Movie and Game Reviews - From a Christian Perspective

Why are entertainment reviews important to Christians?  

As Christians, we might ask ourselves, “Should I see that movie? How about this new game my teenager is wanting? Is that video OK for my 6-year-old?” We tend to mentally score points against the entertainment being considered by assessing if it has too much bad language, too many offensive sex scenes, too much violence, or too many bad life examples for our kids.

Where do we draw the line? How much is too much?

If we compare movies or television programming or even music today with that of a decade or two decades ago, most of us are horrified to realize how far we’ve come. With  gradually increased exposure to explicit sex, mockery of Christianity, homosexuality,  occultic phenomena, and violence almost beyond imagination, our threshold of tolerance has increased. Things that at one time we would never have considered watching or listening to have somehow become acceptable. Our scorecard of “how much is too much” has changed dramatically. We have allowed ourselves to be conditioned.

Perhaps instead of “how much is too much,” we should be asking ourselves, "Is this a positive thing for our lives or our children’s lives? Does it teach us something? Does it leave us with worthwhile thoughts or ideas? Is it healthy, harmless entertainment? Would we invite Jesus to watch it or listen to it with us?"

In Philippians 4:8 (NLT) we are admonished to Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Let this, instead of "how much bad is too much," be our guide.

One way we can know which movies or videos or music are positive and worthwhile is through Christian movie reviews, Christian video reviews, and Christian music reviews. In checking the Internet, I found many excellent sites offering such services, but some stood out to me as being especially worthy. I am listing a few of the sites here that seem to approach their reviews and comments from a heartfelt biblical perspective. I hope that you find them helpful.

Karen Burkett

Movie Reviews by Dana Chaffin

LETTERS TO GOD

Hope Is Contagious

By Dana Chaffin

     Letters to God, an inspiring faith based film, opens in theaters April 9, 2010.  The story is extremely touching, inspired by a true story, and the hope beyond the movie is unstoppable.  The message is about hope and trusting God, no matter the circumstances.  The production is high-quality with an outstanding cast and crew.  It is produced by David Nixon (Facing the Giants, Fireproof) and written by Patrick Doughtie, Tyler’s actual father.

The Story

    Letters to God is the heartwarming story of a young boy’s battle with cancer and how he touches the lives of those around him.  Tyler Doherty (Tanner Maguire) is an 8-year- old boy diagnosed with a rare brain cancer.  He writes letters to God asking Him to help those around him deal with his cancer.  He explains that his letters are like texting your best friend.  Tyler sees the stress his mom, Maddie (Robyn Lively), is under trying to run the family after his father passes away.  He unselfishly asks God to help his mom laugh again.  He is concerned about what his family and friends will do after he is gone.  Not once does he complain or question why he has cancer.  The postman Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey Johnson), going through his own battles with alcohol abuse and a bitter divorce, receives the letters.  He is confused with what to do with the letters at first, but finds himself on a mission for God. 

Beyond the Movie

     Letters to God is more than just a movie; it is a movement of hope.  The official website, letterstogodthemovie.com, offers a multitude of information and encouragement. There you can watch the movie’s trailer, find theaters showing the film, preorder the soundtrack, find resources about cancer, and write your own letter to God.  

     Letters to God is a powerful film of how one boy moves those around him to look to God for answers.  It is very well done with an experienced cast and crew.   Although the film tackles the issue of a young boy with cancer, the message is of hope.  God can use any situation to bring people into a relationship with Him, even a young boy’s letter.  See the movie, visit the website, and join the movement of hope!


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Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer who has published many articles on sites like faithwriters.com, christianmediaalliance.com, and extantmagazine.com. Passionate about Christian film, her desire is to get the word out about Christian movies to as many people as possible. Email ,