A couple of years ago at our church I heard some people discussing a movie review site called MOVIEGUIDE® that was a) family-oriented and b) had an emphasis on Christian values. Upon checking it out, I really liked it, particularly how they broke up their reviews into four areas: "Content", "Summary", "Review" and "In Brief". I found the "Content" section especially helpful, as it broke down into specific detail the violence, language, sex, or nudity (if any) that could be found in each movie. In other words, you'll know what to expect before you see it. This is pretty handy if you're looking for an appropriate movie for your kids to see....or not see.MOVIEGUIDE® was founded in 1985 by Dr. Ted Baehr, a former president of the Episcopal Radio & Television Foundation and former director of the Television Center at the City University of New York, and is affiliated with the Christian Film & Television Commission® ministry (CFTVC),
Another unique feature of MOVIEGUIDE® is their two rating system when reviewing movies. Here's a brief rundown of both, taken directly from their webpage (www.movieguide.org):
1. Quality:
The Quality Ratings refer to the production values in the movie, the entertainment quality of the production, and whether the movie fulfills what it tries to do. A four-star rating does not guarantee that the movie will meet our criteria for what makes a truly fine, much less great, work of art. Quality ratings used are:
* * * * EXCELLENT
* * * GOOD
* * FAIR
* POOR
2. Acceptability:
Acceptability Ratings take into account cognitive stages of development, moral issues and theological issues. Acceptability Ratings help parents with children and the media-wise adult viewer. Acceptability Ratings are based on a traditional view of the Bible and Christianity. Some movies receive positive ratings because they fit a biblical worldview of ethical monotheism, even though there is little specific Christian content in them. The ultimate evaluation of a movie depends on one’s moral and spiritual values. Those values depend on one’s worldview or total philosophy of life, humanity, the universe, and the supernatural. Acceptability ratings used are:
+4 EXEMPLARY: Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
+3 MORAL: Some minor questionable elements.
+2 GOOD: Moderately questionable elements.
+1 WORTHWHILE: Discernment required for young children.
-1 CAUTION: Discretion advised for older children.
-2 EXTREME CAUTION: Discretion advised for adults.
-3 EXCESSIVE: Excessive sex, violence, immorality, and/or worldview problems.
-4 ABHORRENT: Intentional blasphemy, evil, gross immorality, and/or worldview problems.
So there you go. A good movie review site focused on family values and promoting quality entertainment that you can trust to help you find the right movie to take you or your family to.
Here again is the their website: http://www.movieguide.org. They have an excellent iPhone app as well. Check them out!
