Movies & DVDs
Ironically, "Into Darkness" is Too Light on Meaningful Ideas
There's enough action to enjoy it, but this new Star Trek installment continues to show unfulfilled promise and a lack of strong themes.
Movie Preview: "Ragamuffin", a Movie on The Life of Rich Mullins
Coming soon - a film on the life of legendary Christian artist Rich Mullins! See the first official movie trailer.
How Great is "The Great Gatsby?"
Some will find that this fresh-faced Baz Luhrmann/Leonardo DiCaprio movie infuses the classic book with new life. But is it a great Gatsby? Only our PluggedIn movie review team can tell you for sure!
Heart, Humor Converge in "Iron Man's" Best Chapter Yet
While some comic book movies become lazy and predictable, genuine surprises and character development keep Iron Man 3 from growing stale.
Love Theme Emerges Clear as "Mud"
Director Jeff Nichols effectively blends genres, numerous subplots and character dynamics – and does so with emotional weight and power.
As a Major Movie, "Oblivion" Fades
Here and there, we see the glimpse of a great movie that could have been, but nothing—beyond the visuals and Cruise himself— are truly memorable.
"Home Run" is a Grand Slam for Family Values
Addiction is messy business, but deliverance is possible for those who humble themselves and turn to God for help. That's the core message in Home Run, a baseball movie only in construct.
Catch the movie review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In.
"42" is a Home Run
42 is a compelling portrayal of the life and career of Jackie Robinson, who helped shatter America's color barrier.
"The Host" Feeds on Two Hours of Your Time
If this sci-fi/romance mash-up is representative of the current state of either genre, those genres are in big trouble.
Melodrama Hampers Anything Positive about "Temptation"
Good intentions aside, Temptation is a racy presentation (complete with marital fallout) of infidelity in marriage. Who in your family can see it? Find out more in our movie review!
"G.I. Joe: Retaliation" is a No Brainer - Literally
Mindless boomery and villainous cartoonery? G.I. Joe is back on the big screen, and Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis lend their brawn to boom this time around.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In has this review!
Fascinating "Admission" Makes the Grade
While most of the marketing suggests that it’s a charming romantic comedy with two likeable leads, that’s really only half of the story.
"The Croods" is Fun and Charming
You wouldn't want to live with the Croods. But spending a couple hours with them? That might actually make for a pretty nice visit.
"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" Isn't
Unfortunately, this little comedy doesn't have a lot of incredible up its sleeves. Is it safe for your family? Find out with this review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In!
Money Saving Moment: Save BIG at the Movies!
Save BIG $ at the Movies! Save money on movie tickets and concessions, plus find out how you can get exclusive invitations to FREE movie screenings.
"Oz the Great and Powerful" is Not Grandma's Wizard of Oz
This is not your grandma's "Wizard of Oz"! That's the refrain being sung about this non-musical reimagining. But could there possibly be more to this one than there is to that one? And is that "more" most obvious in good ways...or bad?
"Snitch" Stretches Family Values
Dwayne Johnson turns in his "Tooth Fairy" wings to tackle the violent world of the underground drug trade...and the way our justice system interacts with it. Is this stretch for the actor family-friendly? Check out our review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In!
"Escape from Planet Earth" is Surprisingly Entertaining
The premise is well-worn and far from original, but the execution of this family-focused story has a few flashes of brilliance.
There's No "Safe Haven" from Poor Reviews
Nicholas Sparks stirs up the sweet and sinister in a story that morphs from sappy romance to taut thriller.
"Parental Guidance" Reflects Family Dynamic
We're all about parental guidance. Hollywood
typically isn't. So we were pretty curious about what would happen onscreen in
Parental Guidance, a Billy Crystal-Bette Midler comedy.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us this review.
Hugh Jackman and the Cast of Les Misérables Weighs in on Famous Line
Actors Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, and Samantha Barks discuss Les Miserables' most poignant line: 'to love another person is to see the face of God.'
"Les Mis" Tries Hard but Peaks Too Soon
If Crowe and Jackman's characters were allowed to communicate through dialogue, rather than song, it probably would've worked better.
3D Improves the Exceptional "Monsters, Inc."
The monsters are back in 3D this time, and it's good 3D. So what's not to love?
"Jack Reacher" a Victim of Really Bad Timing
Tom Cruise plays yet another action hero with panache, but the timing is awful for a film with so many gun-related fatalities early on.
"The Guilt Trip" is Not a Pleasant Journey
This mother-son road trip movie hits its share of potholes and almost swerves off the road a time or two. But what's that we spy on the horizon?
Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" Rings False
Likely to leave fans hesitant and uncertain about the upcoming films, while newbies will wonder why this story is so beloved
"Playing for Keeps" is a Kick
A charming, down-on-his luck former soccer star returns home to put his life back together. Focus on the Family's Plugged In tells us whether Playing for Keeps is good sport for your family!
"Rise of the Guardians" is Secular Holiday Mish-Mash
So, how do you weave Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost together to create something entertaining and moral? We asked Focus on the Family's Plugged In for a review!
"Lincoln" is One Stunning History Lesson
No stilted caricature, Spielberg humanizes this beloved leader without placing him on too high of a pedestal in the process.
"SkyFall" Resurrects Bond Brand
Bond, James Bond comes back from the "dead", buries the
hatchet with M and enlivens, once again, his lethal service to God and
Country.
After 50 years of Bond flicks, we know what to expect from 007. SkyFall is all that, but a bit grittier and scarred.
"Wreck It Ralph" Helps Build Values in Kids
The level-ups in this animated arcade game send-up are messages encouraging friendship, love, and self-sacrifice. But there are a few in-game "extras" that serve as obstacles along the way.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In reviews Wreck it Ralph
On DVD: "Secret of the Wings"
SECRET OF THE WINGS is a made for DVD fairy story featuring Tinker Bell meeting her winter fairy sister Periwinkle as the result of an act of disobedience. The beautifully-animated, G-rated movie has no foul language or violence but receives a caution for showing children’s rebellion leading to long-term good.
Catch a Wave With "Chasing Mavericks"
The true story about young surfer Jay Moriarty tackling the mythical Mavericks surf break. Will this movie get you feeling amped, or leave you axed? Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us the scoop!
"Atlas Shrugged II" is Riveting Free Market Cinema
Fighting Government Tyranny, ATLAS SHRUGGED: PART II is a riveting potboiler promoting free market capitalism and liberty in the face of tyranny and corruption.
"Alex Cross" is a Gritty, Graphic Turn for Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry moves from playing the profane, overbearing grandma (Madea) to a leaner, meaner action star. But is the determined crime-buster he portrays in this gritty graphic thriller closer to Sherlock Holmes or Rambo? Find out if Alex Cross is safe for your family
"Here Comes The Boom" Has Big Fists and Big Heart
Kevin James gets pounded in this MMA-inspired comedy. But underneath all the flying feet and fists we see something else: a really-strong, good heart. Focus on the Family's Plugged In explains...
"Frankenweenie" Not for the Wee Ones
"Taken 2" - More Rescues, More Mayhem
Liam Neeson's back, but so are his foes. This time they take his ex-wife. So is this action thriller family friendly? Focus on the Family's Plugged In weighs in.
"Hotel Transylvania" Vacant of Value
There are much better animated stories about overcoming fears and superficial differences which are far more family-friendly.
"Won't Back Down" Celebrates Parental Courage
Two Women -- a parent and a teacher-- fight to turn their failing school around. Not everyone will like how they do it. But will your family like the movie?
"Unconditional" is Powerful Story of Healing
Samantha Crawford's life is a storybook life until her husband Billy is senselessly killed. But healing comes as Sam watches her friend Joe care for kids in his under-resourced neighborhood.
Catch this review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In!
"Last Ounce of Courage" Makes a Statement for Religious Freedom
Film uses melodrama to ponder the injustice of young soldiers sacrificing their lives overseas while our religious freedoms get flanked here at home.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us their take.
"The Words" Tries to Tell Too Many Tales
Wants to deliver a moral about choosing real life over living a lie, but the point comes across as tepid rather than deeply resonant.
The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure
From the man behind the "Teletubbies" comes an interactive
and whimsical and sometimes consternating live-action-meets-puppet movie aimed
directly at the ants-in-their-pants set.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us a review!
"Premium Rush" Yields Premium Action and Profanity
How many traffic close calls and bad words can you pack into one movie? "Premium Rush" tries to push the limit. Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us a review.
Dark but Imaginative "ParaNorman" is Outcast-Friendly
There’s a relevant message tucked inside this piece of stop-motion animation, but it's more geared towards adults than kids.
See Jordin Sparks "Sparkle"
More than "Whitney Houston's last movie," Sparkle is Jordin Sparks' moment to shine, and she definitely makes the most of it.
"The Odd Life of Timothy Green" Grows on You
The film pushes its magicality almost to disbelief's breaking point, but thanks to a gifted cast, the movie’s message goes down like a spoonful of sugar.
"Hope Springs" for Marriages, Rom-Com Genre
It’s not too far-fetched to suggest that this film could genuinely help couples, and even save some marriages
New "Total Recall" a Rare Worthy Remake
Despite pushing the PG-13 boundaries, the film is a balanced thrill ride: dark but not depressing, gritty but not grimy, sometimes slick...
"Bourne Legacy" Means Bourne Again Violence
There's a new super-assassin fighting and fleeing the government, with a new girl to help him. But none of that can keep this movie from feeling very Bourne again.
Find out more from Focus on the Family's Plugged In movie review.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days" Stays True to Wimpy Legacy
School is out and Greg is ready for the days of summer, when all his plans go wrong. What on earth is he going to do all summer? Focus on the Family's Plugged In let's you know if his activities are family-friendly.
"Step Up Revolution" Has Max Moves
The Step Up dance card expands to flash mob scenes and community protests. Is it family friendly though? Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us their take.
Now on DVD: Journey Transforms at the "Marigold Hotel"
A group of strangers—each at a personal crossroads—grows from taking a journey they never expected when they stay at this hotel.
Now on DVD: Marvel's "The Avengers" Is Old-Fashioned Fun
Marvel’s The Avengers reminds that summer movies—even overstuffed ones—can still provide a heavy dose of good old-fashioned fun.
Now on DVD: "October Baby" Delivers Powerful Message that Life is Beautiful
October Baby deals with profound and deeply significant subjects: the inestimable value of human life and the horror of abortion, the difficulty parents have letting go, the importance of friendship, and the desperate need we all have to give and receive forgiveness.
