothed. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

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Community Reviews

• Parents say (9)
• Kids say (2)

Based on 9 parent reviews

Great movie! Sad to see how low Christians have rated this.

What's the story.

CHRISTIAN MINGLE takes its catchy title from the online dating website that matches committed born-again Christians looking for love. Gwyneth ( Lacey Chabert ) is a 30-year-old marketing director who spends her work life sugar-coating less-than-perfect products and ideas and launches them into the world. She is the last of her friends to find a guy and doesn't want to "spend another Christmas under the mistletoe alone." The movie suggests that the men she dates are self-absorbed creeps. Desperate to find a guy to "stick a ring on" her finger, as she puts it, she signs onto the online dating website. The lies begin the minute she starts filling out the entry questionnaire. When she meets Paul ( Jonathan Patrick Moore ), a really nice guy, she studies "Christianity for Dummies" and the Bible as if cramming for a test. She can't let him know she doesn't have Jesus in her life. The chemistry is there but eventually he learns she's been lying and breaks it off. This sends her on a journey toward faith and belief.

Is It Any Good?

This movie features nice performances by Moore and Chabert. However, the movie suggests that the failure of a relationship that has hardly begun would push someone to quit her job, move to a poor Mexican village, and enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. All of that might be possible in real life, but the motivation for the main character to make such drastic life changes is simply not in evidence here. Director Corbin Bernsen , who wrote the script and plays a born-again bicycle repair man, oversimplifies this complex process far more than even a movie requires. John O'Hurley plays a baldness cure inventor, and the possibility that it doesn't work creates a crisis of conscience in Gwyneth. She's been assigned to market the stuff and she doesn't want to have to lie. This is farfetched. Why does no one ask if there are clinical trials to back up the product's claims?

Oddly, most followers of Jesus tout the claim that God loves everyone, which is a policy of religious inclusiveness, but this plot hangs on the exclusionary position born-again parents take when they fear their son is being wooed by a non-believer. It's possible that the movie was made with the intention of attracting a mainstream audience, but it's not a stretch to guess that only the already faithful will be interested.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about what it means to be religious. Christian Mingle makes the distinction between those who are born Christian, baptized, and Sunday school-educated, and those who believe they have a personal relationship with Jesus. Is it possible to be religious in more than one way?

The movie makes a comparison between telling lies in one's life with working for an advertising agency, where much of the work requires making claims that might not be entirely true. Do you think there are situations in which advertising can be a force for good? Can you think of examples?

Can non-religious families enjoy faith-based movies? Why or why not?

Movie Details

• In theaters : October 23, 2014
• On DVD or streaming : January 13, 2015
• Cast : Lacey Chabert , Jonathan Patrick Moore , John O'Hurley , Corbin Bernsen
• Director : Corbin Bernsen
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Capitol Christian
• Genre : Romance
• Run time : 99 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : for mild thematic elements
• Last updated : June 21, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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