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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.”

Each month, Plugged In is visited more than 1 million times by people looking for detailed information about what’s really in popular movies, videos, television episodes, songs and games. Entertainment industry ratings only tell you so much. We go deeper, diving into specific content and the meaning behind it. Our award-winning website also offers news and blogs.

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Plugged in reviews of movies now in theatres.

There are lots of new movies in theatres and maybe your child has mentioned one or two of them to you. But what are these movies really about and how can you find out without having to go see them yourself? 

With Plugged In movie reviews, you'll find a detailed breakdown of up-to-date films, including spiritual content, sexual content, violent content, the amount of crude or profane language, content involving drugs and alcohol, other negative elements as well as positive aspects of the film. 

Here are a few reviews of new releases you may want to read up on: 

Stronger (R)

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Kingsman: The Golden Circle (R)

Friend Request  (R)

Mother! (R)

American Assassin (R)

True to the Game (R)

Home Again (PG-13)

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1,228 episodes

Take a minute to hear a family-friendly review of the hottest movie, YouTube video, streaming series, video game, or new technology to help you decide if it’s a good choice for your kids and family. Hosted by Focus on the Family’s media and culture analysts, these reviews for parents offer a fresh Christian perspective on entertainment from a Biblical worldview.

Plugged In Entertainment Reviews Focus on the Family

• Kids & Family
• 4.3 • 142 Ratings
• MAY 1, 2024

SiYP: 72% of Teens Are Kinda Happy When They Set Down Their Screen

72% of teens are kinda happy when they set down their screens. Want to know more?   Read the Plugged In Blog   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

• APR 29, 2024

Culture Remix: Snufkin: Melody Of Moominvalley

Between its ‘40s art style and its sweet platforming puzzles, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is as cozy and inviting as it gets.   Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

• APR 28, 2024

Movie Review: Mean Girls

Much like the original, Mean Girls can be quite crass, there’s a lot of foul language, and it hyper-sexualizes teenage girls.   Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

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Movie Review: Unsung Hero

If you’re looking for an inspiring, redemptive PG movie about a family overcoming every obstacle thrown in its way, Unsung Hero—which tells the “origin story” of Rebecca St. James and the Smallbone family—is the one you’re looking for.    Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

• APR 25, 2024

TV Review: Bluey

Other than an occasional eyeroll or some mild toilet humor, Bluey is light and clean.   Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

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SiYP- 40 Percent of Teens Want to Cut Back on Their Screen Time

About 40% of teens worry that they should probably cut back on their social media time.   Read the Plugged In Blog   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

• © 2024 Focus on the Family

Customer Reviews

142 Ratings

Plugged In is Trying to Protect You!!!!

I know that many viewers out there don’t care about Plugged In and think they are trying to boss you around. NEWSFLASH: They are not!! They are only trying to protect you and your family. If you see a movie that is 0 stars, I think you know that that is a movie you do NOT want to take your kids to. If you have seen one, (which I HIGHLY recommend you don’t) you probably know that is not a great movie. Plugged In has reasons to rate these badly rated movies (violence, language, nudity etc.). Yes, people curse in real life, but I believe they don’t mention it because they want you to read the review. Another possible reason is that they want to protect kids who may not know what a bad word is. But the point is, this podcast wants your family to get the best out of a film in a cinema, and generally protect your early teens, younger kids, maybe even yourself. Some movies(I will chose not to mention them) are so bad that Plugged In doesn’t even rate them!!! So I encourage you to listen to these podcasts and look at the website and PLEASE take the time to see how they rate a movie before you go see it at the cinema.

Great reviews loved

Great podcast!!!

You got to check plugged in before you watch a movie. I mean, really, who wants to watch a bad movie? You can check any new movie through a Christian lens. Plugged in will let you know if there’s any cussing or murrdering, and will give you a 1-5 star rating Example: "spider-man into the spiderverse” has 4 out of 5 stars for family friendliness. So I’ll give plugged in 5 out of 5 stars.

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‘The Shack’: Must-See Movie, or Stay Away?

Tim Tebow liked it.

“Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines recommend it.

But blogger Tim Challies refuses to even see it.

I’m talking about “The Shack,” the film adaptation of the 2007 novel of the same name, which is reviving the controversy around William P. Young’s bestselling book about a grieving father who encounters the Holy Trinity … in human form.

The movie debuted in theaters across the nation last Friday, making a very respectable $16.1 million during its first weekend.

So what does Focus on the Family’s media discernment team think about “The Shack”? I hope you’ll head over to PluggedIn.com and read our team’s complete, in-depth review of the movie .

I’m curious to hear from you: Did you watch “The Shack” this weekend? If so, what did you think? And if you’re staying away from the film, I’m curious to know why. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section, below.

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Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment , faith , news March 7, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

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Focus on the Family Movie Reviews

Michael has spent years as a freelance writer and editor submitting works to several accomplished magazines as well as publishing his own works about freelancing as a business.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

There are many people who are interested in Focus on the Family movie reviews, because they can provide some guidance as to what is appropriate for their children to watch and what isn't. The organization isn't just about Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and other family-friendly fare; they review just about every flick that comes through Hollywood.

What Is Focus on the Family?

In case you are not familiar with the non-profit organization, Focus on the Family is an evangelical group based out of the United States. It was founded in 1977, and they say that they are dedicated to nurturing and defending families worldwide. More specifically, Focus on the Family -- which is aligned with the American Christian right -- aims to protect family values.

• 6 Reasons Family Communication Really Matters & Real-World Tips

Focus on the Family has several arms, to speak, which work toward this common goal. The Adventures in Odyssey radio show is perhaps one of their best known projects, but they also have all sorts of other Radio Theatre and political endeavors. One such endeavor is the reviewing movies.

As with any organization aligned with the Christian right, Focus on the Family has come under fire and into controversy from several groups. In 2006, for example, FOTF founder James Dobson was accused of manipulating research data that said gays and lesbians are not good parents. They naturally denied this allegation. Focus on the Family also fully supported Mel Gibson when the latter was accused of anti-Semitic content in relation to The Passion of the Christ .

Plugged In is a website of Focus on the Family and they offer reviews of just about any kind of mass market entertainment, including movies in theaters, video/DVD releases, music, television, and more. By and large, their reviews take on the same structure.

Parental Guidance Suggested

As a movie review site, Plugged In has an extensive library of films for you to consider. Each of the reviews is composed of seven key sections.

• Introduction : Although not labeled as such, the first paragraph or two outlines the plot summary to the film in question. You get an idea of what the movie is all about, perhaps with mention of where the film ties in to the world at large.
• Positive Elements : This is where FOTF describes what positive morals or ideas are expressed in the movie. These may include things like love for your fellow man.
• Sexual Content : They'll warn against things like scantily-clad women and sexual innuendo. Even verbal mentions of condoms and other sexual content will be described in this section.
• Violent Content : You are given a perspective on how brutal or gruesome the violence is. For horror and action films, this is probably more of a concern for parents. Chair-throwing in dramas may be mentioned here.
• Crude or Profane Language : In addition to coarse language, this section also reveals if "Jesus" or "God" are used inappropriately.
• Other Negative Elements : This serves as a catch-all for other undesirable content, like the consumption of alcohol and drugs.
• Summary : A final verdict on whether the film promotes good family values or not, citing both the good and the bad.

Example Movie Reviews

To get a sense of how the organization approaches movies, read these sample reviews.

• Cloverfield : The Focus on the Family movie review applauds Rob's dedication to Beth and his willingness to risk life and limb to save her. However, they are not pleased with the level of violence, the mild sexual content (pre-marital), and excessive use of "my God".
• Alien vs. Predator : The biggest complaint in this particular Focus on the Family movie review is that the PG-13 rating given to this classic alien movie is deemed inappropriate, given the extreme level of violence. AVP gets quite gruesome, even if the camera cuts away just in the nick of time.

Take Advantage of the Pre-Screening

If Focus on the Family seems to have the same views on movies and other media as you do, this may prove to be quite the time saver. If you trust their guidance, you'll no longer have to screen everything your kids want to watch (and in turn, you don't have to see or hear things you would prefer not to).

Focus on the Family Movie Reviews, Empowering Families with Pre-Screening Insights

I n a world infused with relentless media and entertainment options, many parents find themselves adrift in a sea of movies, struggling to discern which ones align with their values and are suitable for their children. That’s where Focus on the Family steps in, offering a lighthouse for those navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood productions. This evangelical group, with its diverse initiatives and meticulous review process, becomes a valuable compass for families striving to cultivate wholesome entertainment choices.

Understanding Focus on the Family

Established in 1977, Focus on the Family is a non-profit, evangelical entity rooted in the United States, with a mission to nurture and shield families across the globe. It represents a fortress of family values and is closely aligned with the American Christian right. Beyond their well-known projects like the Adventures in Odyssey radio show, Focus on the Family ventures into varied domains, including political advocacy and, notably, movie reviews through their website, Plugged In.

Despite their expansive influence, the organization has not been without controversy and criticism, with accusations of research manipulation and unwavering support for contentious figures like Mel Gibson during the dispute surrounding The Passion of the Christ.

A Guiding Light in Entertainment: Plugged In

Plugged In, the entertainment review arm of Focus on the Family, casts a discerning eye over a myriad of mainstream entertainment forms. The site features comprehensive evaluations of cinematic releases, TV shows, music, and more, serving as a beacon for families in search of morally upright entertainment.

Decoding the Structure of Reviews

Each movie review on Plugged In is meticulously crafted, encompassing seven crucial segments. It begins with an insightful introduction to the film’s narrative, followed by an exploration of the positive elements depicted, such as expressions of humanity and altruism. The reviews then delve into sexual content, violent imagery, and the use of crude language, providing detailed accounts of each. Additionally, there’s scrutiny of other negative components like substance use, culminating in a balanced conclusion reflecting on the film’s alignment with family values.

Diving into Examples: Cloverfield and Alien vs. Predator

To grasp the essence of Focus on the Family’s approach, consider their reviews of films like “Cloverfield” and “Alien vs. Predator.” The former is acknowledged for portraying commitment and sacrifice but criticized for its violence, subtle sexual content, and profanity. The latter, meanwhile, is rebuked for its harsh violent content, with its PG-13 rating deemed unsuitable by the organization.

Empowering Families with Pre-Screening Insights

For those who find resonance with the perspectives of Focus on the Family, Plugged In emerges as a significant time and sanity saver. By relying on their thoughtful analyses, parents can bypass the ordeal of pre-screening every piece of media their children consume, avoiding exposure to undesirable content and ensuring a harmonious entertainment experience.

Conclusion:

Focus on the Family, with its multifaceted endeavors and dedicated movie review platform, Plugged In, serves as a reliable guide for families navigating the extensive and often perplexing realm of entertainment. By offering nuanced, value-based insights into Hollywood’s myriad productions, the organization empowers parents to make informed, values-aligned entertainment choices, fostering a more harmonious and value-rich media landscape for families worldwide. Whether you’re on the lookout for enchanting tales like Peter Pan or Mary Poppins, or you’re venturing into the vast expanse of Hollywood’s offerings, Focus on the Family stands as a steadfast companion in your cinematic journey.

Focus on the Family

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• DVD & Streaming

Family Camp

• Christian , Comedy

Content Caution

In Theaters

• May 13, 2022
• Tommy Woodard as Tommy Ackerman; Eddie James as Eddie Sanders; Leigh-Allyn Baker as Grace Ackerman; Gigi Orsillo as Victoria Sanders; Cece Kelly as Hannah Ackerman; Jacob M Wade as Henry Ackerman; Elias Kemuel as Ed Jr. Sanders; Keslee Blalock as Barb Sanders; Mark Christopher Lawrence as Pastor Dave; Robert Amaya as Joel; Heather Land as Cookie; Myke Holmes as Slim; Weston Vrooman as Beef; Brandon Potter as Bramberger

Home Release Date

• June 28, 2022
• Brian Cates

Distributor

• Roadside Attractions

Movie Review

Tommy Ackerman has nothing against church. Hey, the guy goes to church for, like, whole minutes at a time.

He appreciates family, too. Why, his family’s the reason why that he spends most of his time working. It’s not like Hannah’s going to pay for college herself , right? Certainly not when she spends all her time buried in her phone screen. And 10-year-old Henry? Well, he needs support, too. Monetary support.

Tommy doesn’t even have anything against camp, either. At least not in theory.

But church-based family camp?

“Church camp is just so … Jesus-y ,” he tells wife, Grace.

But Grace is unswayed. She believes that family camp just might be the ticket to patching the holes in this leaky clan of hers—the key to keeping this nuclear unit from going nuclear. It’s great that Tommy’s such a good provider, she tells him. But his kids need more. She needs more. “We barely get to see you,” Grace tells Tommy. “And when we do, you’re not present.”

So Tommy reluctantly acquiesces, and the Ackermans head to camp—high expectations, bad attitudes and several smartphones in tow. And hey, maybe Grace is right. Maybe it will give them an opportunity to reconnect as a family.

But once they arrive, the Ackermans discover they’re not the only family with which they’ll be connecting.

Due to a bit of a mix-up, Tommy’s family will be sharing a yurt with the Sanders clan, led by the back-cracking, harmonica-loving, prayer-pontificating Eddie Sanders. Eddie and his family quickly consecrate the yurt as “holy ground,” and Eddie insists on separating into into a boys’ half and girls’ half. The whole family plans to stick to the WWJE diet at camp, which is distinctly lacking in barbecue.

And Eddie takes great pride in the fact that the Sanders (Sanderses?) have won the camp’s competition trophy for the last two years. Why not make it three? Because if there’s one thing that Eddie loves almost as much as Jesus, it’s trophies.

Family camp will just last a week, which perhaps is a bit of solace for Tommy Ackerman. But while 2 Peter 3:8 tells us that “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years,” a day with Eddie Sanders just feels that long.

Buckle up, Tommy. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Positive Elements

Tommy and Eddie don’t share much in common. What do they share? A love of their respective families—even if they sometimes struggle to show it as they should.

Before camp, Tommy tended to lose himself in work, and Grace was right when she told him that he needed to reconnect with his growing children. He does so, ultimately—especially with his son, Henry. The two have struggled as of late: Henry would much rather create nature documentaries (which he narrates in an Australian accent) than play sports. But the boy still desperately wants to make his pops proud. Turns out, Tommy couldn’t be prouder of Henry, even if he doesn’t understand the whole nature doc thing: “You’re perfect just the way you are,” he says.

But we see that Grace and daughter Hannah need to shore up their own relationship, too. With Hannah leaving home soon, Grace hoped that she and Hannah could use camp to find some good mother-daughter time. That doesn’t happen, really, but Hannah realizes toward the end of camp just how much she and Grace mean to each other—and how much they always will. “Mom, I’m going to need you for everything,” she says.

If Tommy has been guilty of disengaging a little too much from his family before camp, Eddie might have erred the other way. He and his wife, Victoria, are struggling—in large part because of Eddie’s domineering nature. Eddie worries about his fraternal twins, too. “I love them so much,” he confesses. “And yet I’m still afraid I’m going to mess them up somehow.” Camp proves to be a bit of an ointment for him and Victoria, though it doesn’t come without cost.

And without giving too much away, the Ackermans and Sanderses find and form their own hard-earned bonds. Confession and forgiveness form a central theme here. And, as we’ll see, they might edge a little closer to God—or at least God-honoring principles—as well.

Spiritual Elements

Family Camp is targeted at a faith-based audience. The movie understands that it doesn’t need a literal come-to-Jesus moment for its characters, because most of its viewers have already had that moment. Rather, this story is a little bit more about the place where most of us are at: What does it mean to live as a Christian should live? How does our faith impact our family? Our friendships? Ourselves?

We do hear some thoughtful theological ruminations at times. Someone says that, if God’s in control of the chaos He’s seen, “I’m not sure if I’m that interested in faith.” When another character regurgitates the old cliché that “God doesn’t make junk,” it comes with added poignancy.

But many of the movie’s most overtly spiritual elements are used more to foster inside jokes—Christians making jokes at the “expense” of Christians that (most) Christians will get and appreciate.

For instance: As Tommy and his family drive to camp, his vehicle is cut off by another SUV. The vanity plate on the offending vehicle reads “BLESSED.”

For instance: Eddie’s elaborate blessing ceremony of the camp yurt, which includes a harmonica-accompanied hymn, references to the land of Goshem and a “big spiritual hug.” When Eddie showily prays over his entire family later that evening—dabbing a bit of oil on each family member’s head with a dropper—Tommy feels as though he must follow suit—even though he’s clearly never prayed over his family before. “Pretty sure God knows our names, Dad,” Hannah sighs after Tommy introduces them to Him.

For instance: When Eddie saves Tommy from choking on a piece of meat, the meal’s attendees applaud. “Just doing the Lord’s work,” Eddie says. He tries to deflect praise to the Almighty, then amends his statement: “OK, [it was] a little bit me, but mostly Him,” he says.

We could go on. We hear references to Dave Ramsey and vegan Gospel choirs. We hear a Christian form of “Baby Shark”. The Sanders family brings a couple of gerbils to camp, one of which is apparently named “Little Billy Graham.” Someone quips that “when God closes a door, he opens a Chick-fil-A.” We hear many jokes predicated on an insider’s knowledge of evangelical Christianity, and I don’t want to spoil all of them.

Someone is called “Lucifer.” The camp’s opening ceremony includes torches representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We hear a mention of evolution, to which the mentioner is told, “We don’t say the ‘E’ word here.” We hear a reference to speaking in tongues. A scene takes place in a church.

Sexual Content

Hannah hits it off with a boy in camp, and she spends most of her time with him (much to Grace’s chagrin). Nothing physical takes place: Their one potential kiss is interrupted by circumstance. But this budding romance is clearly a point of concern for Grace. (She says the boy’s intentions are probably “God only knows what.”)

Eddie flirts with his wife, and Victoria reminds him that the children are watching. “How do you think they got there?” he teases. He compliments Tommy’s wife as well. Being a chiropractor, he notices Grace’s “lovely neck.” (He reassures Tommy that he’s just speaking professionally.)

Henry films most everything, and he records sister Hannah on the drive up to camp. “Stop filming your sister,” Tommy tells him. “It’s creepy.”

After Eddie’s stung by bees, he’s in need of an emergency shot, which needs (he tells prospective shot-giver Tommy) to be injected in Eddie’s thigh or buttock. Tommy rejects the buttock, and he reluctantly (and comically) massages Eddie’s thigh to prepare it for the injection.

The camp’s director and cook seem to get a bit chummy.

Violent Content

Eddie’s encounter with the bees leads to a seriously swollen face. The first anti-venom shot that Tommy tries to inject instead goes (painfully) into Eddie’s hand. The next one hits its intended mark, but it seems equally painful.

A game of full-contact soccer (for the camp competition) involves family members donning inflatable shells. Several participants are knocked over and rolled about after being aggressively “tackled,” and one player flees from contact.

Someone gets pushed into a lake. Someone else falls in. Two people wrestle in another body of water, and a mustache is yanked. Tommy hits his head on a rock and is knocked unconscious. A beaver is nearly run over. Eddie, being a chiropractor, cracks a number of spines and joints. One recipient falls over afterward. An ATV blows up from a fiery arrow. A flaming marshmallow finds its way onto someone’s head.

[ Spoiler Warning ] Eddie and Tommy are captured by zealous, um, hunters . The kidnappees are overcome by tranquilizer darts, then tied to a tree and left possibly to die. When Tommy and Eddie encounter them again, the hunters are beaten and overcome—so much that Tommy worries that one might be dead.

Crude or Profane Language

None, though Eddie does call Tommy “Bucko” frequently.

Drug and Alcohol Content

Other negative elements.

Eddie and Tommy consider stealing an ATV. A child runs off into the woods by himself. (He has the best of intentions, but he worries his mother nearly to death.) Henry gets car sick (off camera). Someone lies, but that lie comes with consequences.

Christian comedy.

For some, the words are mutually exclusive. Christians don’t laugh, some in the secular world believe. A few Christians, honestly, seem to believe it, too.

But it goes just beyond stereotype. Christian comedy—and by that I’m not talking just clean comedy, but comedy predicated on Christianity—is hard to master. Talk Christianity, and you’re talking about a truth that brings meaning to everything we do. You’re talking about a faith that we should hold as our most precious possession. So when you’re mining that precious thing for a few yucks, the perils are great. Secular audiences might not get it. Christian audiences might be offended.

Tommy Woodard and Eddie James, known collectively as the Skit Guys, have been living on that line for a while now. Performing together since high school, the two have carved a faith-based niche for themselves, writing and performing skits for churches, conferences and other Christian gatherings. Family Camp is their first feature-length film.

“You’re laughing as something you’re watching, you’re probably going to be more apt to listen to whatever they have to say,” James says in a promotional video for Family Camp . “And then you just got to have something good to say. And we believe the word of God is the best thing to talk about.”

Yeah, Family Camp is funny. It’s slick, too, in a good way. This feels like a solid Hollywood laugher with a bunch of pretty talented people in front and behind the camera. And if the characters sometimes feel a bit inconsistent or the film tries a little too hard to draw a laugh, it doesn’t take away from the real pleasure Family Camp offers. The smiles and laughs this film earns are genuine.

Naturally, being a Christian film, it doesn’t have nearly the content issues we’d be discussing if this was a secular comedy—even a relatively family friendly one. It does engage in some slapstick humor, and a few jokes can stray just a teensy bit into the bathroom or bedroom. But you’re not going to see a secular movie this clean this side of 1957.

And, of course, the messages here—of forgiveness, of repentance, of what it means to be a family—are all spot on.

No, Family Camp probably isn’t for everybody. Sometimes, laughing at ourselves can be a hard thing to do. But Family Camp shows that Christian comedy isn’t just possible, it can be quite good, too.

Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

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‘Unsung Hero’ Review: The Family That Prays Together, Plays Together in Uplifting Faith-Based Biopic

A father uproots his family, moving them halfway around the world to avoid professional and personal ruin in this heartening weepie.

By Courtney Howard

Courtney Howard

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Popular on Variety

After David fails to sell out an Amy Grant concert due in part to a devastating nationwide recession, he loses all their savings. His backup plan to bring Eddie DeGarmo (Jonathan Jackson) over from the States also vanishes overnight. With no other career options, and with another baby on the way, he comes up with a risky proposal: move the family to the U.S. in hopes of representing an artist friend of his in Nashville. Their journey is fraught with obstacles, from a stressful customs detention to the psychological toll of David’s struggles as a provider. While the Smallbones suck up their pride to courageously face dire situations, they’re only human and there’s always a breaking point — one they must work together to mend.

The film works best when trafficking in poignant subtleties that provide a cumulative tear-shedding experience rather than the overt schmaltz which occasionally appears. Lovely grace notes are peppered throughout, from some much-needed tension-release humor (not to be confused with the requisite Vegemite and “Crocodile Dundee” jokes) to the heart-in-throat moment that reveals how Rebecca St. James chose her stage name. (Take that, “Solo: A Star Wars Story”!) Eagle-eyed audiences will find fun spotting a few family members making cameo appearances.

Katherine Tucker’s production design reflects the Smallbones’ evolution — as their familial bonds flourish, their environments change for the better. Cinematographer Johnny Derango discreetly shifts lighting cues in concert with narrative overtones. The frequent golden hour glow represents the presence of David’s perpetually perky father (Terry O’Quinn) even when he’s not on screen, culminating in the genuinely emotional finale’s intersection of a trio of character arcs.

All the siblings offer contributions to their familial sustenance, yet a handful aren’t as fleshed out as they should be given their survival was a psychologically taxing team effort — especially for the younger members thrust into adulthood prematurely. The focus is not only on the parents’ problems, but also on their teenage daughter’s struggle with confidence as a performer and songwriter. And of course, young Luke and Joel, who later in life went on to form the duo For King + Country (and who also provide the heartfelt closing credits ballad), get significant attention, delivering a couple of funny, self-aware bits. However, Ben, Daniel and Josh are relegated to characters defined by their jobs and not by their personalities. They’re left aching for greater incorporation within this testimony.

A finer point could’ve been made about the two sides of the charity coin — the family’s Christmas is saved through the kindness of others, but David feels like a charity case when their wealthy neighbors Jed (Lucas Black) and Kay (Candace Cameron Bure) help out with hefty medical bills. Still, the filmmakers espouse reassuring commentary on achieving the American Dream. More films should acknowledge that throwing money at a problem isn’t always the solution. To glean the amount of meaningful insight as Smallbone clearly demonstrates with this feature, placing himself in his father’s shoes to fully understand a psyche in the throes of turmoil, is quite the dynamic feat. That’s especially important for a faith-based audience who need to see that flaws in our design are what make us human.

Reviewed online, April 23, 2024. MPA Rating: PG. Running time: 112 MIN.

• Production: A Lionsgate release of a Kingdom Story Company, Candy Rock Entertainment production of a For King + Country Film. Producers: Joshua Walsh, Luke Smallbone, Justin Tolley, Joel Smallbone. Executive producers: Candace Cameron Bure, Andrew Erwin, Tony Young, Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Mike Curb, Brian Mitchell, Bill Reeves, Jeffery Brooks, Gerald Webb, Ford Englerth.
• Crew: Directors, writers: Joel Smallbone, Richard L. Ramsey. Camera: Johnny Derango. Editor: Parker Adams. Music: Brent McCorkle.
• With: Joel Smallbone, Daisy Betts, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn, Paul Luke Bonenfant, Diesel La Torraca, JJ Pantano, Tenz McCall, Angus K. Caldwell.

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'Malayalee from India' review: A heartwarming family entertainer

After Varshangalku Shesham, Nivin Pauly and Dhyan Sreenivasan reunite in yet another

After Varshangalku Shesham , Nivin Pauly and Dhyan Sreenivasan reunite in yet another heartwarming film. Malayalee from India , directed by Dijo Jose Antony, revolves around the life of Aalparambil Gopi, played by Nivin Pauly. This is a coming-of-age movie that is also a political satire.

Gopi and his friend Malghosh (Dhyan Sreenivasan) are two happy-go-lucky youngsters spending their days playing cricket and being part of political activities in their village. Anaswara Rajan plays Gopi's love interest and the age difference between the lead pair is addressed in the song 'Krishna' sung by Vineeth Sreenivasan.

The first half of the movie focuses on a misunderstanding that turns into a major conflict between two political parties and how Gopi and Malghosh get embroiled in it. However, just when you think this is what the movie is all about, in comes a twist.

The second half of the film, centred around the Covid pandemic, focuses on the personal journey and growth of the protagonist. The writer brings in the discord between different political ideologies and the India-Pakistan conflict as the movie progresses.

Malayalee from India is a heartwarming family entertainer with plenty of humour and moments that can move the audience to tears, thanks to the masterful script by Sharis Mohammed. The movie also boasts of some great performances, especially by Salim Kumar apart from the protagonists. Shine Tom Chacko too evokes some laughter during his cameo appearance.

Film: Malayalee from India

Directed by: Dijo Jose Antony

Starring: Nivin Pauly, Anaswara Rajan, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Shine Tom Chacko, Salim Kumar, Manju Pillai 

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Common sense media reviewers.

Language, drinking in affecting comedy about acceptance.

A Lot or a Little?

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

Mixed messages about women and girls (a set of mid

Kate is selfish and painfully blunt, but softens o

Viewers hear how violent a group of Juggalos is (t

Brief conversation about using two condoms for bir

Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t,"

An adult handles stress by drinking; she gulps dow

Parents need to know that Family is about a selfish, blunt workaholic (Taylor Schilling) whose unexpected week with her middle school-age niece (Bryn Vale) changes her in important ways. The main characters learn to have empathy for each other and for themselves, and both make positive changes in their lives…

Positive Messages

Mixed messages about women and girls (a set of middle school bullies is insulted for being "dogs" and "bitches," and one girl is said to have a "lazy eye"), but also very sweet messages about empathy, unity, importance of feeling like you belong, being true to yourself, understanding that most people feel like "freaks" inside no matter what they look like outside.

Positive Role Models

Kate is selfish and painfully blunt, but softens over course of movie, acknowledges her faults and need to be kinder. Adults are deeply involved with the young characters. Even though bullied middle school girl joins a socially reviled group with off-putting outward attributes, viewers see that the group accepts her as she is, cares for her. Some stereotyping, including middle school "mean girls" group. An adult woman calls them "dogs," says they don't have right to pick on others because they're so unattractive. At 11, Maddie is empathetic toward others: When told that it should make her happy to shop for a dress when there are poor kids who can't, she logically answers, "Why would that make me happy? It just makes me sad those kids are poor." A mom who thinks "karate is for boys" learns better. Characters are diverse in race, ethnicity, gender, body type.

Violence & Scariness

Viewers hear how violent a group of Juggalos is (talk of them stabbing each other and damaging public property, and viewers see them fistfighting), but they ultimately emerge as sweet eccentrics who drop everything to search for a lost kid. A bullied girl fights back against her foes by kicking one so hard she falls down; the kicker is then suspended from school. A woman is injured by a closing garage door.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Brief conversation about using two condoms for birth control (a character correctly says that it's safer to use just one) and some talk about dating. Two characters seem headed toward a romance at the end of the movie, but they never kiss.

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

Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "p---y," "ass," and "bulls--t." A middle school-age child is called a "loser," and others are called "dogs" and "freaks."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

An adult handles stress by drinking; she gulps down wine, shots, cocktails. One scene shows many cocktails being downed. A character shows up drunk at a school; she takes a Lyft there and is driven by a sober friend so she doesn't drive drunk. At a gathering of Juggalos, people smoke joints and share large bongs; a character talks about being addled because she's on a lot of drugs.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Family is about a selfish, blunt workaholic ( Taylor Schilling ) whose unexpected week with her middle school-age niece (Bryn Vale) changes her in important ways. The main characters learn to have empathy for each other and for themselves, and both make positive changes in their lives. A girl who feels like she doesn't fit in is bullied by a group of female classmates who are then spoken of in stereotypical terms (as "dogs," "bitches," and "mean girls"); the girl ultimately defeats them by kicking one to the ground (she's suspended for it). At the same time, the girl also finds a group of friends who accept her for who she is. Despite some iffy choices, those friends are eventually revealed to be kind-hearted, thoughtful, and caring (even if viewers see them shrieking, punching each other, and sharing giant bongs). In other scenes, adults guzzle wine and cocktails; they don't usually appear drunk, but in one scene a character does show up drunk at a school. Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "p---y," "ass," "bulls--t"; several characters are also called (or call themselves) "freaks." There's no sex or romance, but there's a brief joke involving condoms and suggestions of the potential for romance between two characters. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (2)
• Kids say (1)

Based on 2 parent reviews

This is a 5 year old movie

What's the story.

Kate ( Taylor Schilling ) has her eyes on the prize at work and doesn't have a lot of time for FAMILY. But when her brother ( Eric Edelstein ) and sister-in-law ( Allison Tolman ) have to leave town for an emergency, Kate's the only one available to take care of her 11-year-old niece, Maddie (Bryn Vale). Kate figures she can hold things together as usual, despite a challenging period at work. But Maddie's a kid who needs help -- and, luckily, she finds it, thanks to Kate and a friendly group of local Juggalos (followers of the band Insane Clown Posse).

Is It Any Good?

It churns through plenty of cinematic clichés along the way, but ultimately this comedy gets to a place of genuine sweetness -- in a gathering of the Juggalos, of all places. Viewers will instantly recognize Schilling's Kate from the first scenes: She's tightly wound, all business, with no time for friends or family. "I have a habit of saying things that everyone is thinking, but then someone's always like 'Why did you say that?' so I'm usually in the place where I hate myself but also think I'm better than everybody else," she sums up to Maddie. We know, by the way, that Maddie will be the driving force of Kate's story arc, because of course Kate has to change by the time the credits roll, or why else would she be dressed in pristine white silk shirts and frowning? So change she does, and in all the ways you imagine she will -- but the magic of Family is that it's done with such artistry that it transcends the trite setup.

Maddie is a weird kid, but the movie's not laughing at her -- even though her true friends wind up being Juggalos who hang out in front of a mini mart playing a recorder. We feel the pain of her differentness from the kids at school, as well as her joy at finding a group that accepts her as she is -- and an aunt who can help her feel comfortable and supported in choosing to stand out rather than trying fruitlessly to fit in. Maddie's new friends, as Kate tells Maddie's worried mom, "play with their spit, and all their songs are about stabbing people, but once you get beyond that, they're really kind of sweet." And, without giving away the ending, it's true. No, it's not realistic, but Family gets at a real feeling: the wonder of finding your people. And clichéd as it is, it's awfully affecting.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Family compares to other family-centered movies. Does the content seem more or less realistic than others'? How is this family different from other movie families?

Is it ever OK to use stereotypes as a way of portraying characters? Do you see any stereotypes in this movie? Do the characters ultimately affirm or upend their stereotypes?

How do the characters in Family demonstrate empathy ? Why are these important character strengths ?

How does the movie portray drinking ? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?

Movie Details

• In theaters : April 19, 2019
• On DVD or streaming : July 16, 2019
• Cast : Taylor Schilling , Brian Tyree Henry , Kate McKinnon , Bryn Vale
• Director : Laura Steinel
• Inclusion Information : Female directors, Female actors, Black actors, Lesbian actors
• Studio : The Film Arcade
• Genre : Comedy
• Character Strengths : Empathy
• Run time : 85 minutes
• MPAA rating : R
• MPAA explanation : language, some sexual content and drug use
• Last updated : January 11, 2024

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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