focus on family movie review

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If you’ve ever wondered what happens to children’s imaginary friends when they’re inevitably forgotten, IF answer that question in a sweet way.

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• Culture Remix: Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• Movie Review: Someone Like You
• Movie Review: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
• TV Review: Citadel: Diana
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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)

The Lego Ninjago Movie (PG)

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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Plugged In Entertainment Reviews

• UPDATED DAILY

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.

TV Review: The Irrational

The Irrational finds a behavioral scientist asking questions about memory and the human condition while investigating murders.   Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

SiYP: Banning Cellphones in School

Where do parents stand on school cell phone bans? Where should they stand?   Read the Plugged In Blog   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Culture Remix: Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Zelda takes the lead in the world-saving this go ‘round. And it makes for some nice, toy-like character play.   Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Movie Review: Someone Like You

Karen Kingsbury’s bestselling novel weaves themes of love, faith and forgiveness into a story that’ll have you reaching for the tissues.   Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Movie Review: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Barbara Robinson’s classic book, ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,’ lands on screen. And it’s pretty great.   Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

TV Review: Citadel: Diana

This Italian spinoff may be less flashy and salacious than its predecessor but look out for violence and moral ambiguity.   Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

SiYP: Brands Targeting Gen Z

Teens are turning to social media for their news and everything else.   Read the Plugged In Blog   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Culture Remix: Skillet: Revolution

Skillet is closing in on three decades of pounding, prophetic rock reminders to trust Jesus, no matter what.   Read the Plugged In Review   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Ratings & Reviews

Plugged in is trying to protect you.

TennisLover24

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.

annesquivel

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.

Great but bad

When the podcast will actually load I enjoy hearing about the movies. 9 times out of 10 this podcast won’t load and play.

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• Channel Focus on the Family
• Creator Focus on the Family
• Years Active 2008 - 2024
• Episodes 1.4K
• Rating Clean
• Copyright © 2024 Focus on the Family
• Show Website Plugged In Entertainment Reviews

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Plugged In Movie Review

Jun 19, 2015.

Hollywood's bravest storytellers all work for Pixar. Who else would dare make a movie about the mind of an 11-year-old girl? And an amazingly insightful movie at that. (PG) Read our full review on Plugged In Online.

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Best Family And Kids Movies

Last updated: November 14, 2024

If you love Family And Kids and you're looking for your next family favorite, you're in the right place. We've compiled a top list of the latest and greatest Family And Kids Movies. Give it a scroll and find the perfect fit for your family. From kids to tweens and teens, there's something fun and great for everyone. Discover the best new Family And Kids Movies to make the most of your family time together. Don't miss out on this always-fresh list that rates high on entertainment and excitement! See more best-of lists like this .

Inside Out 2

Growing up is emotional in thoughtful sequel; some peril.

The Wild Robot

Beautiful, heartwarming adaptation with moments of peril.

Poignant fantasy about loss and the power of imagination.

Transformers One

Dazzling animation in entertaining, explosive origin story.

Whimsical, sweet prequel has mild peril, fatphobic jokes.

Despicable Me 4

Gru and his Minions return for family fun; some peril.

Celebration of Disney animation is fun—but only just fine.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Aged-up picture book adaptation has peril, fight scenes.

Funny animated adventure is just ducky; some peril, threats.

The Garfield Movie

Legendary cat's animated adventure has peril, lots of ads.

Tender animated musical has mild innuendo, language.

Kung Fu Panda 4

Peril, some potty humor in Dragon Warrior buddy comedy.

Descendants: The Rise of Red

Positive messages, peril in overstuffed franchise reboot.

Trolls Band Together

Cheery threequel is silly, sweet fun; some innuendo, peril.

Orion and the Dark

Child faces fears in book-based fantasy; peril, scares.

Thelma the Unicorn

Positive lessons, some rude humor in book-based animation.

Piece by Piece

Creative Lego bio-doc has positive themes, implied drug use.

Heartfelt, romantic fable about immigrant experience.

Robot Dreams

Word-free animated friendship story brings laughs, tears.

Girl Haunts Boy

Ghostly teen romance blends grief, love, and friendship.

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This Underrated Twist-Filled Thriller Is the #1 Movie on Netflix

This film is finally getting its props.

It seems like every week the number one trending movie on Netflix is a major throwback from years ago. This week’s top pick is none other than Will Smith and Margot Robbie’s 2015 thriller Focus , which I’ve now come to realize is super underrated. I, myself, was one of those people who wrote this movie off upon its initial release, thinking it was just “another Will Smith action film” that he had done before (and better). Upon rewatching, however, I believe the mixture of action, danger and romance is a great blend that makes this film an entertaining one. 

Despite mixed reviews from critics, Focus pulled in a smooth $158 million at the box office, and now that I have mostly left my comic book movie phase for dramas and crime thrillers (sans the reportedly upcoming Black Panther 3 Denzel Washington just announced he is going to have a role in, of course), I think this is the better collaboration between Smith and Robbie as opposed to 2016’s Suicide Squad . 

With the film currently reaching number one on Netflix, there is no better time than the present to give it a rewatch with fresh eyes. Here are a couple of reasons why you should check it out if you haven’t already.

The Steamy Storyline

There is no doubt that Will Smith and Margot Robbie make a hot couple in the movie (with some steamy scenes to prove it), but the storyline is an interesting one as well. In the film, Nick (Smith), portrays a veteran con artist who takes Jess (Robbie) under his wing. The two become romantically involved, which then leads to her being uncomfortable and ending their relationship. Three years go by, and now Nick meets Jess again while on an assignment. By this time, however, Jess has become a true femme fatale, which creates an interesting dynamic between the two.

2. It Is Better Than Suicide Squad

Yes, I believe Focus is a better movie than Suicide Squad —and this is coming from somebody who was obsessed with the latter in 2016. While I won’t write the chemistry between Deadshot (Smith) and Harley Quinn (Robbie) in Suicide Squad off completely, I personally feel Smith and Robbie’s chemistry is much more dynamic in this film.

3. It’s a Chance to See Early Margot Robbie in Action

Before Margot Robbie was “Barbie,” she was making a name for herself in Hollywood with films like Focus . It is always interesting to see an actor’s rise through their respective filmography, and Robbie’s performance gives a preview to the more in-depth roles we would see from her just a couple of years later like I, Tonya . 

PureWow Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Both Smith and Robbie both have better films in their catalog, but Focus is still a movie you can get enjoyment out of as it’s fun, sexy and interesting. The cinematography is beautiful, along with the Buenos Aires scenery, and it's well-acted by everyone involved, which adds to the intense action scenes present throughout.

You can stream Focus on Netflix .

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This Serial Killer Thriller Is Already the #1 Movie on Netflix Just Days After It Premiered

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