Wednesday, June 18, 2008
WFMW - Is That Movie Appropriate?
I don't know about you, but I find that the MPAA movie rating system just doesn't work for me. I mean, if I go to a movie that is rated lower than "R" I'm expecting it to be fairly clean. Unfortunately, that often isn't the case. Hubby and I have been shocked and disappointed pretty regularly by what passes as suitable for a 13 year old.Hello, Hollywood? I have a 13 year old and I would be horrified to let her see some of the stuff that you think is ok for her.
Even Hubby and I, being ancient and all that, don't want to go to movies that are filled with bad language and inappropriate sexual scenes. But I have found a solution.
Now, before we go see any movie, I check it out in two different places.
Kids In Mind is a great site for getting every little, nitty-gritty detail of what's in a movie. I mean, if someone picks their nose, they will have it listed. A bare chested man working on building a barn will be listed. Some people might think that is overkill, but I think it's great since each family has different standards. If there is anything in a film that could possibly be offensive, you'll find out about it here. It's all stated in a very down to earth way without judgement - that's up to you.
After reading about the movie there, I head on over to Plugged In Online. This one is affiliated with Focus on the Family (James Dobson's organization). It offers a different perspective. While the first site will often have more things listed that might be offensive, this site will put things in light of Scripture. For instance, how does a director's worldview come through? Is the drinking and/or drugs shown in the film put in a positive or negative light? Plugged In gives a really good analysis of things you might want to talk with your kids about either before or after the movie.
Between these two websites, I always know just what we are getting into when we fork over that chunk of change at the ticket window. Because, let's face it, with movie tickets around $8, for a family of four, plus popcorn and drinks (if you indulge - we are too cheap usually!!) you are really making an investment of both your time and your money. Make sure it's a wise investment.
For more helpful ideas to make your life better, head on over to Shannon's Works For Me Wednesday blog-o-fabulosity!
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13 comments:
I did not know either site existed! Sweet tip! I'm going to check them out for when our daughter gets old enough to pick movies out! Thanks!
I like to check these out frequently, so that if the kids get invited to the movie at the last minute, I know exactly what they are getting into!
Oooo good sites you recommended!
Maybe you can list some of your family's favorite clean movies for the rest of us. :)
God Bless You! Have a beautiful day!
Dawn
Great tip!
We have resorted to trying not to see any movie made before 1975 but your way seems to allow a bit more flexibility!
oops- I mean made AFTER 1975!
I too use Plugged in Online and have been happily surprised by the perspectives and conversation topics. Because yes, going to the movie is an investment these days and I want my kids to learn to be intentional about the time and money.
I do the same thing I check movies out at "Christian Answers.net" it's scary what Hollywood thinks is acceptable for young viewers. Thank you for the other great websites I'll check them out next time we decide to see a movie.
I use plugged in Online and love it. I'll have to check the other one as well. It is very true that diff. families have diff. standards and so you can't always take one persons word for it.
Super sites--thanks for the tips! I recently found out that once a rating is set, that's it, even if the standards change later. For instance, Raiders of the Lost Ark was rated PG when it originally came out, even though it probably deserves a PG-13 rating now. So we watch older movies with an extra careful eye and a hand on the remote.
Thanks. I've never heard of the first one before. I also like screenit.com, although they have started requiring a subscription for access to the newest reviews.
love the suggestions!
Thanks for the sites! It can be hard to tell what you should let your kids see!
I second Rachel's nomination of Screenit.com. We almost never go to the movie theater, but do watch movies at home a good bit. It's always good to know what you're getting into before you push that Play button!