Media Alert!
April 2026
Blog #77
Sue Summers
MediaSavvyKids.org
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)
Movies that Motivate!
Frequently you’ll hear adults make cynical comments about the media, such as: “Hollywood is ruining our children”, or “Our family doesn’t watch movies or TV, because there isn’t anything worth watching”.
It certainly depends on who is watching what. For example, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN chief medical correspondent, was influenced to pursue medicine by watching the 1970s drama-comedy TV series M*A*S*H and their portrayal of life and death in a mobile Army surgical hospital.
And then there is Mae Jemison, NASA’s first black woman astronaut to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She knew that was an accomplishment within her reach, because she had watched Star Trek’s Lt. Uhura do just that, over and over again, in the weekly TV series from the 1960s.
Of course, selecting a TV program or a movie to watch with your children requires discernment and enough information about the show to know what values they will be exposed to. We might be wiser to think of turning the family television into an experience that could be called “Selectavision”.
There are online Christian reviewers who share their perspectives about TV programs and movies to help parents make wise decisions. A great source of background information and insights about movies and TV programs is Plugged In (www.pluggedin.com).
Two current movies that are worth a visit to the theater are: “I Can Only Imagine 2” and “The Great Awakening”.
If these have already disappeared from the local theaters and are not available on the streaming platforms yet, below is a list of older movies that are based on true events. The focus of each one is how one person can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Check out DVDs from the local library or watch these together via a streaming option.
Hidden Figures (PG) Three female African-American mathematicians play a pivotal role in astronaut John Glenn’s launch into orbit while dealing with racial and gender discrimination.
Mr. Holland’s Opus (PG) A frustrated composer finds fulfillment as a high school music teacher.
42 (PG-13) In 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and faces considerable racism in the process.
The Miracle Worker (TV-14) The story of Anne Sullivan’s struggle to teach the blind, deaf and mute child Helen Keller how to understand and communicate.
Lincoln (PG-13) As the Civil War rages on, U.S President Abraham Lincoln struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on his decision to emancipate the slaves.
Time Changer (PG) Using a secret time machine, Anderson sends Carlisle over 100 years into the future, offering him a glimpse of where his beliefs will lead.
The Blind Side (PG-13) The story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.
Temple Grandin (TV-PG) A biopic of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who has become one of the top scientists in the humane livestock handling industry.
Apollo 13 (PG) Based on the Apollo 13 NASA flight, it follows three astronauts stranded in space when their spacecraft suffers damage, as well as the tireless efforts by those on the ground to find a way to bring them home before time runs out.
Schindler’s List (R-For mature teens only) A successful businessman and member of the Nazi party, Oskar Schindler, uses his influence to recruit prisoners in the concentration camps to work in his factories, thus sparing them from death.
October Sky (PG) Inspired by Soviet satellite Sputnik streaking across the heavens in 1957, a teenager builds a rocket to compete for a science fair scholarship.
The Ultimate Gift (PG) When his wealthy grandfather dies, Jason Stevens receives a test – a series of tasks he must complete before he can receive any inheritance.
Greater (PG) The true story of Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, who defied expectations to become an All-American football player.
So how can we help teens become media-savvy about the culture that surrounds them?
Stories told through the movies or TV can be great shared experiences with teens. Be sure to spend time discussing how the main character lived his/her life, noting the events and/or people that were influential. This will reinforce the importance of living in a way that positively impacts others.
Here are some discussion starters that may promote conversation after the shared viewing experience:
• Ask, “Most movies are created merely to entertain. How was this one different from others you have seen?”
• Ask, “What was the main point of this story? Did the main character’s life experience affect you? What qualities would you say he/she had?”
• Share, “Sometimes we think that our lives don’t matter. But each of us is a COI – a Center of Influence. Our friends, family members, and acquaintances can all be impacted by our actions and words. Can you think of a time that one of your friends had a positive effect on you?”
• Solomon is considered the wisest man of all. Here is what Proverbs 1:1-4 (The Message) shares:
“These are the wise sayings of Solomon,
David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
and give our young people a grasp on reality.”
Ask, “Are his thoughts still important today? Do you have a manual you use as a guide for living?”
• Share, “There are many movies that are violent or inappropriate. Does watching a movie like this one motivate you to be who our Heavenly Father called you to be?”
• Share, “Let’s plan a regularly scheduled movie night together. It’s important to share and enjoy the stories that can show us how to be all we can be.”
• Note: Share this blog with your church’s youth pastor as a lesson for youth group gatherings.
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Sue Summers is a Christian media analyst, teacher, author, and speaker.
She is the Director of Media Alert!
Contact Info:
Blogs: MediaSavvyKids.org
Website: http://www.MediaAlert.org
Email: Sue@MediaAlert.org
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Media Alert! 