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Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents and Family Movie Night

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Let’s set the scene…..

You’ve picked the movie, you’ve popped the popcorn, everyone’s comfy. You pop in the movie and things are going well. You’re laughing and smiling and enjoying family time. And then it happens, that scene you forgot about, or those words that made you cringe.

Oh, shoot! Wasn’t this supposed to be a kid’s movie? How could I forget about this?! You cover the kid’s eyes while your spouse fumbles around trying to turn it off, or fast-forward, or even just hope the electricity goes out. Give us a break, right?!

You’ve been there, I know you have because I’ve been there too! But, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret that I’ve been carrying around for a while. With a simple click, you won’t have to worry anymore if the movie is kid-friendly, or stands up to your convictions.

You’re New BFF

These movie review sites for Christian parents will be your BFF when it comes to your next family movie night! I can almost guarantee that you’ll find family-friendly movie reviews on the show of your choice via one of these sites.

I do find it interesting that not one of these websites will give you a definitive “do not watch” or “definitely watch” at the end of the review. To make your decision, you will still need to gather information from the reviews and make a judgment call based on your family values and expectations.

You might find it helpful to look at more than one site to get a more well-rounded perspective! Fortunately, most of these websites use headings and organize the posts so you can quickly scan for the content that matters most, such as sexual content, profanity, violence, or nudity. 

I’ve put this list in order of preference, so I recommend you start at the top of the list for the best information and then work your way down when you can’t find what you need. If you need to make a fast decision the DOVE site has the most concise information. But if it’s the details you are looking for, I’d go with Plugged In first every time.

I don’t know how many times we’ve pulled out a movie we watched ourselves as kids and remembered fondly, only to get ten minutes into the movie and turn it off in shock. Growing up, growing in faith, and having children of our own certainly changes how we view content. For this reason, I’m glad we have sites that review older movies and not just the most current content.

8 Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents

This one is, by far, my favorite review site to check in on. I’ve used it numerous times, and not just for kids’ movies. We even check videos out for ourselves using this site too! It never fails to disappoint us with accuracy or detail, the writers at Focus on the Family really do a great job! If you have tweens, it would be perfectly safe to have them read the Plugged In review for the video in question before they ask you for permission. This will give your teens an excellent overview of things to watch for and also save you significant time as they will do the narrowing down for you. 

Common Sense Media 

This next movie review site is my second favorite. Like Plugged In, Common Sense Media is incredibly thorough and provides independent reviews based upon age, ratings, and other pertinent information you’ll definitely want to know about. This site was started to help parents navigate the digital age and protect their children from the unknown effects of too much media. If you can’t find what you are looking for on PluggedIn, you will find all the recent movies reviewed here!

Kinds In Mind

With a scaled rating of Sex/Nudity, Violence/Gore, and Language, the system works pretty well for this company. While I was hoping that this movie review site was geared mainly towards Christian parents, they do state that they are independent of all political and religious viewpoints.

I didn’t even know that Dove had their own movie review system. But, they’ve got a pretty good thing going here. I don’t find that it’s as detailed as some of the others here, but it could definitely get the job done if you need just a little snippet of information so you can make a quick decision.

Movie Guide

This is not your old-fashioned movie guide (like I was thinking it was) it actually is very informative and ranks at the top of the list for me! While the site doesn’t have much information about its roots, the site has a ton of movie reviews that are available!

Raising Children

I had never heard of this site until I started doing a little more digging on movie review sites for Christian parents. While this one is not Christian based, and not as detailed in the information, it does cover its bases- so we’ll still list it as a good option for movie review sites for parents.

Box Office Mom

She’s a great movie buff, but I do feel as though it’s a little less informative and a little more dependent on her own opinions when it comes to how her movies are rated. Yet, you may enjoy that real-life review about it. I also love throwing her in here to support another mom blogger!

Parent Previews

Parent Previews is just, well, okay . The problem is that with some of their movie reviews they have a disclaimer that they have not actually viewed the movie yet and the information is gathered from an outside source. No thanks.

Looking for more than just a review site?

If you’re looking for clean entertainment and want specific recommendations, you can check out these posts: Best Clean Shows on Netflix, Clean TV Shows on Amazon Prime , and Faith & Family Movies that you absolutely need to see too!

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All of these sites are different, so it really depends on your personal preference as to which site you’ll refer to when looking for a family-friendly movie review. The top two listed are my favorites, but you may be happy with what another site has to offer!

How do you do your due diligence when choosing what movies are “good enough” for your children?

Just a heads up to be wary of Common Sense Media. They seem good on the surface but in their About Us they are all about the cult of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), which means their staff is woke. And woke and Christianity do not mix.

I have yet to find just ONE site that has the backbone to give the most basic information about whether a movie (any movie searched for) has anything GAY in it! If a site does not include this information on any given search then it is not REALLY a site worth searching and it is a phony moral search site (not Christian, not Godly or morally family friendly by any standard, period)! You can’t leave something like this out of your ratings and be legitimately moral! And you can’t con God by pretending to be Christian friendly and God Revering!

Jane Doe, you are 1OO% correct! My family and I are SICK AND TIRED of all the GAY stuff.

Amen to this, sister!!

Personally with my kid I haven’t shown her anything newer than 1995 or so that I haven’t pre-screened first just to make sure there’s no gay and no anti-men messages in it. But it’s hard when everyone wants to watch the latest stuff.

Be wary of Common Sense Media – I used to use them all the time and loved the detail they provided about what to expect in a movie… until I took my 5 year old to a movie that ended up having a gay kissing scene in it. Common Sense Media does not specify when there are any LGBTQ+ characters or scenes in movies.

Agreed. I read another review where all the parent reviews regarding the lgbtq content were removed by other upset parents who thought they were offensive. I wrote saying how unbalanced this was and that the point of the parent reviews were for parents to see a well rounded review of what is in the show and that if those views were removed based on other parents opinions, that was unfair and one sided.

I’m so sorry you got fooled by them. I almost was too. On the surface they seem really good but thankfully I thought to look at their About Us section and saw they had a page about “Diversity and Inclusion”, which is code for the modern day woke cult. Now I know I won’t be trusting them at all.

We love plugged in! We also use Down The Hobbit Hole Blogs reviews because they have reliable age suggestions and parental warnings. We’re foster parents, so there are a lot of weird things that would make us say yes or no to a movie.

I would like to add one more to your list ChristianAnswers.net/spotlight

I have a bookmark folder on my computer & my phone and add Christian movie review sites as I find them. On my computer and phone I open all the sites in the folder as tabs and search each for movies at the store (the firewall at Dollar General explicitly blocks access to PluggedIn.com) to avoid getting unsuitable movies.

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Movie Review Websites for Christian Parents

Last Updated: December 21, 2023

Luke Gilkerson  has a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies and an MA in Religion. He is the author of Your Brain on Porn and  The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality . Luke and his wife Trisha blog at IntoxicatedOnLife.com

Are you looking for Christian movie reviews? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a list of helpful websites where you can find reviews on all the latest movies from a Christian perspective. They include content advisories, worldview analysis, and even discussion questions for your family so you can thoughtfully consume media.

List of Review Websites

MovieGuide is an organization founded by Dr. Ted Baehr. Its mission is “to redeem the values of the entertainment industry, according to biblical principles, by influencing industry executives and artists.” They do this through reviews, as well as many other efforts to inform Christians and influence Hollywood.

PluggedIn is a Focus on the Family publication designed to help equip parents, youth leaders, ministers, and teens with the essential tools that will enable them to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment is part of ChristianAnswers.com, a site dedicated to answering all kinds of questions about Christianity. The “Spotlight on Entertainment” features quick content summaries and ratings, as well as extensive plot overviews and content analysis. This is a great option for Christian parents looking for in-depth review content.

CBN Movies is the movie website of the Christian Broadcasting Network. More than just movie reviews, this site features exclusive interviews, and entertainment news as well.

CrossWalk Movies

CrossWalk Movies is a movie review service of CrossWalk.com. Find reviews on all the latest movies, all written from a Christian perspective.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is not a Christian organization. Nonetheless, they’ve done a lot of work to help families make informed decisions about media. Each movie review has a grading system for different types of content, making it easy for parents to make informed decisions.

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All Reviews

Since 1995 The Dove Foundation has been publishing our movie reviews on the Internet.  Well over 100,000 families rely on these reviews each month to help them make informed choices about the entertainment their family can watch with confidence.  Below is a description of the different types of reviews that The Dove Foundation publishes.

Now Showing in the Theater

Here you will find a list of Dove approved feature length movies that are currently playing at your local theaters.  While most of these films should be available in all areas of the country, some may be designated as “limited release” and only shown in select cities.  This list contains only Dove approved titles.

Coming Soon to Home Entertainment

Here you will find a list of Dove approved home entertainment products.  These videos and DVDs can usually be found at a local retailer for purchase or you can rent them at your local video store.  This list contains only Dove approved titles.

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This link will group all of our theatrical reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent films appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

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• These are some of the most notable religious movies that have been released over the years, each offering a unique perspective on faith and belief:
• Ben-Hur by William Wyler told the story of a betrayed Jewish prince sent into slavery in 1st century Jerusalem
• In The Last Temptation Of Christ, Martin Scorsese explored spiritual conflict through the story of Jesus.

Filmmaking and spirituality have gone together since the birth of cinema, and over the years, some truly awe-inspiring Christian movies have been released. From retellings of biblical stories to more modern narratives that were imbued with Christian ideology, films have long been a place where actors, directors, and writers have examined probing theological questions that got right to the heart of why faith and belief have been so instrumental in the lives of countless people. These releases acted as celebrations and investigations into theology, as the medium became a vessel for artists' spiritual yearnings.

The greatest Christian movies ever released included some of the best movies of the silent era right up to recent releases by acclaimed auteur directors. While some were controversial for their excessive depictions of violence or for showcasing Jesus’s life in a way that audiences were not comfortable with, they all had something vital to say about the nature of belief among Christians and religious people. The best Christian movies ever made represented the essence of cinema’s enduring power to illuminate humanity's need for meaning , purpose, and something to believe in.

10 The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)

Directed by carl th. dreyer.

The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928)

The Passion of Joan of Arc, directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, is a silent historical drama depicting the trial of Joan of Arc, the 15th-century French heroine and saint. Renée Jeanne Falconetti stars in a critically acclaimed performance as Joan, portraying her emotional and spiritual journey. The film is noted for its innovative use of close-ups and minimalist set design, highlighting the intensity and poignancy of Joan's final days.

The Passion of Joan of Arc was among the finest silent films ever produced, which tackled themes of faith and the unquestionable drive of those who believed they carried out the will of God. While not overtly biblical, this film by Danish director Carl Th. Dreyer explored Joan of Arc’s belief that she was on a mission from God to drive the English out of France. Based on the actual records of Joan’s trial, The Passion of Joan of Arc was a masterpiece of the silent era that has maintained its power almost a century after its release.

As one of the few films highlighted by the Vatican for its importance (via US Conference of Catholic Bishops,) The Passion of Joan of Arc was described by the Vatican's film list as “ the most convincing portrayal of spirituality on celluloid .” As a powerful representation of the inner struggle between human frailties and spiritual strength, Renée Jeanne Falconetti’s portrayal of Joan captured the deeply sacrificial nature of the Patron Saint of France’s story. More so than almost any other film, The Passion of Joan of Arc highlighted the enduring relevance of cinema’s silent era.

9 Ben-Hur (1959)

Directed by william wyler.

Ben Hur (1959)

Ben Hur is an epic historical drama directed by William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston in the titular role. Set during the time of Christ, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is betrayed and enslaved by his childhood friend. The film is renowned for its chariot race scene and earned eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

As a grand religious epic, Ben-Hur was among the most iconic religious films ever produced. It told the story of a betrayed Jewish prince sent into slavery in 1st century Jerusalem. As one of Charlton Heston’s best movies , Ben-Hur was an extraordinary story and a grand production full of epic battle sequences that utilized over 200 camels, 2,500 horses, and appropriately 10,000 extras, which made its chariot racing sequence among the most expensive scenes of all time .

Ben-Hur was an extraordinary success that became the second highest-grossing movie ever made at the time and took home a record 11 Academy Awards , including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Heston. Ben-Hur was notable for its portrayal of the earliest days of Christianity as it showcased Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount and eventual crucifixion. As a perfect blend of incredible spectacle and religious resonance, Ben-Hur was a smash success.

8 The Last Temptation Of Christ (1988)

Directed by martin scorsese.

The Last Temptation of Christ

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The life of Jesus Christ, his journey through life as he faces the struggles all humans do, and his final temptation on the cross.

While themes of faith and belief had always been integral to the work of Martin Scorsese, they were never more prevalent than when he released The Last Temptation of Christ . As a highly ambitious and controversial project, the depiction of Willem Dafoe as Jesus of Nazareth engaging in sexual acts led to outrage from Christian groups, who described the film as blasphemous. However, The Last Temptation of Christ was intended as a fictional exploration of spiritual conflict rather than a faithful representation of the Gospels.

It’s easy to understand why some Christian viewers were outraged by The Last Temptation of Christ , as its depiction of the human side of Jesus’s struggles was unlike anything else previously shown on film. However, at its core, the message of The Last Temptation of Christ highlighted just how difficult Jesus’s sacrifice was for him and truly showcased the emotional turmoil it took for him to rid humanity of original sin. For viewers willing to feel uncomfortable, The Last Temptation of Christ was a heartfelt reflection on the complexities of faith and the realities of Jesus’s life story.

7 Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Directed by norman jewison.

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Film version of the musical stage play, presenting the last few weeks of Christ's life told in an anachronistic manner.

Jesus Christ Superstar was a unique retelling of the conflict between Judas Iscariot and Jesus Christ, presented as a rock opera musical complete with creative songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Originally a concept album and then a popular stage show, this 1973 adaptation explored the emotions and motivations during the week of the crucifixion of Jesus. With Ted Neeley in the title role and Carl Anderson as Judas, Jesus Christ Superstar was a fresh way to explore faith on film.

However, not everyone was impressed by this musical version of the Gospel’s stories, as some religious groups spoke out against the film and said its non-inclusion of Jesus’s resurrection made it a work of blasphemy. Despite this, Pope Paul VI reportedly loved the film and told the director of his belief that it would “ bring more people around the world to Christianity ” (via Cleveland Plain Dealer .) Jesus Christ Superstar has endured for more than 50 years as a work that continues to captivate and provoke viewers with the power of its incredible music.

6 First Reformed (2017)

Directed by paul schrader.

First Reformed

A minister of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past.

The work of director Paul Schrader has never shied away from the darker sides of faith and belief, and perhaps his most spiritual directed work was the Ethan Hawke movie First Reformed . This psychological thriller explored a minister in a small upstate New York congregation grappling with despair, tragedy, a world in chaos, and a tormented past. As Reverend Ernst Toller sought solace through the comfort of his faith and religion , he found it increasingly difficult to overcome his personal crisis.

First Reformed was a work of deep religious searching that highlighted spiritual themes with the level of depth and seriousness these ideas deserved. Hawke delivered one of his very best performances as existential woe pervaded every scene. As Reverend Toller quoted the work of the Trappist monk Thomas Merton throughout First Reformed, he channeled the deep spiritual longing of those looking to find meaning in a world full of pain and, in the process, showcased why the faithful can gain contentment through Christianity even in the most trying of times.

5 The Prince Of Egypt (1998)

Directed by brenda chapman, steve hickner, & simon wells.

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

Egyptian Prince Moses learns of his identity as a Hebrew and his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people.

The highly ambitious Dreamworks animated film The Prince of Egypt adapted the Old Testament’s Book of Exodus to tell the story of Moses’ life from being the prince of Egypt to one of God’s chosen prophets. With a style that could appeal to kids and deeply impressive animation, music, and voice work, the film grossed $218 million worldwide and became the most successful non-Disney animated movie ever (via Box Office Mojo .) By retelling Moses’ story in a way that could be enjoyed by all audiences, The Prince of Egypt stood out as among the best movies in Dreamswork's entire catalog.

The Prince of Egypt has continued to receive praise in the years since its release and was described by Syfy as the greatest animated movie of all time in a retrospective review for its 20th anniversary. From its portrayal of Moses speaking with God’s voice through the burning bush to incredible songs like “When You Believe,” The Prince of Egypt succeeded in presenting its biblical tale through animation . Full of symbolism and rife with means, Dreamworks knocked it out of the park with The Prince of Egypt .

4 The Ten Commandments (1956)

Directed by cecil b. demille.

The Ten Commandments

Moses, raised as a prince of Egypt in the Pharaoh's household, learns of his true heritage as a Hebrew and his divine mission as the deliverer of his people from slavery.

The Ten Commandments was an extraordinary retelling of the biblical life of Moses as he led the Exodus to Mount Sinai and received God’s holy message. With Charlton Heston as Moses and Yul Brynner as the Egyptian Pharoah Rameses , this big-budget religious epic featured one of the largest exterior sets ever created for a film (via Life ), and its grand scope pushed the boundaries of contemporary cinema. At the time of its release, The Ten Commandments was the most expensive film ever made and acted as the culmination of the life’s work of director Cecil B. DeMille.

Through groundbreaking special effects rendered in impressive Technicolor, The Ten Commandments looked spectacular as it told its religious tale. With a powerful story that walked the fine line between enthralling entertainment and religious resonance, Heston excelled in his role as he portrayed both human and mythical dimensions of Moses’ character. From the parting of the Red Sea to God speaking through the burning bush, The Ten Commandments was a cinematic marvel to behold.

3 The Gospel According To St. Matthew (1964)

Pier paolo pasolini.

From the Nativity to the Resurrection, The Gospel According to St. Matthew depicted the life of Jesus Christ with a level of poetic artistry never previously seen on screen. From Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini, this was an effective rendition of Jesus’ story based on the Gospel of Matthew, which Pasolini said he chose because “ John was too mystical, Mark too vulgar, and Luke too sentimental ” (via IFI .) Through the neorealist tradition, The Gospel According to St. Matthew featured non-professional actors and felt all the more real because of it.

The Gospel According to St. Matthew was praised by Christian groups, and the legendary Russian director even spoke about his admiration for the film (via Nostalghia .) With dialogue taken directly from the Gospel, Pasolini’s imagery helped bring this religious story to life in a way that highlighted the profound religious potential of filmmaking. While so many religious epics utilized grand set pieces to highlight the impact of their stories, The Gospel According to St. Matthew let its words and imagery speak for themselves as a simple yet profound meditation on the life of Jesus.

2 The Passion Of The Christ (2004)

Directed by mel gibson.

The Passion of the Christ

Directed by Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ is a biblical drama that follows Jesus Christ in his final 12 hours before and during the crucifixion. Starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth, the 2004 film was highly controversial for its graphic violence, but it was a box office success.

The Passion of the Christ was an intense and controversial depiction of the final 12 hours of the life of Jesus of Nazareth . From director Mel Gibson and with Jim Caviezel in the titular role, the brutality with which Jesus’s crucifixion and death were shown led the film to be rated R due to its extreme violence and emotionally draining content. However, the brutal nature was praised by some Christian groups for showcasing the heartbreaking reality of Jesus’s sacrifice in a way most viewers had never encountered before.

Although The Passion of the Christ received criticism for historical and biblical accuracy, allegations of antisemitism, and excessive violence, the film also stood as the highest-grossing Christian film of all time. With a worldwide gross of $611 million (via Box Office Mojo ,) viewers turned out in droves to witness this challenging film. After many years of speculation surrounding the possibility of a sequel focused on the resurrection, Gibson confirmed that a follow-up titled The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection was in the works.

1 Silence (2016)

Silence is a historical drama movie based on Shūsaku Endō's 1966 novel of the same name. It was directed by Martin Scorsese and tells the story of two seventeenth-century missionaries who travel to Japan to track down their missing mentor. Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver play the leads, with Liam Neeson starring as Jesuit missionary Cristóvão Ferreira.

With a filmography full of deep ruminations on the nature of faith, director Martin Scorsese truly outdid himself with the release of Silence . Based on the novel by Shūsaku Endō, Silence told the story of 17th-century Jesuit priests spreading Catholic Christianity in Edo period Japan. As a long-time passion project for Scorsese that was 25 years in the making , Silence was a far cry from the gangster movies he became known for as it grappled with themes of faith, doubt, and God’s willingness to allow for a world full of suffering.

Although Silence bombed at the box office, it was an artistic success for Scorsese and stood as one of the most interesting films in the latter part of his career. With incredible performances from Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, and Liam Neeson, this was an insightful look at spirituality, humanity, and the profound influence of Catholicism across the globe. It remains to be seen if Scorsese’s upcoming Jesus movie can live up to these lofty standards, but if Silence was anything to go by it will surely be a triumph.

Sources: Cleveland Plain Dealer , Box Office Mojo (The Prince of Egypt), Syfy , Life , IFI , Nostalghia , Box Office Mojo (The Passion of the Christ)

IF (Christian Movie Review)

With impressive visuals, charming characters, and an emotionally rich story, IF is a delightful and surprisingly mature film that children and adults alike can enjoy. 

About the Film  

Growing up is hard. In the age of social media and cell phones, this inevitable rite of passage is arguably more difficult than ever. Directed by John Krasinski, IF tells a tender story about rediscovering our inner child and finding strength and comfort in our cherished memories. It’s the type of live-action family film that seems increasingly rare these days. With impressive visuals, charming characters, and an emotionally rich story, IF is a delightful and surprisingly mature film that children and adults alike can enjoy.     

John Krasinski is best known for his comedic acting role in The Office , but he is quickly earning a reputation as one of the better storytellers in Hollywood. His 2018 horror flick, A Quiet Place , was excellent, and he demonstrates his capable storytelling talents once again. While IF may not appear to have much in common with his alien-invasion horror movie, they share a similar foundational theme: navigating life’s challenges as a family. IF is not just a film for families, but it is also a movie about families.     

The story is about Imaginary Friends (called IFs) whose children have grown up and no longer remember them. Thus, they recruit a young girl named Bea (played by relative newcomer Cailey Fleming, who is fantastic) to find them new kids. The visuals are impressive, seamlessly blending the digital figures into a live-action world. The IFs themselves are fun, endearing characters, ranging from classic teddy bears to amusingly inventive creations.  

Despite the bizarre cast of IFs, the film itself is not as high energy or wacky as might be expected. IF is not bursting with laugh-out-loud gags. Instead, it is the type of movie that will keep audiences quietly smiling, similar in tone and pacing to the delightful Paddington movies . In fact, IF is what you might expect from a hypothetical live-action Pixar movie. It’s a mature story that explores deeper themes beneath its playful exterior. While it is a film children can enjoy, it may resonate strongest with their parents.   

I have not yet mentioned Ryan Reynolds, the movie’s biggest star. Unfortunately, Reynolds is unexpectedly one of the weaker parts of the film. He’s not necessarily bad , and his child-like enthusiasm works well at times, but his brand of humor has always had a sharper bite to it, which occasionally gives the movie a rougher edge.   

Another unfortunate blemish in the movie is some unnecessary language (see section below). The inclusion of profanity in family films continues to baffle me. In an otherwise charming scene, what is the purpose of having an adult ask a child, “What the h— do you want?” Is it funny because he swore? If so, funny for what demographic? No, IF is not The Wolf of Wall Street by any means. But in a story about rediscovering the importance of childhood innocence, the adult language sprinkled throughout feels counterproductive.  

Overall, there is a lot to appreciate about IF . It is a testament to John Krasinski’s skilled direction that the film manages to offer a message against growing up too fast while also respecting the intelligence of its younger viewers to handle an emotionally mature story. Yes, there are some worldbuilding elements that don’t feel fully cooked and some needless language that adds a slightly bitter flavor to the otherwise sugary sweet tone. But at its core, IF is an enjoyable, beautiful story about growing up and cherishing the memories that enrich our lives.

For Consideration

Language: There are 2-4 profanities (“h—“), and frequent uses (perhaps 15-20) of “God” and “Oh my G—” throughout.    

Violence: None.  

Sexuality : None, although a banana is told to put on some pants, causing him to cross his hands over his private areas.  

Other:  Bea, a 12-year-old girl, is frequently shown leaving the house without telling her grandma to travel around with an adult man she hardly knows. She does not demonstrate an attitude of defiance against parental authority, and her behavior is standard practice in these sorts of films, but some parents may not appreciate it.     

Engage The Film

Becoming like a child          .

Bea lost her mother to cancer as a child. Years later, when her father (played by John Krasinski) ends up in the same hospital for a heart procedure, she is confronted with grief for her mother and fear of potentially saying goodbye to a parent once again. She faces challenges no child should have to experience, and she is forced to grow up quickly as a result.    

 “I’m not a kid anymore,” she declares several times. Life’s trials have made her innocent and childlike tendencies—such as having imaginary friends—feel silly and unimportant. Her father pushes back on these attitudes, as he doesn’t want her to lose the spirit of childhood that helps her perceive life’s simple joys and blessings in a way jaded adult eyes cannot.   

Children learn from watching adults, but Jesus was clear that adults can also learn from children: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Becoming like a child does not mean remaining immature (after all, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:2 that Christians should mature beyond spiritual milk to solid food). But not all childhood attitudes or memories should be left behind.   

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​Unique and Imaginative – But May Be Too Confusing for Young Children

In the realm of storytelling, few mediums can touch the heart and soul quite like film does. As a lover of cinema and a devout Christian, I care about what types of movies my children watch, and I feel called to share my thoughts with you. In this IF Christian Movie Review, I give parents the information they need before seeing this film with children.

Furthermore, it should be noted that we pay for our movie tickets so you can be sure that you are getting my unbiased thoughts on each film I review. For Christian families, selecting the right movie isn’t just about avoiding the bad—it’s about actively seeking the good, those stories that resonate with our core values. They provide a unique opportunity to explore themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption in a way that’s accessible and engaging for people of all ages.

IF Christian Movie Review

Studio synopsis of if:.

From writer and director John Krasinksi, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends—and what she does with that superpower—as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

My Synopsis of IF:

When  John Krasinski  introduces us to a young girl grappling with difficult situations in his latest creation, she discovers an extraordinary world brimming with imaginary friends. This isn’t just a story about overcoming sadness; it’s a profound exploration of coming to terms with what life throws at you.

The tale of 12-year-old girl named Bea and her journey is a heartwarming reminder of how unseen companionship can bring immense comfort and guide us toward healing. As a Christian, recognizing the significance of imagination and faith as tools for navigating life’s challenges offers a fresh perspective. This film, with its unique blend of whimsy and heartfelt emotion, splendidly encapsulates the essence of hope and the power of believing in something greater than ourselves. 

IF Christian Movie Review – What Parents Want to Know

Frequent use of taking God’s name in vain. In fact, at one point my adult son leaned over and just said that I could stop writing each incident down and just say they used God’s name a lot. Uses include lots of “Oh my g-d,” and “oh g-d.” Furthermore, “swear to g-d,” “good g-d,” “oh dear g-d,” and “thank g-d,” are used. It was almost as if they tried to get God’s name in as many times as they could.

Three uses of h-ll, and one use of d-mn.

One person makes a comment about having a “broken butt.” Another person calls someone a fool.

A man is seen breaking into a house.

Additionally, a child is in the hospital with multiple broken bones, and he says he “falls a lot.”

One imaginary friend is invisible and people are seen tripping over him.

Spiritual Content:

A girl is told, “you are the chosen one.”

Extensive use of magical elements transforming a retirement home. Keep in mind that it may be all in one’s imagination that this transformation takes place. Additionally, one IF (Imaginary Friend) is a ghost.

Sexual Content:

In the land of IFs, an art class takes place. The participants are painting an apple that is posing, and she is told to “cover up.”

Other Content: See SPOILER BELOW for the questions of death in the movie. Does Bea’s mom die? and Does Bea’s dad die?

Bea’s mom is shown in the hospital with a scarf on her head. Bea’s dad is later shown in the same hospital.

As a woman whose husband was in the hospital for heart bypass surgery, I found the depictions of the hospital were totally unrealistic. After Bea’s dad’s surgery, he is in bed with no monitors, no tubes, and just a pulse oximeter on his finger.

In one scene, Bea goes with Cal (Ryan Reynolds) to a closed Coney Island amusement park. He opens a door and they go through a secret passage underneath a ride. It felt kind of “icky” in the moment. As the movie continues, it makes more sense, but throughout the movie, not only does Bea run around the streets of New York City alone, but she also goes around with Cal. No one seems to notice or care including her grandmother.

Positive Content:

Throughout the movie, you see Bea coming to terms with growing up and dealing with the challenges of life.

She is told by an IF, “Nothing you love can ever be forgotten.” Bea has forgotten things, but uses the time at her grandmother’s apartment building (while her father is in the hospital) to remember good times with her family.

Bea is on a journey of self-discovery, healing and trying to make sense of life. While her dad is his hospital room bed, and not awake, she tells him a story of her life. He awakens and tells her it is a good story.

Teaching with the Movie IF

Each movie I see, I try to view it through the eyes of my children or grandchildren. What elements will they see, and what will they miss? If your child has ever dealt with being in a hospital, discuss how unrealistic the entire hospital setting was. Do you think a child pushing a used gowns/hospital bedding cart would go unnoticed? Additionally, digging through hospital gowns and bedding is 1) unsanitary, and 2) a health risk.

Did you or your children ever have imaginary friends? Have your child draw their imaginary friend. If they never had one, ask them to use their imagination to create one now. Ask, “What would your IFs special talents be?”

Who could your child invite into their life as a friend? As a Christian, we know there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” That friend is Jesus Christ, and He isn’t imaginary.

Additionally, discuss whether or not the movie was “real” or just a product of Bea’s imagination.

​The opening of the film with the Paramount Logo was uniquely done. Have your child redo a logo for another movie with elements from the film.

Christian Review of IF – My Viewing Recommendations :

Am I the only person that sees Jim from the Office every time I hear John Krasinski’s voice?

While this family film did have a lot of positive elements, I am once again saddened by the repeated misuse of God’s name. I’ve said this before, and I will continue saying it until Hollywood “gets it,” but did you ever notice they never say, “Oh my Al-ah?” Because it would be totally offensive to the Muslim community.

Overall, the musical score was very good, and was a product of Composer Michael Giacchino who was also responsible for Mission Impossible, Jurassic World, Up, and other famous works. Additionally, the concept was original-ish. It was refreshing to see a movie that was not a remake of a remake. (I’m looking at you, Disney!) However, this film is slow moving at times, and my husband actually fell asleep – I’m usually the one doing that.

As far as my recommendation, I would say, “see this movie,” but it pains me to hear God’s name taken in vain sooooo many times.

Evaluating Entertainment: The Role of Christian Review Sites

Have you ever found yourself scrolling endlessly through movie titles, wondering which film aligns not just with your entertainment preferences but also mirrors your values? Many of us face this dilemma, especially when selecting content for family movie nights.

This is where Christian movie review sites become an invaluable resource. This platform is more than just a list of film critiques; it is a guiding light for families seeking entertainment that upholds their Christian values. With an array of movies to choose from, these reviews offer  easier access  to detailed information on content, themes, and moral evaluations, making it a simpler process to find films that resonate with our faith. The significance of such resources cannot be overstated; we aim to provide a beacon of insight, ensuring that our recommended movie selections are entertaining and enriching to our spiritual lives and family values. 

About the Movie IF:

Rating: PG for thematic elements and mild language

Release Date: May 17, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour, 44 mins.

Genre: Animation/Children’s film

Studio: Sunday Night Productions, Maximum Effort

Directed by: John Krasinksi

Written by: John Krasinksi

Produced by: John Krasinksi, Allyson Seeger, Andrew Form, Ryan Reynolds

Edited by: Christopher Rouse, Andy Canny

Music by: Michael Giacchino

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

The Cast of IF :

Cailey Fleming plays Bea

Ryan Reynolds plays Cal

John Krasinksi plays Bea’s Dad

Fiona Shaw plays Bea’s Grandmother

Alan Kim plays Benjamin

Liza Colon-Zara’s plays Nurse Janet

Bobby Moynihan plays Jeremy

Voice Cast:

Blue voiced by Steve Carell (Purple Monster)

Blossom voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Butterfly dancer?)

Marshmallow Man voiced by John Krasinksi (Flaming Marshmallow)

Gummy Bear voiced by Amy Schumer

Lewis voiced by Louis Gossett Jr. (Teddy Bear)

Unicorn voiced by Emily Blunt

Sonny voiced by Matt Damon (A flower)

Spaceman voiced by George Clooney

Keith voiced by Brad Pitt

Ally voiced by Maya Rudolph (Alligator)

Robot voiced by Jon Stewart

Bubble voiced by Awkwafina

Guardian Dog voiced by Sam Rockwell

Dragon voiced by Vince Vaughn

Octopus’s voiced by Blake Lively

Magician Mouse voiced by Sebastian Maniscalco

Ghost voiced by Matthew Rhys

Slime voiced by Keegan-Michael Key

Ice voiced by Bradley Cooper (Ice Cube)

Cosmo voiced by Christopher Meloni (Private Detective)

Art Teacher voiced by Richard Jenkins

Banana voiced by Bill Hader

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can i watch if.

If was released into theaters on May 17, 2024. At that time, it could only be watched in theaters. A streaming date has not been announced.

Is there an end-credit scene for If?

​Yes, there is a very quick end-credit scene. 

Will  IF stream on Disney+? 

No. IF will not be streaming on Disney Plus. Because IF is a Paramount film.

Will IF stream on Peacock?

It is unlikely that IF will stream on Peacock. In fact, it is a film distributed by Paramount and will most likely stream on that platform.

How much did it cost to produce IF?

The production budget was $110 million.

What other movies have been made that deal with Imaginary Friends?

One movie, that is similar in some ways, is Wonder Park which tells the story of a young girl who creates an amusement park with her mom. When her mom leaves for cancer treatments, the girl’s park come to life.

Other movies include, Where the Wild Things Are , and Winnie-the-Pooh .

Then we have movies such as The Velveteen Rabbit who gains “real status” because he is loved. And certainly we can’t forget Toy Story where Andy believes his toys are real, and they come to life when no one is looking.

What black-and-white movie is playing on the television?

The film Harvey, starring James Stewart, is playing on the television. In fact, you may know Stewart from the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie playing is about an invisible giant rabbit named Harvey that Jimmy Stewart’s character talks to.

*****SPOILER ALERT BELOW******

Does bea’s mom die.

Yes, Bea’s mother does die. However, nothing is shown on screen. There is a discussion when Bea’s dad is in the hospital and he says that he is not going to die.

Does Bea’s dad die?

No. Bea’s dad does not die. He “had a broken heart,” has some sort of heart surgery or procedure and recovers.

Who is the tribute to at the end of the movie?

The tribute was to the late Louis Gossett Jr. who voices Lewis the bear. This was one of his final roles before his death in March 2024.

Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!

Christian Homeschooling mom – 30 years and counting

Autism Mom & Disney enthusiast

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The Garfield Movie

Reviewed by: Alexander Malsan CONTRIBUTOR

Film based on comic strip characters

Lazy, overeating tabby cat

Father cat who is a thief with a heist crew and apparently abandoned his kitten in an alley

What does Scripture say about Stealing ? and theft ?

Corporation that ran a farm owner out of business and took over the farm

A cat with a grudge and strong desire for REVENGE

Importance of forgiving others and the good that comes from this — followers of Christ have a responsibility to be humble , forgiving, loving

G arfield is more than just your average house cat. On the outside, life for Garfield has always seemed pretty easy: he wakes up his owner John every morning, sits on the recliner and watches TV, and gets to eat anything he wants (and I do mean EVERYTHING) with his pal Odie.

On the inside though, Garfield has had his share of pain. When he was just a little kitten, his father, Vic ( Samuel L. Jackson ), abandoned him in a cardboard box on the street. Luckily Garfield was able to find John at a restaurant.

It’s been years since Vic abandoned Garfield ( Chris Pratt ), and Garfield has tried his best to leave the past in the past and forget all about his father, until one day everything changes. Garfield and Odie are kidnapped by two dogs who work for an eccentric feline named Jinx ( Hannah Waddingham ) to draw Vic out of hiding. Sure enough it works, and Vic comes to the rescue… well, sort of.

Jinx tells Vic and Garfield that Vic has to repay Jinx for abandoning her all those years ago (apparently Vic and Jinx were part of a street gang) and allowing Jinx to be put in the pound. She tells Vic she will require one quart of milk for every day she was abandoned. She doesn’t just want any milk though: the milk has to come from Lakeshore Farms, which is tighter to break into than Fort Knox.

Join Garfield, Vic, Odie and even a bull, Otto ( Ving Rhames ), on this fun adventure in discovering that family truly is very important.

When I was a boy, I fondly remember getting the morning Sunday paper with my father. He, of course, would read the news, while I would go straight to the Funnies section. I looked forward to reading my favorites: “Hagar the Horrible,” “Blondie” and of course “Garfield.”

Garfield’s dry sense of humor, his no-nonsense attitude and his love of lasagna (and any Italian food in general) definitely made me laugh. Sometimes the Garfield comic strip would consist of Garfield picking on Odie, sometimes it was a situation with Jon, and sometimes it would just joke about whatever was going on in the real world. I never found myself bored or tired of the strip.

And then came the film adaptations. “Garfield Gets Real,” “ Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties ,” “ Garfield: The Movie ,” “Garfield’s Fun Fest,” “Garfield’s Pet Force” and now “The Garfield Movie.” To a certain extent, many of these films have drawn some of the magic of the classic comic strip and some have come up short.

In some respects, elements of the original comic strip shine throughout this newest film, such as Garfield’s comedic love of food, his wit, and even his comedic chemistry with his sidekick Odie. However, there were also some moments where I found failed attempts to reinvent Garfield for a more “modern day” audience.

Case in point, there are moments where, shall I say, more progressive-like thinking unsurprisingly made its way into the film (such as moments where petting zoos are made to look like cruel and inhumane places for animals), and in those moments I couldn’t help but let out a big loud “uggggggg.” I know progressive messaging has become a staple in children’s films (Disney, anyone?), but I do miss the days when a children’s film was JUST a children’s film. Nothing more, nothing less.

To the film’s credit, the performances by Chris Pratt (who plays Garfield) and Samuel L. Jackson (who plays Vic) are top notch. Sure, Chris and Samuel are no stranger to providing comedic relief to a film that, at times, takes itself a little too seriously, but they both provide subtle, nuanced performances, providing moments for the audience to realize the bond that needs to be reforged by both Garfield and Vic.

Additionally, the animation is top notch. You can see every detail in the characters, from the fur on the cats to the blades of grass on the hilltops. Sony Animation dares to challenge even some of the most seasoned animation companies (Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, etc.).

Content of Concern

VIOLENCE: Most of the violence is comedic and slapstick in nature, but here are some moments to be aware of for youngsters. A character is punched and then kidnapped by two dogs. This same character is later threatened with a “play date” with two vicious dogs (these are seen ripping a mannequin to shreds to prove their point). A live bird is eaten alive by a cat. A character is tossed back and forth by tree limbs and then lands in manure inside a moving train car. A character is kicked off a moving train.

Someone mentions wanting to find an area where there will be a big splat when they plan to throw a character off a bridge. We witness a bird being electrocuted (the bird is okay though). A character is seen beating their head on a tree in frustration. When devising a battle plan, a character that is part of the plan is represented on a map with a dead, run over possum (we learn the possum was actually playing dead). A couple characters are hit with sticks then run over by a boulder (again, everyone is okay).

Characters are seen being hit with objects, falling over, and in one extended sequence a character is seen dodging blades and other devices inside a cheese factory. A character has the tip of their tail cut off (just some of the fur, not the actual tail). We view drawings made by Jinx of her plan to throw characters off a moving train (trains seem to be a go to in this movie). A character jumps off a bridge and trampolines back up onto the bridge.

LANGUAGE: “Holy Jimmy Davis!” (1), “Son of a Cud” (1), “ Bloody ” (1). A character talks of unimaginable pain and misery. Someone mentions to a character that they should notify their next of kin. Someone exclaims to another character, “Here comes the pain!”

Slang definition: Bloody

SEX: Jinx mentions to a character that they should use dating apps (they mention some rather adult apps, like Tinder). A couple are seen kissing on TV. A bull named Otto talks about how much he is in love with a cow named Belle. Later on Otto and Belle are seen being romantic in two different instances (one of those sequences is just really weird, with some sensual music playing in the background).

ALCOHOL: Milk is served to characters in martini glasses.

OTHER: There is some product placement throughout the film (Roombas, Olive Garden, etc.). We see a kitten being abandoned by their parent in a few instances. A kitten is seen dodging cars. We witness Garfield’s excessive eating habits on screen. Someone mentions they are ready to “go to the all you can eat buffet in the sky.” A place called Al Cat Traz (yes, it’s spelled just like that) is seen as smelly and serving wicked bad food (the food is green and slimy). A character is seen pulling burs off of themselves. Later on, this same character is seen with spiders crawling over them. We see Otto and Belle being pulled apart from each other and separated.

WOKEISM: Petting zoos are shown in a very negative light, a very one-sided view, depicting them as places where all animals are treated with cruelty.

The most prominent message in “Garfield: The Movie” is the message of abandonment . In the film, yes we witness as Garfield is abandoned as a kitten, but we also witness his struggle with being abandoned now that he is a full-grown cat.

As I watch Garfield struggle with this, I am reminded that when we accept Jesus into our hearts and lives, he promises to NEVER leave or abandon us, no matter what may come our way. Scripture is very clear.

“For He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8

“His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you. You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.” — Psalm 91:4

In Isaiah 43:2, God promised the Israelites,

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

This applies not just to the Israelites, but to all those who truly trust in God and believe in His Son Jesus and trust in Him.

Closing Thoughts

“Garfield…,” for its faults, is a somewhat light and fun take on the classic Garfield stories and comics we all grew up with. I have no qualms and actually commend the filmmakers attempts to reintroduce Garfield to newer, younger audiences. What can become problematic though is all the extra stuff that, truthfully, isn’t necessary and just drags the film down (the violence—though most of it cartoonish in nature, sexual innuendo, the language, and the progressive messaging).

I’d hesitantly recommend “The Garfield Movie” to older children and Christian families. Parents are encouraged to do a little research beforehand before letting the little ones attend. Ultimately the choice is yours as to whether you and your family wish to “indulge” in what “The Garfield Movie” has to offer.

• Violence: Heavy
• Wokeism: Moderate
• Profane language: Mild
• Drugs/Alcohol: Mild
• Vulgar/Crude language: Minor —mostly name-calling and insults
• Nudity: None
• Occult: None

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God & Country Reviews

Dan Partland’s fierce, fighting-trim [film] asks, what happens when faith becomes a weapon in the form of Christian nationalism, and what is endangered then. (Religion; nation.)

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Jul 4, 2024

God & Country preaches to the choir, but with a call to action...

Full Review | Mar 27, 2024

It’s commendable that the film takes this problem seriously and practically, providing a sense of hope for those of us given to despair.

Full Review | Feb 27, 2024

Does Partland's God & Country preach to the secular choir? Not entirely. Some of the best voices in this volatile documentary are raised by people of faith...

Full Review | Feb 21, 2024

Impassioned but lucid and not hysterical.

The Body Snatcher movies are scary enough already but to witness the history of systematic brainwashing coarse through politics and the distortion of religion is a reality it cannot match.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 19, 2024

Polemics aside, this very worthy, frightening and effective documentary is an illuminating explanation of the who, the what and the why of this national trend towards an increasingly right wing ideology.

Full Review | Feb 16, 2024

We need a deeper and more complex conversation about evangelicals and politics. For all its cinematic brilliance, God & Country just preaches to the choir.

The point of the film isn’t to disparage Christianity. Through news footage and interviews with prominent Christians, he demonstrates that those professing Christian nationalism are more interested in political power than in the teachings of Jesus.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 16, 2024

In the end, however, the unpleasant truth is that there's not a lot to see here that you can't absorb by going down a Wikipedia rabbit hole or watching "The Daily Show" or "Last Week Tonight" or Rachel Maddow.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Feb 16, 2024

This is less a movie that is "preaching to the choir" than it is a lesson aimed at a frustrated student body.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Feb 16, 2024

[T]he film ... serves as a warning about what could come in the future.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 16, 2024

A bracing primer on the rise of this political movement that should thoroughly scare the large majority of American adults who don’t embrace it.

Full Review | Feb 15, 2024

One of the great strengths of Partland’s film … is his series of interviews with conservative commentators and evangelical leaders who have seen the light and refuse to be a part of white Christian nationalism.

... Partland deftly walks a path that certainly paints the former president and the current Conservative movement as ignorant of history, the law, and faith without ever being denigrating to the faithful.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 15, 2024

The film’s insights about the role of religion in politics feel especially well-informed because many of its commentators draw on their own personal and professional experiences with the Christian church. They’re believers, too, and they’re worried.

Those who will actually seek out this movie won’t be shocked to learn of its revelations, but the movie still gets its point across and serves as a call to arms about the ramifications of what happens when we fail to separate church and state.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Feb 14, 2024

Rather than just preaching to the choir it’s the type that could scare them shitless.

Full Review | Feb 14, 2024

What is happening to the separation of church and state in the United States? One of the fundamental tenets of our constitution is being tested by the rise of Christian Nationalism, according to a new documentary, GOD & COUNTRY.

Full Review | Feb 13, 2024

The hypocrisy of today’s Republican Party has been rampant dating back to the beginning of the Trump era. GOD & COUNTRY exposes the same sentiment within the far-right clergy, a.k.a. evangelical America.

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Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

The true story of Donna and Reverend WC Martin and their church in East Texas, in which 22 families adopted 77 children from the local foster system, igniting a movement for vulnerable child... Read all The true story of Donna and Reverend WC Martin and their church in East Texas, in which 22 families adopted 77 children from the local foster system, igniting a movement for vulnerable children everywhere. The true story of Donna and Reverend WC Martin and their church in East Texas, in which 22 families adopted 77 children from the local foster system, igniting a movement for vulnerable children everywhere.

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• Trivia Based on the true story of how Reverend Martin and his wife Donna Martin, in their small Bennett Chapel church of Possum Trot, East Texas, were able to help 77 of the most difficult to place children become adopted by 22 families.
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A controversial christian bale movie from 2000 is new on netflix.

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Welsh actor Christian Bale on the set of American Psycho, based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis ... [+] and directed by Canadian Mary Harron. (Photo by Eric Robert/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images)

American Psycho —a movie that got Christian Bale attention for all the wrong reasons—is new to streaming on Netflix.

Bale, of course, bolted to the top of Hollywood’s A-list with his classic turn as Bruce Wayne/Batman in writer-director Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy from 2005-2012. In between the Batman films, Bale also won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in Mark Wahlberg’s boxing biopic The Fighter .

The actor’s star only continued to rise after The Dark Knight trilogy concluded in 2012, appearing in such critically acclaimed hits as 2013’s American Hustle , 2015’s The Big Short , 2018’s Vice and 2019’s Ford vs. Ferrari .

Back in 1999, however, Bale landed the lead role in American Psycho , a sadistic horror thriller based on author Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial bestselling novel of the same name.

American Psycho is new on Netflix .

Set in 1987, American Psycho stars Bale as Patrick Bateman, a rich New York City investment banker who seems normal to the outside world—but in private he harbors a twisted identity as a serial killer who gruesomely tortures women and dismembers their bodies after murdering them.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, when did the ‘american psycho’ controversy begin.

The protests over American Psycho didn’t begin with Christian Bale’s film but with the publication of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel in 1991.

Word about the carnage in American Psycho surfaced before the book was published. According to The Guardian , the heat over the pending release of the novel was so intense that Ellis received 13 death threats. The Guardian reported that Ellis had to sign a declaration to acknowledge that he read the threats as a way to prevent the publisher from being sued in the event the author was murdered.

Among the protesters of American Psycho was the National Organization of Women, which called for a boycott of the book, the Guardian reported. In addition, Entertainment Weekly noted, there were also protests against American Psycho by female employees at Simon & Schuster, which was originally supposed to publish the novel.

EW said the famed book publisher jettisoned the novel after a barrage of protests but let Easton keep $300,000 advance for it. Eventually, American Psycho was published by Random House’s paperback imprint Vintage Books.

According to EW, one of the biggest critics of American Psycho at the time it made its way into bookstores was Roger Straus Jr., the highly-respected president and CEO of book publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Per EW , Strauss called American Psycho “the most revolting book” he had ever read.

“To say that it has any redeeming social value, or that mainstream film and television contain equally offensive material, is bulls—t,” Strauss said. “The horrors perpetrated on women in that book go far beyond anything that has either been written or depicted. I’m sorry. I just don’t see the thing as being defendable.”

Also starring Reese Witherspoon, Samantha Mathis, Willem Dafoe, Chloe Sevigny and Jared Leto, the movie version of American Psycho was not surprisingly the target of protests as filming got underway with Bale in Toronto in early 1999.

According to Empire , American Psycho director Mary Herron tried to temper the intensity of the protests by Canadian anti-violence groups at the time by saying, "I'm not really interested in violence, so none of the ghastly things that are in the book make it into the movie."

Despite Herron’s promises, American Psycho had to make some cuts from the film after, per Variety , it was slapped by the Motion Picture Association of America with an NC-17 rating. Herron, according to IMDb , trimmed a pair of scenes to get the film an R rating, but those scenes were restored for the home video versions of the film.

Netflix is streaming the R-rated version of American Psycho .

As for the critical response to American Psycho on Rotten Tomatoes , the film was given a 68% "fresh" rating based on 154 reviews that date from 2000 to 2023.

The RT Critics' Consensus reads, "If it falls short of the deadly satire of Bret Easton Ellis's novel, American Psycho still finds its own blend of horror and humor, thanks in part to a fittingly creepy performance by Christian Bale."

In addition, RT users gave American Psycho an 85% "fresh" Audience Score based on 250,000-plus reviews.

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Epoch Times, the conspiratorial pro-Trump outlet, enters a new market: faith-based movies

In recent years, The Epoch Times has amassed a large audience as a publisher of right-wing news articles and peddler of baseless election conspiracies. This summer, the conservative media company is hoping to conquer new territory: Hollywood.

Epoch Studios, a branch of the wider Epoch Times Association, plans to release “The Firing Squad,” a drama starring Kevin Sorbo and Cuba Gooding Jr. as drug smugglers who find God behind bars.

“The Firing Squad” marks Epoch’s entry into the growing market of faith-based cinema, a genre that includes recent box-office successes such as “Sound of Freedom,” “Unsung Hero” and “Jesus Revolution.” The film’s Aug. 2 theatrical debut comes as other right-wing media companies are pushing into entertainment, releasing content that counters what conservatives view as Hollywood’s progressive and secular agenda.

The creation of Epoch Studios has caught the attention of those who have closely watched the New York-based media company’s ascent from a fringe print newspaper startup formed in 2000 by followers of Falun Gong, a religious group persecuted in China, into a prominent conservative outlet with content amplifying Donald Trump’s conspiracies and right-wing messaging.

NBC News has previously reported that the Election Integrity Partnership, a coalition of researchers that documented misinformation around the 2020 election, cited The Epoch Times for repeatedly spreading false and misleading stories about voter fraud as well as debunked conspiracy theories about Dominion voting machines and the baseless “Stop the Steal” movement .

“Given its extreme sense of persecution by the Chinese Communist Party, it makes sense for Falun Gong to produce content that reinforces a sense of persecution among Christians — cultivating a shared sensibility and opening possibilities for continued political alliance,” said A.J. Bauer, an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Alabama who studies right-wing media.

In a news release announcing “The Firing Squad,” Epoch Studios described itself as a “platform for storytelling that fosters hope, healing, and growth.” The studio is overseen by executive director Sally Sun, who has supervised Epoch documentaries and streaming specials, some with religious themes, such as “Divine Messengers” and “Church & State.” 

The Epoch Times Association did not respond to a request for comment on this article.

Tim Chey, who wrote and directed “The Firing Squad,” told NBC News he is grateful that Epoch Studios came aboard his passion project as a co-producer and distributor.

“I’m a huge fan of Epoch Times. I absolutely love these guys,” Chey said in a recent interview.

Chey’s film follows three Christians — played by actors Sorbo (TV’s “Hercules”), Gooding Jr. and James Barrington — who are set to be executed by firing squad in Indonesia. (Right-wing audiences may seek out the film in part because of Sorbo, a pro-Trump conservative activist who previously appeared in the Christian film “God’s Not Dead” and produces faith-based movies through his own production company.)

“The Firing Squad” is inspired by actual events in the country in 2015, when eight people convicted of drug smuggling were put to death. One of them, an Australian national, became a Christian pastor while on death row and led the singing of Christian songs while the smugglers were being executed. (The Southeast Asian nation is known for its strict drug laws .)

Chey was in Singapore as the real-life prison saga happened to be unfolding and watched live coverage on cable news. He said he was moved by the reports of religious fervor inside the prison walls: “They all went out singing ‘Amazing Grace’ as they faced their execution,” he recalled. “I said: I have to make this movie.”

Chey, who previously directed faith-based films like “Suing the Devil” (2011) and “Final: The Rapture” (2013), said he scouted shooting locations across the U.S. — Illinois, Louisiana, Georgia — before “God opened the door” to the ideal backdrop: an abandoned prison just an hour south of where he and his wife live in Florida. The film, which was made for under $5 million, was shot in two months.

“I’m proud of the film’s look,” Chey said, “and that’s all that matters.”

The creators of “The Firing Squad” are looking for support from a wide evangelical church network to help drive ticket sales.

“Sound of Freedom,” a thriller about human trafficking with Christian themes, was distributed by Utah-based Angel Studios, earning almost $250 million worldwide on a $14.5 million budget. “Sound” was a massive sleeper hit in the summer of “Barbenheimer.”

The thriller attracted flocks of conservative audiences and encouraged moviegoers to buy tickets for others as part of a “Pay it Forward” model. “The Firing Squad” is employing a similar program and crowdsourcing its promotional investment. The film has reached more than $1.8 million of its $5 million online fundraising goal to “cover the TV, Radio, billboard, and digital advertising expenses.”

The celebrities endorsing the movie include country singer Randy Travis and retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre, who said in a promotion that “the filmmakers would love for you to see it and hope to win 1 million souls to Jesus.”

Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, a company that tracks box office data, said the growing appeal of faith-based films with overtly religious themes and more subtle messaging represents a “demographic that often has been left out of the box office equation.”

“This is good for movie theatres’ bottom-line revenues and for movie fans looking for entertainment that reflects their values and perspective,” he said.

But whether Epoch Studios can attain the cultural prominence and commercial reach of other conservative and Christian-focused media companies remains to be seen. (“The Firing Squad” debuts in theaters the same weekend as the kid-friendly “Harold and the Purple Crayon” and a new psychological thriller from M. Night Shyamalan.)

The Daily Wire, which was founded by conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro and film director Jeremy Boreing, launched its own movie and TV studio in 2021. Fox Nation, the entertainment unit of Fox News, runs a streaming service that hosts various reality shows and historical documentaries. Great American Pure Flix, a production company with a streaming service, features Christian-themed movies that have found mainstream success, including the “God’s Not Dead” series.

Big corporate players have clearly seen a business opportunity, too. Sony Pictures owns the independent Christian studio Affirm Films, which has produced and distributed titles such as the Jennifer Garner vehicle “Miracles From Heaven” and last year’s “Big George Foreman.”

In the meantime, Epoch Studios’ parent company is coming under a microscope. Federal prosecutors last month announced charges against Weidong “Bill” Guan , the company’s chief financial officer, for allegedly laundering at least $67 million. The accusations against Guan are unrelated to the company’s newsgathering activities, the Justice Department said. Guan has pleaded not guilty and was released on a $3 million personal recognizance bond. The Epoch Times has temporarily suspended Guan .

The Epoch Times has said it plans to “fully cooperate with any investigation dealing with the allegations.” In a further statement posted on its website , the nonprofit company reiterated that “one person’s alleged wrongdoing does not represent the entire staff or the whole organization,” and claims some news outlets are portraying it in a “false light” because its founders are Falun Gong practitioners.

The Chinese government banned Falun Gong , which combines tenets of Buddhism and Taoism, in 1999, and considers it a cult.

When asked about the money laundering charges against Guan, Chey, “The Firing Squad” director, defended the executive and insisted he was “innocent until proven guilty.”

“I only met Bill in January, and I had very light touchings with him. I met him maybe two or three times,” Chey said. “But, having said that, I believe in Bill’s innocence, mainly because he took on a poor Christian filmmaker’s project and championed it for no reason other than he believes strongly in freedom of religion.”

Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality.

Daniel Arkin is a national reporter at NBC News.

All the Christian and Family Reviews on Movieguide®. The Family and Christian Guide to Movie Reviews and Entertainment News.

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‘Kill’ Review: The Title Says It All. Over and Over Again.

What begins as a romantic rescue becomes a blood bath when bandits on a train attack and rob passengers and our Romeo cracks multiple heads in return.

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By Jeannette Catsoulis

We are almost halfway through the Indian action extravaganza “Kill” before the title card slams onscreen, by which point its simple imperative — and the film’s entire raison d’être — has been obeyed so many times it’s essentially redundant. Much like the movie’s English subtitles: The dialogue might be in Hindi, but the language of blood and bones is universal.

Speaking it fluently is Amrit (Lakshya), a hunky military commando who has followed his childhood sweetie, Tulika (Tanya Maniktala), onto an express train to New Delhi in the hope of rescuing her from an arranged marriage. The lovebirds’ quivering reunion, however, is rudely interrupted by a horde of bandits armed with knives and hammers. What they lack in sophistication, they more than make up for in enthusiasm as they set about robbing the terrified passengers. Can Amrit and his military buddy (Abhishek Chauhan) stop them? Will the lead villain (a seductively menacing Raghav Juyal) upstage our baby-faced hero? How many objects can be inserted into a human head?

To answer these questions, the writer and director, Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, leaps into fifth gear and rarely downshifts. As Amrit arguably does more damage than the zombies in “ Train to Busan” (2016) , the cinematographer Rafey Mahmood, working with the action specialists Parvez Shaikh and Se-yeong Oh, meticulously captures near-continuous martial-arts sequences of balletic brutality. Exhausted as the actors appear, spare a thought for the film’s Foley artists , whose repertoire of squishy, crunchy and splattery sound effects must have been sorely taxed.

Manipulative to the max (one upsetting murder is almost pornographically protracted), “Kill” is dizzyingly impressive and punishingly vicious. In the press notes, the director tells us that he once slept through a similar attack by armed train robbers. No one is sleeping through this one.

Kill Rated R for 52 varieties of knife wound, one weaponized bathroom fixture and several ugly sweater vests. In Hindi, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes. In theaters.