Family values in media entertainment is important around the world. It its latest movie box office data. On January 30, the UK Guardian reports, ” Moses beats Darth Vader in biblical box office battle…more than three million advance tickets sold for The Commandments as evangelical Christian booms in Brazil.” with over three million tickets sold before its first screening, this is five times as many pre-sales for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” “The Commandments” projected as one of the biggest box office hits in the country’s history.
Almost the entire film has been edited from the 176 episodes of the first part of a soap opera of the same name, which was broadcast on the Record TV network between March and November of last year. The Ten Commandments was one of the biggest TV success stories in recent years, as it doubled ratings during its run. Director Alexandre Avancini has said. “We managed to create something that brings the whole Brazilian family together,” he said. “It’s something my mother watches with my daughter.”
In Brazil evangelicals have become a political force with which to be reckoned. The audience for the “Ten Commandments” has included a high number of viewers from Brazil’s growing evangelical movement. Evangelical Christianity is growing fast in Brazil, with around 25% of Brazilians now classifying themselves as evangelicals. This number than has doubled in the past 20 years. The “Ten Commandments” has been promoted for its “family values.”
Family values in media entertainment is also important in the U.S. and around the world. It its latest movie box office data, The Numbers reports that “Kung Fu Panda” is at the top of the box office. (See Movieguide.org for reviews that include the world views and philosophical bases of movies, including popular family or animated movies which may seem innocent but promote some harmful ideas. “Kung Fu Panda 3” has references to Eastern religions throughout, for example.)
In its latest data, Box Office Mojo reports that many movies which may be suitable for different ages are in theaters: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (PG-13, teens and adults); “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” (R, adults); “Norm of the North” (PG, all ages); “Brooklyn” (PG-13, teens and adults); “Joy” (PG-13, teens and adults); “Creed”(PG-13, teens and adults); “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 2” ; “Concussion (2015)” (PG-13, teens and adults); “The Martian” (PG-13, teens and adults); “In the Heart of the Sea, and “The Peanuts Movie” (G, all ages). (It should be noted again that viewer discretion is advised and that good movie reviews should be studied before seeing a movie to determine suitability.)
Further, now in select theaters are the following movies which may be suitable for some families: “‘Kung Fu Panda 3”, “The “‘Finest Hours” “The Pastor,” and “Caged No More,” In select cinemas, The Metropolitan Opera: Turnadot Live is February 3 and “Left Behind – Next Generation” is set for release on February 5.
Although there is more violence, immorality, and evil on much of TV and in many movies, the Renaissance of artistry and Reformation of content continues with redemptive and family movies continuing in popularity and success around the world. While there are increasing stark contrasts in acceptability in TV and movie offerings, there are more and more appropriate movies for individuals, families, and groups that are entertaining and authentic but also hopeful, uplifting, and redemptive. There are also more valuable and insightful reviews for people to find redemptive and family TV and movies. (For example, see Movieguide.org, Sonoma Christian Home.com, and Dove.org.)
As we look ahead at what is coming to theaters in 2016, we see that many good family and redemptive movies are due for the rest of the year. These include (with dates sometimes changing and new movies releases added): “Providence,” February 12; “Prayer Never Fails,” February 12, “Race,” February 19; “Risen,” February 19; “Young Messiah,” March 11; “Miracles from Heaven,” March 18; “The Little Prince,” March 18; “God’s not Dead 2,” April 1; “The Jungle Book,” April 15; “I’m Not Ashamed,” April 20; “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.
Further, many other good family and redemptive movies are in development for theaters: “Left Behind 2,” “Full of Grace,” “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,” “Little House on the Prairie,” and a slate of HD Texas movies.
Furthermore, there are many Disney live-action remakes of classic animated family movies 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.”
Even in the midst of the darkness and danger in our world, the Reformation of content and Renaissance of artistry. In many ways it is the “Worst of Times” but “The Best of Times” with more of the Best yet to come.
The top pick movie in theaters this week for adults for significance for our times continues as “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” The top pick movies for families in theaters this week continues as “The Peanuts Movie.”
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