Media Matters

 Animated 2025 movie from Angel Studios. Animated musical story of the biblical David, starting with his childhood and ending with his becoming the king. Quite well done! There is some imagery that could be scary for younger viewers. Recommend for ages 7+?

 This 2022 movie is charming! It explores themes of grief, courage, and sacrifice in an engaging plot with endearing characters. Recommended age 8+ for scary situations. “The purpose of a lighthouse is not to keep ships safe. If we wanted to keep them safe, we wouldn’t let them leave the harbor. The purpose of a lighthouse is to guide them on their journey.” “We don’t always give you what you want. But we always give you what you need.”

 The animated movie and the live action movie are quite similar and definitely worth watching! Lots of great themes to discuss! Note: there is a series of books by the same title, and although the movie is very loosely based on the books, the plot and tone are quite different. I personally much preferred the movies, as the books contained a decent amount of potty humor.

 This movie depicts the true story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel and beat the men’s record in the process. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and marvelled at Trudy’s dedication despite those men who were determined to stop her. The movie is funny and heartwarming, but also eye-opening in terms of the way women and sports were viewed in the early 1900’s. Note: it briefly shows the bare buttocks of a man who swims nude or in a thong.

 2023 movie This movie is based on a true story of a superintendent who begins a Latino high school golf team who break down barriers despite opposition and prejudices. It’s both entertaining and eye-opening.

This 2024 movie is a romantic comedy centered around the 1969 moon landing. Although it has a historical basis, it also has a strong fictional component. The romance is charming and the theme of propagandizing through the media is quite relevant for our time. Note: there are a handful of expletives 

 2019 movie. Based on a true story of a black activist woman and the local KKK president forming an unlikely friendship. It is historically eye-opening in its depiction of racial tensions and the KKK, and heartwarming  as it shows people helping each other. Note: there are some mild profanities, an intense scene of gunfire where no one is injured but the woman being shot at is clearly terrified, and a scene where two men threaten to rape a woman.

 2024 movie. This movie is based on the true story of a family who emigrates from Australia to the US with nothing, and through faith, hard work, the kindness of their faith community, and some miracles, end up becoming famous Christian music artists (Rebecca St. James and For King & Country). There are definitely some tearjerker moments and family conflict portrayed, but the true unsung hero of the story is the mom. She is faithful and courageous and the glue that holds the family together and keeps their hope alive.

  2024 movie This movie is based on the true story of evacuating LDS missionaries in Germany before the official start of WW2. It is faith affirming and shows miracles large and small. Don’t miss the end credits where you learn even more of the story! 

 Movie (2023) This was a fabulous feel-good movie musical! It is a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and it captures Roald Dahl’s style and tone well. The villains are over-the-top, and evil is overcome by love. Note: there is a scene where an evil oaf tries to flirt by wearing short shorts and wiggling his behind.

This is a movie that tells the true story of the 1980 underdog US Olympic men’s hockey team beating the Russian team, who were huge favorites. Great messages about putting in effort, teamwork, unity, and believing in yourself.

 This movie is about an arrogant actor sentenced to do community service at a church. He is unwittingly cast to play Jesus in an upcoming stage production, and the experience changes his heart. Highly recommended for teens and adults, although even younger could watch as it is rated PG.

This is a movie that tells the true story of Abby Johnson’s journey from Planned Parenthood clinic director to firm pro-lifer. It is a powerful and accurate portrayal I would recommend to anyone who wants to be better informed on the issue of abortion. Although it is rated MA, it is completely appropriate for ages 15+. It is a hard show to watch, but it will prompt vital conversations.

This is a movie about the teenage sister of Sherlock, and it is so much fun! Although I wouldn’t recommend it for younger children, as there is a bit of violence, I would feel very comfortable with ages 11-adult enjoying this movie together. There is a sequel (Enola Holmes 2) that is equally charming! Both movies are based off of a book series by Nancy Springer. Although I haven’t read them yet, I am under the impression they are enjoyable mysteries geared to a similar age range.

This exquisite animated musical is top notch. It brings the story of Moses to life and reminds us that faith can bring miracles! I feel the Spirit every time I watch it. Note: there is a theater version, but I didn’t like it nearly as much as the movie version, as it watered down the religious elements, thereby missing the point.

  This is the true story of Wilburforce abolishing slavery in England. Powerful stuff!

This is the true story of the King of England overcoming a stutter to lead a nation. Note: there is one scene of excessive profanity used as a speech exercise. An edited version may be available.

This is one of my favorite animated movies with some important life lessons: keep moving forward, don't hold onto grudges, failures lead to successes, take responsibility for your own life rather than blaming others, etc

  This unconventional sports movie helps prompt a discussion of priorities. Is your focus on winning or losing? Or is it on doing your best? It also helps teach the principle of perseverance in an unforgettable way.

This movie is a powerful portrayal of the principle that acting in anger or revenge can hurt you and the people around you. It’s also a good introduction to ideas such as loyalty and unity.