For the second week of July, Box Office Mojo reports that family movies Despicable Me 3 and Cars 3 are still at the top of the box office. These are the top pick family movies for this week, although Despicable Me 3 (PG-13) is more suitable for older children through adults and Cars 3 (G) is suitable for all ages. There are many other movies in theaters that seem family-friendly by their trailers and promotions, but have more harmful elements in terms of foul language and harmful philosophies than Despicable Me 3 and Cars 3.
Today it is more challenging than ever to guide children and youth to make good choices in movies and media that they see. Children and youths are more at risk than ever to depression, confusion, and anxiety, as well as to other mental and emotional deficits because they are exposed to inappropriate content or even an excess of content by media and technology. Parents and guardians need to be vigilant, knowledgeable, and careful supervisors of their children.
Despicable Me 3, which is PG-rated, has some light crude elements and lots of cartoon violence, but is moral and redemptive as it celebrates faith and family in the midst of action-packed adventures. It has no foul language. Gru, wife Lucy, and their three adorable daughters (Margo, Edith, and Agnes) along with the Minions and Gru’s twin brother, Dru (both twins are skillfully voiced by Steve Carrell), are involved with fast-paced adventures filled with heart and satirical humor for all ages.
Cars 3 is a rare G-rated animated comedy adventure for kids and families by Pixar. It has no foul language, but it has some light crudity. See videos, photos, and more on IMDb. In this movie, legendary Lightning McQueen is blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers. Suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves, he wants to get back into the game. He needs the help of an eager, young race technician. She has her own plan to win with inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet along with a few unexpected turns. Cars 3 celebrates good, small-town, American values. It is appropriate for all ages.
Please be careful to research “family” movies in theaters. You will find that they have often undesirable language, situations, and philosophies. Children and youth will be impacted by some harmful elements by many movies today which seem on the surface “family-friendly.” It is the rare “family” movie today which is safe for families, especially for children.
The Bible tells us to think on the following: whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, and anything excellent or praiseworthy.
Fortunately, in weeks and months ahead there are many promising family, redemptive movies. They include the following: Lego Ninjago 7/22; Nuts 2, 8/11; All Saints, 8/25; Extraordinary, 9/7; The Heart of Man 9/14; Ferdinand 9/14; Samson, 9/29; Same Kind of Different as Me, 10/4/2017; Revive Us 2, 10/17; Mully 10/20; The Star, 11/10; and Let There Be Light, 12/24.
Hold out for the best. Avoid compromising movies that mix error with truth and vulgarity with what is good. Research movies before you see them. Remember that all that glitters may not be gold.
To learn more about this author, please visit Dr. Diane Howard
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