So when I found out about the Mormon Movie Guy website about a year ago, I immediately fell in love with it. Here was someone who took the time to break down and rate a film in different categories, all from an LDS and family-oriented perspective. It made me feel like I was really getting my money's worth when the husband and I actually had time to go to the theater. This website is for films currently (or very recently) in theaters and I highly recommend you go over there and check it out!
When I heard that Jonathan was working on a book of movie reviews, I had to find out more about it. Last week, I was lucky enough to be given a preview selection to read and I'd like to share a few thoughts.
Honestly, I was prepared for most of the 250 films included to be Disney- or Pixar-made. While a large portion of the movies included are Disney, I was pleasantly surprised to see films like The Avengers and all the Harry Potter films included (and you know I love my Harry Potter!).
Each review includes a short synopsis; content overview (to discuss language, violence, etc.); and messages to discuss, which includes scriptural references and general authority talks that relate to plot points.
Since most of you are familiar with the Disney film Aladdin, I'll include an excerpt to help you better understand what is included in the content overview:
Each review includes a short synopsis; content overview (to discuss language, violence, etc.); and messages to discuss, which includes scriptural references and general authority talks that relate to plot points.
Since most of you are familiar with the Disney film Aladdin, I'll include an excerpt to help you better understand what is included in the content overview:
"The heroine and several other females wear clothing that reveals midriffs and mild cleavage; some of the women shake their hips sensually. A merchant threatens to cut a woman’s hand off. After turning into a giant snake, the villain is stabbed by the hero."
As you can see, Jonathan's attention to detail is so specific it may, to some, seem silly to include but upon further thought may be topics that need to be addressed later, especially when young children are included in the audience. A friend of mine once told me that her daughter wanted to go sleeveless. Since she was young, the daughter's reasoning was that she was going to be "naughty modest" and dress like a Disney princess. This provided my friend with the chance to discuss the topic of modesty. I really appreciate that Jonathan has not only pointed out instances in each film that don't quite match up with LDS values, but took the time to include references to the scriptures and General Conference talks so that if I do want to study certain topics more or discuss issues with my family, I have a readily available reference list.
Overall, I have enjoyed reading and reviewing the excerpt from his upcoming book. The book also includes a foreword by director of 17 Miracles, T. C. Christensen and a well-researched discussion of LDS media standards that I think would be an excellent resource for family home evening lessons and talks. I hope that you'll pick up a copy for your home (or as wedding gifts, which is what the husband and I plan on doing) and while it's not the final say on films for you and your family, I really appreciate the frame of mind it has given me when selecting what media to expose my own young children to.
"250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families" is currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com and is listed at 20% off its normal price. You can also check out the book's website here.
