Media Review Websites & Apps
My husband is very much a movie-goer. I would have to say that going to see a movie is probably one of his top three date night ideas, and I’ve grown to enjoy going to the movies since being married to him. For the most part, we enjoy watching the same genres of movies, but every now and then there’s a movie that he’s up for watching, and I’m on the fence about it. Certain aspects of movies, especially violence, I can’t always seem to stomach. I used to be okay with watching any war movie my husband would want to see, but since having my son (I’m not sure if it’s the hormones or what), I just can’t seem to sit through them without being a little squeamish or feeling uneasy.
And then there’s always content in certain movies that we can both agree upon not seeing. Everyone draws the line with what’s appropriate and not appropriate to watch, and we know what that is for us. Beyond ourselves, I know that my son will get to the point where he will want to go and watch movies with us.
We Love the Movies, But…
On our most recent date night, we chose to see “The Secret Life of Pets” in theaters. It had its comical moments, and a good story line, but I couldn’t help but analyze it and ask myself, “Would I let my son watch this at age 5, 7, 9?” “How would he interpret what he’s watching?” “Did I watch this type of movie at that age?” Clearly the movie was made for children, but there’s always the subtle content added for adults, and I’d like to be aware of those aspects in a movie before attending. Because it will at least give me the opportunity to choose if this is a good movie for him to watch at his age, as well as, prepare for the discussion on the way home if we should choose to go see the movie. I also like to look up the reviews and contents of movies that I’m going to watch just so I know what I’m in for before I get there.
The following are the best apps and websites I’ve come across with some accurate reviews and content analysis.
1) Plugged In
This is one of my favorite apps and websites to look for movie reviews and content analysis. Plugged In does such a wonderful job of really breaking down the content into specific categories: positive elements, spiritual content, sexual content, violent content, crude or profane language, and other elements. It’s really a family-friendly website, and they give an overall family-friendliness rating for each of the movies, but I appreciate the breakdown because it helps me to understand what to expect and why the movie is rated what it is.
What I also appreciate about this site, is that it evaluates not only movies, but books, television shows, music, and games. This is great for me too! I hate when I start to read a book and it goes downhill really quickly with content, so I appreciate the honest reviews and analysis.
2) Common Sense Media
Are you looking for a movie to watch for your kids in a certain age range? Guess, what, this website and app can help! I love the easy scroll bar on the right-hand-side of the homepage that allows you to specify the age bracket you’re looking for, and the type of media you want. Beyond movies, this website is specifically known for rating, educating, and advocating for kids, families, and schools. Common Sense Media does reviews for books, movies, television shows, apps, and websites, but it also includes specific recommendations for children based on ages and maturity level.
There’s also an exceptional amount of resources for parents including blog posts, family guides, parental concern topics, and material for educators to help make the best decisions for families and schools. This website is thorough, and yet easy to understand. Personally, I don’t have the app, but there is an option to install the app if you like; I usually just check out their website when I’m on my laptop.
3) MovieGuide.org
What’s different about MovieGuide.org? It has video reviews and interviews with the stars directly on the website. So, if you’re not one for reading a longer post about a movie review, this may be the app and website for you. What I also love about this app, is that it has a “Top 10 List”. The “Top 10” list allows you to specify what type of movie you’re looking for based on a genre or theme. For example, if you’re looking for top movies for Black History Month, or Mother’s Day Movies, or Movies about Selflessness for Teens, this would be the tab to check out.
If you need a simpler breakdown for a movie review, this is also the website for you. It’s not as thorough as the first two websites listed, but it does a good job of giving a general analysis of a movie if that’s what you’re looking for. As a former teacher, I would find this website also beneficial to any educator wanting to include movies within a curriculum for children or teenagers.
“I will set no wicked thing before my eyes.” -Psalm 101:3
O Be Careful Little Eyes Children’s Song
“O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little eyes what you see
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little hands what you do
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little feet where you go
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little mouth what you say
O be careful little mouth what you say
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little mouth what you say”
What Do You Think?
Does your family use a website or app to look at media reviews or content analysis? Do you have conversations about what you watch and hear? Thanks for stopping by, and let me know what you or your family uses in the comments section below.