On December 22 , Box Office Mojo reports that “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” took in another $40.1 million on December 21, shattering the previous Monday record of $27.6 million set by Spider-Man 2 as it has surpassed $610 million worldwide. It is now the fastest film to hit $250 million domestically…” According to Forbes Magazine on January 5, the movie has grossed a cumulative total of $750 million dollars.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (PG-13, appropriate for teens and adults) has strong multi-generational, nostalgic appeal that has drawn audiences who saw the first Star Wars movie in 1977, which was later retitled “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope,” with Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Alec Guinness…who are brought back in the latest installment with new talent who also appeal to teens and young adults today. It is now number one at the box office and being seen by avid audiences around the world in sold-out showings.
Movieguide.org provides an insightful review, “…STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is the STAR WARS movie that fans and moviegoers have been longing to see. It’s exciting, emotional and well made, with standout performances by Harrison Ford and newcomer Daisy Ridley. It also has some strong moral content, redemptive moments and pro-family sentiments. However, the movie’s pagan, somewhat mixed worldview contains some New Age mysticism and a renewed, rather contradictory, monistic take on the Force and the morality behind it. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises strong or extreme caution for THE FORCE AWAKENS. Parents please teach your children to be media wise.”
According to Box Office Mojo’s most recent data, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” (PG-13, for teens through adults) is currently number four at the box office. It has a good moral worldview; although it depicts intense violence, Thankfully, it has no foul language or lewd content. Movieguide.org also presents fascinating insight regarding “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” and a helpful review.
Star Wars : The Force Awakens 2015 : photo courtesy Lucasfilm
Box Office Mojo further reveals in its latest data that many good redemptive, inspiring, and family movies remain in theaters. “The Good Dinosaur” (PG, all ages) is number five in the box office. “In the Heart of the Sea” (PG-13, teens and adults) is number 8 at the box office. It has a Christian worldview, but also has intense action, foul language and references to cannibalism. “The Peanuts Movie” (G, all ages) is number twelve in the box office, after many weeks in theaters. Still in cinemas are other good redemptive and/or family movie choices: “Pan” (PG, children through adults), “The 33” (not rated, teens and adults), “Woodlawn” (PG, families), and “The Letters” (PG, older children through adults).
Next year holds great promise for many family and redemptive movies due in theaters: “The Masked Saint,” January 8; “Risen,” January 22; “Kung Fu Panda 3,” January 29; “Race,” February 19; “Young Messiah,” March 11; “Miracles from Heaven,” March 23; “God’s not Dead 2,” April 1; “The Jungle Book,” April 15; “Same Kind of Different as Me,” April 29; “Finding Dory,” June 17; “BFG,” July 1; “Captain America: Civil War,” May 6; “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2,” June 3; “Star Trek Beyond,” July 22 ; “Ben-Hur,” August 12, “Pete’s Dragon,” August 12; and “Star Wars: Rogue One,” December 16.
Many other movies are in development for theaters look hopeful: “Providence,” “Left Behind 2,” “Full of Grace,” “Race,” “Do You Believe 2,” “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew,” “Ten Commandments,” “King David,” “Apostle Paul'”(with Hugh Jackman), “Pontius Pilate,” “Butterfly Circus,” “The Adventures of Tintin 2,” “Touchdown on the Tundra,” “Wanted,” and a slate of HD Texas movies.
Further, Disney live-action remakes of classic animated movies are in development: “Aladdin,” “The Jungle Book,” “Mulan,” “Dumbo,” Winnie the Pooh,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Pinocchio,” “Fantasia,” “Tinker Bell,” and “Chip ‘n’ Dale.”
Star Wars : The Force Awakens 2015 : photo courtesy Lucasfilm
It is always important to check out good reviews of movies as to current suitability, even for reboots of classic titles. It is also always wise to choose a theater that is the most safe and secure.
The top picks for family movies in theaters the fourth week of December are the following: “The Peanuts Movie,” “Woodlawn.” “The Letters,” “The Good Dinosaur,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (with viewer discretion for teens and adults), “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” (teens and adults), “Pan,” “The 33,” and “In the Heart of the Sea.” Chose movies most suitable for those in your group and read good reviews, see trailers, listen to interviews and more on Sonoma Christian Home.com.
Have fun at the movies with your families and friends! Stay safe! Merry Christmas!
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