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Plugged in reviews of movies now in theatres.

There are lots of new movies in theatres and maybe your child has mentioned one or two of them to you. But what are these movies really about and how can you find out without having to go see them yourself? 

With Plugged In movie reviews, you'll find a detailed breakdown of up-to-date films, including spiritual content, sexual content, violent content, the amount of crude or profane language, content involving drugs and alcohol, other negative elements as well as positive aspects of the film. 

Here are a few reviews of new releases you may want to read up on: 

Stronger (R)

The Lego Ninjago Movie (PG)

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (R)

Friend Request  (R)

Mother! (R)

American Assassin (R)

True to the Game (R)

Home Again (PG-13)

Stay up to date with the Focus on the Family

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The Prince of Egypt

Reviewed by: Christine L. Pryor CONTRIBUTOR

Note: The “Prince of Egypt” is in full-color, though these pictures are not

Review © 1998 by National Religious Broadcasters. Reprinted with permission from NRB magazine.

W hat happens when a Hollywood entertainment company decides to do a film with a biblical theme? When the company is DreamWorks SKG, a lot of research, planning and innovation lead to a fascinating animated feature film.

DreamWorks interprets the story of Moses with brilliant animation, vast landscapes, sumptuous sets, a cast of stage and screen stars (Val Kilmer, Michelle Pfeiffer , Jeff Goldblum , Sandra Bullock , Steve Martin , Martin Short, Patrick Stewart ) and special effects—used in 1180 of the 1192 scenes—of dust, shadow and light.

Many Hollywood directors insist the key to a successful film is a good story. Awe-inducing, ground-breaking artistic and computer-generated special effects endeavors aside, “The Prince of Egypt” is a good one. But don’t go to the theater with a pocket Bible, a pen light and a yellow highlighter.

If you’re expecting a scene-by-scene visual rendering of the biblical account of Exodus, remember that the studio is a Hollywood entertainment company, not a religious broadcaster. The film’s introduction states it is “true to the essence, values and integrity” of the story. So although DreamWorks SKG carefully secured the views of many theologians and religious leaders—including those of NRB president Brandt Gustavson and members Ted Baehr, James Dobson, Billy Graham, D. James Kennedy and Pat Robertson—several points of biblical inconsistency emerge.

A partial list of divergences: Moses is not reunited with his mother as an infant, he speaks flawlessly and therefore does not need Aaron’s eloquence, he kills the Egyptian by accident rather than murdering him, Aaron is reluctant to support Moses and discourages him from speaking to Pharaoh, the particular responsibilities of the Hebrews during the Passover are largely… passed over. Other discrepancies exist, enough to possibly spur a broadcast contest of guess the number of fictionalizations. [Read the true story of Moses. Go …]

This experience for Moses is witnessing God speaking through a burning bush. Director Steve Hickner says, “The proudest moment for me was that we actually got the burning bush scene to work. You have to believe it works in order for the rest of the film to work. It is the central, pivotal moment of the film.” And Hickner has reason to be proud; with a Hans Zimmer score that beckons, weeps and inspires undergirding the visual images, the animation captures the solemnity of the experience, Moses’s human reactions and the Lord’s comforting response to Moses’s terror.

Will audiences believe the scene? More importantly, will they realize that they, too, can have a relationship with their Lord? When asked what he wants his children to take away from the film, production designer Darek Gogol responds, “I pray they’re going to get it and find the values in the film. The idea is that instead of interpreting it, let them watch it and then we’ll talk about it.”

Watch it and then talk about it. Perhaps religious broadcasting should take note of Moses going to Hollywood. Maybe “The Prince of Egypt” can attract seeking hearts through the flickering silver screen that would never approach the worn wooden altar. And maybe, just maybe, the prince of Egypt will lead a few people to the Prince of Peace .

• Young people

Plugged In: Reviewing the Christian Review Site

• January 11, 2017
• Christian Living

Modern Christians live in a fast-paced world where entertainment options are constantly evolving and secular audiences’ tastes are diverse. It can be hard to stay up-to-date on what movies, albums, and TV shows are of good quality and high moral fiber. Fortunately, there are publications and websites like Plugged In that give Christians the opportunity to fully understand the entertainment choices around them so that they can make informed decisions. Let’s look at a few of the ways that this group helps to shed light on the entertainment industry.

History of Plugged In

If you grew up or had kids in the 80’s and 90’s, there’s a good chance that Focus on the Family was a popular resource for your family. The still-active group, headed up by Dr. James Dobson, played a big part in helping Christian families better learn how to grow together and preserve a God-fearing home. Shortly after Focus on the Family’s inception in the late 70’s, the organization looked for ways in which it could understand culture and spread that understanding to homes all across America.

This endeavor took shape in books, radio programs, magazines, and more . Plugged In was one such publication that looked to mix faith and culture. In recent years, Plugged In’s presence has mostly been felt online, though there are radio segments that talk about hot topics and new releases found on many programs.

Movie and Television Reviews

For many families, the primary use for Plugged In is to discern which movies are safe for their kids to watch. If you’re worried about objectionable content that could be presented in a film rated R or even PG-13, the website can be quite handy.

In the most basic judgment of family friendliness, the site lists several categories in which one would typically find material not suitable for children. These include “Crude or Profane Language” and “Violent Content” among others. For example, if you look at the review of R-rated “Hacksaw Ridge,” you’ll discover that the film shares a character who is a violent drunk, another who briefly appears nude, and seven utterances of the s-word as well as a few other issues.

What makes Plugged In a valuable resource for Christian movie reviews is that the reviewers also go beyond simple checkboxes to share spiritual lessons you can learn, as well as the quality of the film in general. Going back to that same review of “Hacksaw Ridge,” we find out that the film depicts a variety of religious beliefs when it comes to war. Some men believe any violence is wrong while others feel it is justified in war. The film actually has quite a bit of spiritual content for a WWII film.

As for television reviews, much of the same formula is used for dissecting the biggest shows that everyone’s talking about. The difference between the TV reviews, however, is that it’s much harder to keep up with every single show that’s currently airing. For many of the shows Plugged In writes about, you may only get a few episode reviews and an overall synopsis of the show. There are hundreds of TV shows out there, so it’s understandable, but it may be harder to keep track of these than the movies. At the end of the day, these TV reviews give you a much better idea of what you and/or your kids are thinking about watching . The diversity of reviews is also a plus, because people are just as likely to be watching a Netflix original show like “House of Cards” as they are a network show like “Bull.”

Video Game Reviews

Slightly younger than television, video games have been a wildly growing trend for last few decades. From the early days of Atari to the Xbox and Playstations of today, an entire generation (or two) has grown up playing these games. Video games are even so popular today that they have become a spectator sport akin to watching the NFL or NBA.

With this medium quickly becoming one of the most popular entertainment choices around , it’s important to have all the information we can get. After all, the games of today are becoming much more progressive than Tecmo Bowl and Super Mario Bros. By “progressive,” we mean that (a) the violence is much more intense and lifelike, (b) there’s a large amount of crude language and sexual content, and (c) the characters are coming from much more diverse backgrounds.

Plugged In’s video game reviews are more in line with the TV show reviews in that they give you the main plot setup and tone of the game, but don’t tell you every little detail. Again, most of the movie reviews are heavily detailed, but the other categories of reviews on Plugged In are simply intended to give you a basic understanding of the game or show.

When reviewing “Gears of War 4” for the Xbox, the writer lets you know the plot of the game, what kind of gore and language to expect, as well as how you can tone some of the objectionable content down. You can’t nail down every single detail in a video game like you can in a film because, depending on how you play the game, you may or may not even experience the same scenes as someone else. All in all, Plugged In’s video game reviews are a big help for parents of gamers or older players who want to be careful about what they play.

Book and Music Reviews

The guys at Plugged In may have nearly cornered the market on Christian video game reviews, but Christian music and book reviews have been around for quite some time. In these reviews, the amount of detail lies somewhere between that of the film reviews and the game reviews. The writers want you to have a good idea of what you are getting into without actually spoiling the story. Just like the video game reviews, this means spelling out the main plot, letting you know what kind of language/sex/violence to be prepared for, and what kind of redeemable qualities you should try to spot.

Going back to the birth of Parental Advisory stickers in the mid-80’s, parents have long wanted to know what kind of music was playing in their house. With Plugged In’s music reviews, you can get the heads up on sexually suggestive lyrics or profane language that might be on an album. Going beyond the obvious issues one might have, it’s always good to examine entertainment options to see what kind of message they are sending . If a song doesn’t have bad language but does promote a worldly lifestyle apart from God, you might want to think about how that makes you feel.

Like most people, you live a pretty chaotic life that doesn’t always leave you at home sitting on the computer. That’s why Plugged In also has an app that you can use on your smartphone. So if you’re standing in the ticket line at the movie theater and you need to make a split second decision, quickly open the app and find a family friendly movie. Crisis averted.

In this day and age, it’s important to be informed before making any decisions, entertainment or otherwise. With resources like Plugged In to help, life gets a little more navigable.

As someone who both enjoys being informed and finding the best entertainment, you’ll be happy to know that the K-LOVE Fan Awards are coming up soon. Known as the biggest weekend in Christian music, this event honors the top names in Christian movies, music, books, and more. Find out how you and your family can enjoy the ultimate fan experience by clicking on the link below.

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We know that making travel plans for you and your family can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why we wrote our own Nashville Travel Guide to help you out. Tennessee’s state capital is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, so come see what all the fuss is about.

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Building a Family Legacy

Dove review.

“Building a Family Legacy” is a remarkable and inspiring series that instructs families on how to live and survive difficulties in today’s problem-filled society. It features America’s best-loved family advocate, Dr. James Dobson, and his wife Shirley, in addition to their adult children Danae and Ryan.

Using humor, many true-life incidents, and armed with Biblical principles, Dr. Dobson and his family spell out what it takes to deal with the problems that come with raising a family. There are eight sections in this series: 1. Your Legacy; 2. Love for a Lifetime; 3. Bringing up Boys; 4. Straight Talk to Men; 5. Dare to Discipline; 6. The Strong Willed Child; 7. Bringing up Girls; 8. Wanting to Believe.

In the first, “Your Legacy,” Dr. Dobson focuses on the fact that our stories, not possessions, are our legacies to our children and grandchildren. He asks this question of the audience: What do you want to pass on? Dr. Dobson tells the story of his grandfather who planned to kill a man and how he walked by a brush arbor revival meeting and found the Lord instead. Future generations were changed because of that decision, including Dr. Dobson’s father and his own life, and now that of his son Ryan. Dr. Dobson mentions how his dad wanted to be an artist, not a preacher, but God called him and then used his art as well.

In the second episode, “Love for a Lifetime,” Shirley Dobson shares how Jim stole her heart in college, and how they were married and had children. Times were sometimes tough, such as the time she broke her leg and he had to take on the major portion of childcare for a time. The DVD moves on to episode three, “Bringing up Boys.” Dr. Dobson shares that a few trips to the ER were needed and that boys are “aggressive little machines.” He shares funny stories including one about him playing Tarzan as a boy and falling hard to the ground because his rope was too long. He offers practical advice, such as dads having a race with their sons to finish the milk first in order to get the “non-thirsty” boy to drink his milk.

Dr. Dobson talks about the differences between boys and girls, and this leads into episode four titled “Straight Talk to Men.” Dr. Dobson talks about the song “Cat’s in the Cradle” and how time moves fast and fathers must take time to be with their children and influence them while they can. He emphasizes the spiritual heritage fathers can have. In episode five, “Dare to Discipline,” he speaks about action as a motivating factor, not anger. He encourages parents to follow through on setting limits. He refers to boundaries and letting a child know when action is going to take place.

In the next episode, “The Strong Willed Child,” he shares a funny story about the time his son Ryan was quiet in the house for two minutes, and in that case “silence is not golden!” He speaks of spanking only for defiance, and not abusing the child. He speaks about other discipline methods that can be helpful in keeping a balance between authority and love. His steps include defining boundaries, responding with confident decisiveness, distinguishing between willful disobedience and childish irresponsibility, teaching after confrontation, not making unrealistic demands, and letting love be the guide.

Finally, the last two episodes are “Bringing Up Girls” and “Wanting to Believe.” In “Bringing Up Girls” he speaks of how girls need a father’s affirmation and how important it is. He says that self esteem will be built with it. Ryan Dobson finishes off the series with “Wanting to Believe,” in which he talks about the importance of having a specific plan for family goals. For example, not saying “I plan to lose weight,” but “I plan to lose ten pounds.” When it comes to family goals, specifically saying “I plan to take my daughter out to breakfast,” not just say you’ll spend more time with her. He emphasizes the need to pursue daughters and wives and to let them know they are loved. He also talks about the importance of letting the whole family know what the family plan is, as well as its goals.

This is a tremendous series and is recommended for ages twelve and above, due to the maturity level of the themes. It truly arms parents with ammunition that can make a difference in raising a healthy and mentally happy family. We are happy to award “Building a Family Legacy” five Doves, our best rating.

Dove Rating Details

Comment about fatigue and sex not going together; comment about teen girl getting pregnant but adopting the child out to a Christian family; mention of Playgirl magazine as an example of women being more interested in certain men and not being as visual, sexually speaking, as men are.

Use of snuff is mentioned; it's mentioned that some drink a lot of alcohol; comment about gin being found in a car; it's mentioned that boys are more likely to use drugs illegally than girls.

Funny story about an earring falling into a woman's cleavage; it's mentioned a girl dressed scantily simply to see if her dad loved her and would say something.

Themes are discussed about raising children with limits and action and love; discussions about rebellion in kids, and moms and dads working through problems; discussions about abusive fathers and the need for love, and for dads taking time to speak to their daughters.

More Information

Film information, dove content.

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Home / Work of the Church / Parish Ministry Resources / Family Life /

Focus on the Family

By Phyllis Zanghi

Review of a Christian Film Series

Focus On The Family is a series of seven films by Dr. James Dobson. The films discuss a variety of topics related to family life, including discipline, authority, problems during adolescence, and marital harmony. The series provides an excellent source of new ideas and practical suggestions for renewing family relationships based on Christian and sound psychological principles.

Although the bookstores and newsstands are flooded with information on child development, child rearing, family living, and marital problems, there is a tremendous need for discussion of these topics from a Christian viewpoint. Focus On The Family helps to fill this need. When sponsored by an Orthodox parish or group, the viewing of each film should be followed by a group discussion with a priest for guidance. Presented in this way, the films provide a much-needed opportunity to discuss family living with other Orthodox Christians.

In our case, several Orthodox parishes of various jurisdictions on Long Island got together to co-sponsor this film series in one of the churches that was central to most people. It was held on a weekday night and the attendance ranged between 60 and 100 people. A flyer and accompanying letter were sent at the outset, about a month in advance, to each parish priest not only on the Island, but to the near-by New York and New Jersey areas as well. Following the film, one of our priests made some brief comments on the topic presented and then opened the discussion to all. Coffee and informal sharing of views ended each evening. The time format we used and found to work out well was

8:00 PM Opening Prayer and Film 9:00 PM Discussion of Film 9:45 or 10:00 PM Coffee

Those who attended found the series to be well worth seeing, especially as it gave a basis for discussing several important and common problems. As with most stimulating sessions, there was the wish that time would have permitted more in depth sharing in smaller group clusters.

Film 1: The Strong-Willed Child

The first film discusses Dobson’s contention that with regard to strength of will, some children are born naturally compliant, while others are more demanding and defiant from birth. This assertive child whom Dr. Dobson calls “the strong-willed child” needs a special kind of understanding and discipline by his parents. Dobson explains the following guidelines parents should follow when disciplining their children:

1. Define the boundaries before they are enforced. 2. When defiantly challenged, respond with confident decisiveness. 3. Distinguish between willful defiance and childish irresponsibility. 4. Reassure and teach after the confrontation. 5. Avoid impossible demands. 6. Let love be your guide.

Dobson concludes that parents have a God-given responsibility to shape the will of their children.

Film 2: Shaping the Will Without Breaking the Spirit

In Film 2, Dr. Dobson distinguishes between the spirit and will of a child. When Dobson speaks of the spirit of a child he is referring to the self-esteem or the personal worth that a child feels. He cites several examples to give a clear understanding of just how we can discipline without damaging a child’s self-esteem. He discusses discipline that bends the will, and compares it to discipline that crushes the spirit. Dobson asks us to keep in mind that the purpose of discipline is to give a child the ability to control his impulses and exercise self-discipline later in life.

Another main point he makes is the importance of connecting behavior to consequence. He asks us to consider a common error he believes many parents and teachers make in handling discipline, that of using anger to motivate children to comply instead of using action. He urges us to take disciplinary action before we are driven to anger.

Film 3. Christian Fathering

The film titled Christian Fathering is perhaps the most moving and inspirational. It calls on fathers to rededicate themselves to the task of leadership in the home by spending more time with their families. The main theme of this film applies to mothers and fathers alike, especially since there is an increasing number of working mothers. It asks parents to realize and reaffirm their commitment together, that the most important responsibility parents have in their life is raising their children and bringing them to Christ. It calls on us to reassess our priorities and not to be caught up by time pressures that cause families to put off spending more time together. For example, “We’ll have more time together after I’m finished with my graduate work,” or “when I finish painting the house,” or even “when the baby gets a little older.” He asks us to consider making some changes now, instead of continuing to wait for circumstances to change.

Film 4. Preparing For Adolescence: The Origins of Self Doubt

This film and the following one deal with problems children face during adolescence. It is important that a relationship of trust, confidence, and understanding be developed at an early age. Spend time with your child, talking and sharing concerns as he or she is growing up. Dr. Dobson recommends that we help prepare our pre-teen (ideally at age nine or ten) by devoting a special time together during which many of the changes and problems he or she will face as a teen are discussed openly. Dobson suggests this be done on a weekend trip alone with the parent or a well-planned day specifically set aside for this purpose.

An important topic to discuss, he suggests, is the feeling of inferiority that nearly ail teens face. Many teens feel unattractive or “dumb” at some point during these turbulent years. Relating the parents’ own struggles with feelings of inferiority at this age can be most helpful. Other suggestions are:

1. Help your child to realize his strong points and make the most of what he has through grooming, exercise, and parental involvement in the school experience. 2. Avoid remarks that take away your child’s self worth. 3. Tell I your child how much you appreciate his strong points

Film 5: Preparing For Adolescence: Peer Pressure and Sexuality

The next main topic for that special talk with your pre-teen is conformity. Dobson suggests that the parent begin by pointing out some examples of conformity from the child’s school experience or church experience. Next, discuss kinds of conformity that are harmful—the use of drugs, alcohol, or bad behavior. Describe a situation in which your child’s friends offer drugs. Discuss options of handling the situation in order to prepare him or her to respond wisely.

Another topic to be discussed with your pre-teenager is the sexual awakening and physical changes that he or she is going to experience during puberty. For the parent who is not prepared for such a talk, Dobson recommends getting guidance from the clergy or a doctor so that the talk will be a comfortable one.

During this film, Dr. Dobson suggests a frank talk about masturbation. In his opinion, masturbation is an inevitable developmental stage that adolescents pass through and which they should not feel badly about. He discusses the harm that is done by the guilt suffered by many Christian adolescents when they are unable to control the desire. The Orthodox viewpoint would agree about the harmful effects of guilt—but these are dealt with most appropriately through confession and repentance. Orthodoxy contends that sex is to be shared between husband and wife. Masturbation is self gratification and as such strays from what God intends.

Dr. Dobson believes It Is important to discuss the “meaning of love” with your pre-teen. He advises that the parent explain with examples that emotions go up and down; it is commitment that holds a relationship together. If possible, he suggests relating an example from your own marriage to Illustrate the commitment type of love.

Film 6: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women: The Lonely Housewife

In the last two films Dobson tries to bring husbands and wives closer together by explaining the needs of women. Throughout the films he discusses common sources of depression in women and suggests some solutions.

Low self-esteem is discussed as the most common source of depression among women. He claims that a woman’s self-esteem is based on the love relationship with her husband, while the husband’s self-esteem is based on his job. Dobson has insight into the day-to-day problems women face in the home and he relates some examples from his experience as a counselor. Husbands and wives need to understand and be responsive to each other’s needs. As a solution to women’s depression Dobson believes that husbands should spend more time relating to their wives’ needs after work. He also suggests that women spend more time with other women for support. For example, Bible study groups, lunch with friends, or a weekly get-together would help dissipate the isolation many women face—especially those with young children.

Film 7: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women: Money, Sex and Children

This last film continues to discuss common sources of depression among women. It considers financial problems as a major source of worry and anxiety. Dobson opposes the desire for more and more things which leads us to buy that which we neither need nor can afford. He asks us to consider living more simply (that is with fewer possessions and organized activities) in order to release a larger share of our money and time for serving God.

In an effort to further understanding between husbands and wives, Dobson explains what he believes to be a difference in the sexual desires of men and women. He claims that men are visually stimulated with regard to sexual interest, and that sex for men is more of a “physical thing.” On the other hand romantic love is necessary for women to enjoy a sexual relationship fully. According to Dobson, romantic love provides the foundation for a woman’s self-esteem and her sexual responsiveness.

In conclusion. Dr. Dobson asks that husbands and wives get together and pray for guidance in bringing their children to Christ, and for increased awareness of one another’s experience.

About Dr. Dobson

Dr. Dobson is a gifted communicator. Throughout the films he captures our attention with his warm and often humorous narration. Dr. Dobson is Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. He is a licensed psychologist, a husband, father, Sunday school teacher, and author of several best-selling books including: Dare to Discipline, Hide or Seek, What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women, The Strong-Willed Child, and Preparing For Adolescence . The Focus on the Family films are based on these books, and each is informative, thought provoking, and inspiring.

How To Obtain The Films

The film series can be obtained by inquiring at your local church film supplier or by writing to Word Incorporated, 4800 W. Waco Drive, Waco, Texas. The films are mailed weekly complete with labels and postage which makes returning them quite convenient. The cost is about $430 to rent the seven films and can be shared by several parishes getting together as we did, and co-sponsoring the series. A nominal donation of $1.00 per person can also be requested to help defray the cost.

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James Dobson

Highest Rated: Not Available

Lowest Rated: Not Available

Birthday: Oct 2, 1920

Birthplace: Greenville, Tennessee, USA

James Dobson was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. Early on in his acting career, Dobson landed roles in various films, including the John Wayne action movie "Flying Leathernecks" (1951), "The Tanks Are Coming" (1951) with Steve Cochran and the Ray Middleton biopic "I Dream of Jeanie" (1952). He also appeared in "Okinawa" (1952) with Pat O'Brien, the sports "The Rose Bowl Story" (1952) with Marshall Thomson and the sci-fi picture "Cult of the Cobra" (1955) with Faith Domergue. His passion for acting continued to his roles in projects like the drama "Friendly Persuasion" (1956) with Gary Cooper, "Jet Attack" (1957) and "The Tall Stranger" (1957) with Joel McCrea. He also appeared in the drama "Armored Command" (1961) with Howard Keel, the Dolores Hart comedy adventure "Come Fly With Me" (1962) and the adventure "Captain Sinbad" (1963) with Heidi Bruhl. Film continued to be his passion as he played roles in the Carol Lynley biopic drama "Harlow" (1965), "Track of Thunder" (1968) and "A Dream of Kings" (1969). He also appeared in the drama "The Undefeated" (1969) with John Wayne and the Debbie Reynolds crime picture "What's The Matter With Helen?" (1971). Dobson most recently worked on the thriller "Boogie Boy" (1998) with Mark Dacascos.

Filmography

James Dobson (1920-1987)

Additional crew.

IMDbPro Starmeter See rank

• Officer Garth

• Script and Continuity Department

• Andy, the Steward
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Personal details

• Jimmy Dobson
• 5′ 8″ (1.73 m)
• October 2 , 1920
• Greeneville, Tennessee, USA
• December 6 , 1987
• Hollywood, California, USA (heart attack)
• Other works (Summer 1948) He acted in F. Hugh Herbert's play, "Kiss and Tell," in a Kenley Players production in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania. John Kenley was artistic director.

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"Not So Subtle Satire"

What You Need To Know:

(ABABAB, PCPCPC, CCC) Very edgy anti-Charismatic, anti-fundamentalists, anti-socially relevant Gospel with a radio host who attacks fundamentalists who claims to be a Christian, yet believes the Church should not influence politics and claims the right-wing church is a threat to mankind plus many positive statements about Jesus Christ, faith, salvation, and children who are on fire about Jesus; no foul language, but the deceptive false statement about the wall of separation between church and state; no violence, but children sing about going to war for Jesus Christ and other statements taken out of context to make viewers believe that these children are like Islamic warriors; and, mean spirited portrait of Pentecostal Christians.

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JESUS CAMP is a sarcastic documentary that paints evangelical, fundamentalist, charismatic, and politically concerned Christians as very shrill, warlike, and dangerous. It is a cutting edge, negative portrayal of committed, enthusiastic Christians. JESUS CAMP is a more subtle, sarcastic documentary version of the abhorrent movie SAVED. It does not merit a Minus Four because some viewers may be able to see past its sarcastic edge to the faithful representation of enthusiastic believing Christians.

The all-woman production team opens the documentary with a view of the highways of America while friends of MOVIEGUIDE® such as Dr. D. James Kennedy, Dr. James Dobson and others discuss the culture wars in passionate terms. The movie then cuts to a self-proclaimed Christian radio talk show host named Mark Papantonio. Mark fields calls from people who say they have been Christians all their life but are very concerned about an evangelical, fundamentalist, and charismatic conspiratorial takeover of the United States of America. They believe that the fundamentalist Christians, as they wrongly call them, are secretly destroying the country.

Next, we cut to an overweight, middle-aged Pentecostal pastor, Becky Fisher. Although she seems to be photographed in all the most negative ways, astute viewers of this documentary will realize that this woman is very intelligent and has figured out wonderful ways to reach children with the Gospel. The first shot of the children is a stage production where they are wearing camouflage makeup and singing about going off to war. It must be noted that the movie misrepresents all of these statements about war. It does not understand spiritual warfare, and it makes these children look like little Hitler Youth or young Islamic terrorists.

Becky gets the children to talk about their faith. She helps to visualize the Gospel by scouring toy stores to look for things like brain molds where you can mold jello that looks like a brain and stick bad actions on there such as drinking, smoking and other things that could corrupt the brain. This woman is brilliant. She creates such striking visual images out of difficult topics that I’ll use some of her techniques.

As a result, the children become very committed to their faith. They openly witness to others, and they pray for revival and reformation, and even for George Bush. The producers and Mark Papantonio think these prayers for George Bush are frightening. Evidently, they have never read the Bible because it calls us to pray for those in authority, whether it is George Bush, Bill Clinton, or anyone else.

The documentary ends, and this is not a spoiler because this isn’t that kind of movie, at Ted Haggard’s church in Colorado. Ted Haggard is portrayed as a mean person whose comments are taken totally out of context.

This sarcastic hatchet job may work with confused liberals who have never taken a minute to read any passages of the Bible. It may also confuse children and should not be seen by them. It may encourage, though, committed Christians who will understand that, in spite of the attempt to tar and feather people of faith, the movie actually shows how these people are wiser, more enthusiastic, and more committed than other segments of society.

We should pray for Becky Fisher that she does not become discouraged, and for Ted Haggard. We also should pray for the team of women producers, writers and directors at Loki Productions. Of course, Loki was the Scandinavian, trickster god. And, we should pray for Mark Papantonio who doesn’t seem to realize that the wall of separation of church and state is a hypocritical liberal fiction that actually establishes its own civil religion. Mark claims to be a Christian. Let us pray that he be filled with God’s Holy Spirit and be delivered from the evil demons that have made him so hateful toward the Christian leaders of America. After all, Jesus came to set us free, which is good news for everyone.

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Focus on the Family Movie Reviews

Michael has spent years as a freelance writer and editor submitting works to several accomplished magazines as well as publishing his own works about freelancing as a business.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

There are many people who are interested in Focus on the Family movie reviews, because they can provide some guidance as to what is appropriate for their children to watch and what isn't. The organization isn't just about Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and other family-friendly fare; they review just about every flick that comes through Hollywood.

What Is Focus on the Family?

In case you are not familiar with the non-profit organization, Focus on the Family is an evangelical group based out of the United States. It was founded in 1977, and they say that they are dedicated to nurturing and defending families worldwide. More specifically, Focus on the Family -- which is aligned with the American Christian right -- aims to protect family values.

• 6 Reasons Family Communication Really Matters & Real-World Tips

Focus on the Family has several arms, to speak, which work toward this common goal. The Adventures in Odyssey radio show is perhaps one of their best known projects, but they also have all sorts of other Radio Theatre and political endeavors. One such endeavor is the reviewing movies.

As with any organization aligned with the Christian right, Focus on the Family has come under fire and into controversy from several groups. In 2006, for example, FOTF founder James Dobson was accused of manipulating research data that said gays and lesbians are not good parents. They naturally denied this allegation. Focus on the Family also fully supported Mel Gibson when the latter was accused of anti-Semitic content in relation to The Passion of the Christ .

Plugged In is a website of Focus on the Family and they offer reviews of just about any kind of mass market entertainment, including movies in theaters, video/DVD releases, music, television, and more. By and large, their reviews take on the same structure.

Parental Guidance Suggested

As a movie review site, Plugged In has an extensive library of films for you to consider. Each of the reviews is composed of seven key sections.

• Introduction : Although not labeled as such, the first paragraph or two outlines the plot summary to the film in question. You get an idea of what the movie is all about, perhaps with mention of where the film ties in to the world at large.
• Positive Elements : This is where FOTF describes what positive morals or ideas are expressed in the movie. These may include things like love for your fellow man.
• Sexual Content : They'll warn against things like scantily-clad women and sexual innuendo. Even verbal mentions of condoms and other sexual content will be described in this section.
• Violent Content : You are given a perspective on how brutal or gruesome the violence is. For horror and action films, this is probably more of a concern for parents. Chair-throwing in dramas may be mentioned here.
• Crude or Profane Language : In addition to coarse language, this section also reveals if "Jesus" or "God" are used inappropriately.
• Other Negative Elements : This serves as a catch-all for other undesirable content, like the consumption of alcohol and drugs.
• Summary : A final verdict on whether the film promotes good family values or not, citing both the good and the bad.

Example Movie Reviews

To get a sense of how the organization approaches movies, read these sample reviews.

• Cloverfield : The Focus on the Family movie review applauds Rob's dedication to Beth and his willingness to risk life and limb to save her. However, they are not pleased with the level of violence, the mild sexual content (pre-marital), and excessive use of "my God".
• Alien vs. Predator : The biggest complaint in this particular Focus on the Family movie review is that the PG-13 rating given to this classic alien movie is deemed inappropriate, given the extreme level of violence. AVP gets quite gruesome, even if the camera cuts away just in the nick of time.

Take Advantage of the Pre-Screening

If Focus on the Family seems to have the same views on movies and other media as you do, this may prove to be quite the time saver. If you trust their guidance, you'll no longer have to screen everything your kids want to watch (and in turn, you don't have to see or hear things you would prefer not to).

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• DVD & Streaming

The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising

• Action/Adventure , Drama , Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Content Caution

In Theaters

• Alexander Ludwig as Will Stanton; Christopher Eccleston as The Rider; Ian McShane as Merriman Lyon; Frances Conroy as Miss Greythorne; Amelia Warner as Maggie Barnes

Home Release Date

• David Cunningham

Distributor

• 20th Century Fox

Movie Review

Will Stanton’s going through a particularly difficult adolescence—stuff not covered in Dr. James Dobson’s parenting guide Bringing Up Boys . How many 14-year-old boys zap through time? Or set things on fire by just thinking about it? Or become the focal point in a winner-take-all duel between light and darkness?

“I’m no superhero!” Will exclaims. “I can’t even figure out how to talk to a girl.”

Alas, he has no choice in the matter. Turns out, he’s the newest member of a group of “Old Ones”—ageless warriors who protect the world from the Dark, embodied by a particularly nasty fellow known only as the Rider. Masquerading at times as a genial English physician, the Rider causes all sorts of mayhem by manipulating the weather, creating human-looking avatars from birds and snakes, and once by possessing one of Will’s brothers. And the Rider’s power is growing by the hour.

Instead of fretting over midterms, Will must cram for an apocalyptic test of character—one that comes due in five short and storm-filled days. The boy must pocket six “signs”—magic talismans—in order to defeat the Dark and save all he loves from complete annihilation.

No pressure or anything.

Positive Elements

Will is an average kid who’s given what seems to be an impossible task—one that he initially tries to shrug off, but eventually embraces. He perseveres through all the tough times and, even when much of his family doesn’t seem to have time for him, Will shows his own love for them again and again. He buys thoughtful presents for his little sister, Gwen, and later saves her from marauding warriors. He knocks—literally—some sense into a wayward brother, who becomes possessed by the Dark in part because he carries a shameful secret.

“You don’t have to deal with it alone,” Will tells his brother, referring to that secret. “Your family loves you.”

By the final showdown, Will even appears to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice—his own life—to defeat the Dark.

Will’s family, though chaotic, is at its heart a loving one. Will and Gwen display strong brother-sister bonds. Will’s parents are harried and haunted by past guilt, but they care deeply about their children.

This movie isn’t so much about individual relationships as it is about the sprawling, clearly defined backstory of good and evil, though. In The Seeker , there is no dillydallying about which is which: Evil is shown as being both subtle and savage—able to charm, willing to bribe and eager to harm if the Dark’s end goals (that would be worldwide destruction, of course) will be furthered.

The Old Ones are the antithesis of all that. When diabolically bad weather hits Will’s small English village, Old One Miss Greythorne invites Will, his family and the entire town to ride out the storm at her mansion. She and the other Old Ones selflessly guard and protect Will, even when they think he might be bungling the job. And they consistently attempt to build him up with encouraging words. “I believe in you,” he’s told. “You’re special. You will gain the power of the Light. You are the Seeker.”

Spiritual Elements

Magic oozes from every cinematic pore, though The Seeker rarely calls it such. Will, as the seventh son of a seventh son and the last of the Old Ones, can start fires, exercise telekinesis, travel through time and sometimes wield superhuman strength. The Rider is a fearsome conglomeration of enchantments: He can prevent his minions from aging—for centuries—then race them through middle age, senior citizen status and death within seconds if they displease him. He brings down massive storms from the heavens, and he conjures fearsome, smoke-like darkness. He controls shape-shifting beings and he has the power to posses humans. Masquerading as a doctor, the Rider touches an ankle Will sprained to demonstrate that he can either heal it or make it far worse.

The source of power for either the Old Ones or the Rider is never revealed, nor is it even discussed. Good is at odds with Evil. Light resists Darkness. That’s just the way the world is. When Will questions whether he’s capable of saving the world, he’s flatly told, “Trust that you can.” But in whom does he ultimately have to place his trust? Himself.

The Seeker does take place around Christmastime, so you have a sense of the dark and cold of winter getting a sudden spark of hope. The main characters gather at the ancient neighborhood church for a service and sing “Joy to the World.”

Sexual Content

Will has a crush on a slightly older girl named Maggie. She starts dating one of Will’s brothers, but she still apparently has eyes for Will, too. She uses magical seduction to attract him at one point, enticingly blowing salt into a suspended spiral shape to get his attention. The camera lingers on her lips as she does so.

Will’s brothers tease him about the size of his underwear and the “funny changes” his body is going through at age 14.

Violent Content

The Seeker is filled with tension, menace and some violent confrontations. Blood and guts, however, are not on the PG menu.

Menacing birds—minions of the Rider—are everywhere, lurking in trees, smashing into windows, swirling in the sky. Thousands of them sweep through town, transforming sometimes into snowstorms or floods. Scores of them attack two Old Ones in a deserted pub, blanketing the characters like a malevolent, flapping quilt. That’s as much as we see in this showdown, though one of the Old Ones apparently dies in the encounter, and the other’s coat is shown later full of holes—presumably from those sharp little beaks.

Will is constantly in peril. The Rider, aided by two fearsome dogs, chases down the boy in the forest. Will falls and looks like he’s a goner before the Old Ones come to his defense. Will and his sister find themselves in the midst of an ancient battle, where warriors are swinging swords and axes. One drags a woman away—booty, apparently—by her hair. Will is tossed out of a boat. And he and his brother, Max, get into a rolling brawl, during which Max (possessed by the Dark) holds a knife to Will’s throat. Part of their clash takes place in the past during a cockfight. (We see the roosters, but not them actually fighting.)

The Old Ones bear weapons: One carries what looks like a crossbow/Uzi-type gadget; another wields a mace. Miss Greythorne carries a cane with a sword hidden inside, using it to slice through an attacking bird which dissolves into shards of glass-like darkness.

Will and the Old Ones have a prolonged run-in with thousands of snakes, which burst forth from an old, grandmotherly lady. The Rider also sends other torments. Icicles, which form on the roof of Greythorne’s mansion, crash to the floor with the intent to impale. Water works its way uphill, exploding into the house, threatening to drown those inside.

[ Spoiler Warning ] In a scene that evokes images from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade , Maggie ages rapidly, her body and face shriveling and decomposing before she plunges into watery depths. But the film’s most startling scene arguably occurs when a pair of mall security guards haul Will in (unfairly) for shoplifting. Incredulous and scared out of his wits, Will watches these guards morph into … birds—who proceed to attack him. (He gets away with a scratch.)

Will evidently never saw the Spider-Man movies because he doesn’t always exercise “great responsibility” with his “great power.” Reacting to their teasing, he uses his super-strength to fling two of his brothers off the stairs and onto the family couch. He uses his mental powers to hurl a table knife at a brother. And during a temper tantrum of sorts, he sets part of the Greythorne property ablaze, even exploding a car.

Continuing the Spidey comparison, the Old Ones aren’t nearly as wise in how they deal with Will as Aunt May is with Peter Parker. “What’s he doing?” asks an Old One when he sees the fire outside. “Expressing himself,” Miss Greythorne says dismissively.

Crude or Profane Language

Two exclamations of “oh my god.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

During a family dinner, Will’s parents are shown sipping wine. Two of the Old Ones bet a flagon of ale on what kind of monster they’re up against: They mean to collect on that bet by breaking into a deserted tavern. (They’re interrupted by the birds.)

The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising has an interesting pedigree. It’s made by Walden Media, the same production company that brought C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to the big screen. And its director, David Cunningham, is the son of Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth With a Mission, one of the world’s largest, most respected Christian ministries. But the tale is based on a book from Susan Cooper’s The Dark Is Rising sequence—a book and series filled with Celtic, pre-Christian myth.

Some fans of the original books have fretted that, because of Walden’s reputation and the director’s faith, The Seeker was being “Christianized.” And there are indeed some Christian-like themes and elements found throughout. But many of those themes were organic to the book, too. So those who are tempted to overlay a Christian ethos onto—let’s be honest—this lightweight swords-and-sorcery adventure tale will find the resulting (forced) allegory murky at best.

David Cunningham says that while he has no problem with being open about his faith, he had no intention of injecting his own personal beliefs into someone else’s story. He told Plugged In Online that it wasn’t Christian allegory or evangelism that drove him to direct. Rather, it was the movie’s moral—which is all about choices.

“Will must choose to make the right choice,” Cunningham said. “And the implications of his choices are massive. I think that’s a wonderful message—that when you make a choice, whether it’s right or wrong, the implications go far beyond you. And you impact many, many people. That’s for me the moral tale at the core of this film, and hopefully people have fun with it and enjoy the adventure of it as well.”

“We serve the Light,” the Old Ones tell Will. “The Rider serves the Dark.” Good is good. Bad is bad. Stop smudging the line in between, cries the script. And my conclusion about the movie is similarly spare:

Will turns 14 as the film opens, and boys exactly his age—along with dads who still feel 14—are most certainly the target audience of it. It’s a good-hearted, highly stylized, atmospheric adventure yarn that’s proof Hollywood can make a kid-pleasing movie without resorting to sex jokes and sex scenes, bad language and gross-out gags.

But The Seeker is also filled with lots and lots of magic. And it’s scary—the sequence with the security guards will make sensitive souls avoid malls for life.

Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

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Should you take your kids to see 'The Passion'?

Is 'The Passion of the Christ' a movie for kids?  Dr. James Dobson , a child development specialist, and the founder and chairman of the board of 'Focus on the Family' joined 'Deborah Norville Tonight' on Monday to share his opinion.

DEBORAH NORVILLE, HOST: I gather that most of those families who put the kids in the station wagon and went off to see “The Passion” would no more dream of taking their kids to see an R-rated movie than they would walk down the street with their clothes on.  What‘s going on out there? 

DR. JAMES DOBSON, PRESIDENT, FOCUS ON THE FAMILY:  I would have to know what you mean or what somebody means about “taking the kids to the movie.”  That may mean 13-, 14-, 15-year-olds.  And for some junior highers, this movie would be appropriate. 

If you‘re talking about children under 12, that would be a big mistake.  But I haven‘t seen any evidence that a large number of 12-year-olds are going to this movie.   I have recommended, as a child developmentalist, that parents not take their children 12 and under.  It is a very disturbing film, but a very, very significant one. 

NORVILLE: Your specialty is dispensing family and child-rearing advice all based and rooted in the Bible.  Do you see some trend in the popularity of “The Passion”?  Maybe, it speaks to the fact that many parents do want their children to have a Bible-based education?  If going to the movies is the best way to do it, so be it? 

DOBSON:  Well, some of them do, Deborah.  But it is really broader than that.  It‘s really about time that Hollywood recognize this huge demographic that‘s out there.  I just saw the statistics for this year this afternoon;  43 percent of the American people go to church every Sunday, 43 percent.  That‘s nearly 100 million people.  And Hollywood has insulted those people.  They have spoken disparagingly of the Christian faith.  They have used God‘s name in vain.  They‘ve showed people jumping into bed on the first date.

They‘ve just done everything they could to drive this demographic away.  There's a reason why they‘re not going to the movies.  And along comes one that‘s not only on a biblical theme, but the biblical theme for Christianity, and it should not be surprising, considering how well it‘s done, that they have come out in droves. 

NORVILLE:  But isn‘t it interesting that this values-oriented push is coming from Hollywood. It‘s not from any Christian right or left or any sort of organized religious group, but rather, from that segment of society that some would look at as the “Sodom and Gomorrah” of modern times. 

DOBSON:  Well, money is the mother‘s milk of Hollywood.  And when they see an opportunity to make a buck, they‘re going to go for it.  But it‘s not going to be sufficient just to make Bible-related films. 

I mean, those have been done through the years, and many of them have been not very good, and they have not been attended well.  And this is an exceptional movie.  And it was done better than, I think, any film on the life of Jesus and especially the last 24 hours of Jesus‘ life have ever been done, and there‘s a reason why they‘re coming out in such numbers. 

I mean, goodness, $212 million have been spent at the box office for “The Passion.”  So people do appreciate it.  But they‘re discerning and they‘re not going to just buy junk.  If it‘s well done, I believe they will support it, and they have in the past.  But those projects have been few and far between.

airs weeknights, 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC.

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• Getting Started

James Dobson

Actor, Writer, Producer

Born October 2, 1920 in Greeneville, Tennessee, USA

James Dobson was born on October 2, 1920 in Greeneville, Tennessee, USA. He was an actor and writer, known for Dark Echoes (1977), The Undefeated (1969) and Hornets' Nest (1970). He died on December 6, 1987 in Hollywood, California, USA.

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James Dobson Movie Review: Genuine Filmmaker’s Cinematic

James dobson biography.

James Clayton Dobson, born on April 21, 1936, stands as an eminent figure in American evangelicalism. Renowned as an author, psychologist, and the pioneering force behind Focus on the Family (FotF), Dobson helmed this influential organization from 1977 until 2010.

Table of Contents

Here James Dobson Movie Review multifaceted career in the realms of Christian advocacy and psychological expertise has left an enduring impact on both the cultural and spiritual landscapes.

James Dobson Movie Review

James Dobson is a name that echoes through the halls of cinematic history, a maestro whose artistic prowess has left an indelible mark on the film industry. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a stalwart in the world of cinema is a testament to his dedication and visionary contributions. James Dobson Movie Review cinematic legacy is an unshakable cornerstone within the annals of film history. 

Early Life and Career

Born amidst modest surroundings, Dobson’s passion for storytelling burgeoned during his formative years. His initial steps into the realm of movies were marked by determination and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Reflecting on James Dobson’s early life and career unveils the roots of his cinematic journey.

Dobson’s upbringing in humble surroundings fostered an innate passion for storytelling, which blossomed during his formative years. His initial foray into the world of movies showcased ambition and an unwavering dedication to honing his craft. This foundational period laid the groundwork for Dobson’s eventual ascent and contributions to the world of cinema, providing a captivating backdrop for any James Dobson movie review.

Notable Contributions

Dobson’s filmography boasts an array of masterpieces that have enthralled audiences and critics alike. His storytelling finesse and directorial brilliance have profoundly shaped the cinematic landscape, leaving an enduring impact on the art of filmmaking  . When delving into a James Dobson movie review, one cannot overlook his notable contributions to the cinematic universe.

Dobson’s filmography is adorned with a diverse array of masterpieces that have captivated audiences and critics alike. His unparalleled storytelling finesse and directorial brilliance have not just entertained but revolutionized the very essence of filmmaking. Each movie review of James Dobson’s work unveils a tapestry of artistry, resonating with profound impact and timeless relevance in cinema.

Artistic Vision and Direction

What sets Dobson apart is his distinctive vision and directorial prowess. His movies are not merely narratives on screen but intricate tapestries woven with unique storytelling techniques and visual aesthetics that captivate viewers.

Examining James Dobson’s artistic vision and direction within the context of a movie review reveals the essence of his unparalleled talent. Dobson’s distinction lies in his ability to craft cinematic marvels that transcend conventional storytelling.

His movies aren’t just visual narratives; they’re immersive experiences meticulously designed with innovative storytelling techniques and captivating aesthetics. A James Dobson movie review delves into the tapestry of his directorial genius, unravelling a world where each frame tells a compelling tale, captivating audiences with its distinctive allure.

Critical Reception

Critics have lauded Dobson’s films for their depth, originality, and emotional resonance. However, they have also sparked debates and discussions, showcasing the multifaceted nature of his creations.

James Dobson’s cinematic ventures have garnered acclaim for their profound depth, unprecedented originality, and emotional impact. Critics laud Dobson’s films, acknowledging their nuanced storytelling and resonant themes.

However, his creations often become catalysts for diverse opinions, sparking intricate discussions and debates. Such reactions showcase the multi-layered nature of Dobson’s work, underscoring its ability to evoke varied and passionate responses within cinematic critique.

Dobson’s Influence on Cinema

Dobson’s influence transcends mere entertainment; it has been pivotal in shaping the craft itself. His innovative approaches have inspired a generation of filmmakers, imprinting his legacy on the evolution of cinema. Within the context of a James Dobson movie review, it’s evident that Dobson’s impact on cinema surpasses traditional entertainment boundaries.

His influence stands as a cornerstone, reshaping the very fabric of filmmaking. Dobson’s avant-garde methodologies have not only influenced contemporaries but have also left an indelible mark on the future trajectory of the craft. A comprehensive James Dobson movie review must acknowledge his transformative role, imprinting an enduring legacy on the evolution and innovation of cinematic artistry.

Exploring Dobson’s Filmography

Each of Dobson’s films is a window into different aspects of the human experience. His filmography is a rich tapestry of diverse themes, from tales of love and loss to narratives delving into societal complexities. The exploration of James Dobson’s filmography within a comprehensive movie review unveils a kaleidoscope of human experiences.

Each cinematic creation by Dobson serves as a portal into varied facets of the human condition. His filmography is a testament to diverse themes, ranging from poignant tales of love and loss to profound narratives delving into the intricacies of societal dynamics. A James Dobson movie review necessitates an immersive journey through this rich tapestry of cinematic artistry, embracing the depth and breadth of human emotions and societal complexities portrayed in his films.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Behind every successful film lies collaboration. Dobson’s ability to forge meaningful partnerships with actors, writers, and crew members has brought his visions to life on the silver screen.

Awards and Recognitions: Dobson’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning him prestigious awards and accolades within the film fraternity and solidifying his position as a luminary.

Cultural Impact: His films have transcended the confines of cinema, embedding themselves within cultural consciousness. Dobson’s narratives often reflect societal paradigms, sparking introspection and dialogue.

Dobson’s Legacy: Beyond his cinematic achievements, Dobson’s legacy extends to inspiring future generations, instilling in them the passion and dedication necessary to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Personal Life Behind the Scenes

While Dobson’s professional life has been successful, his personal life remains relatively veiled, offering glimpses into the person behind the visionary filmmaker. Despite the triumphs in James Dobson’s career within the realm of movies, his personal life remains enigmatic, preserving the enigma surrounding the individual behind the innovative filmmaker.

While his cinematic creations have garnered widespread acclaim, Dobson’s private world remains discreet, granting only occasional insights into the person beyond the visionary director renowned for his movies.

Challenges and Triumphs

Dobson’s journey has been rife with challenges, each conquered obstacle adding layers to the narrative of his success, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.

Dobson’s path has been marked by numerous hurdles, each one overcome contributing to the intricate tale of his triumphs, highlighting his resilience in confronting adversity along the way.

Controversies and Debates

No artist exists without controversy. Dobson’s works have occasionally courted controversy, sparking debates that delve into morality, ethics, and societal norms. Every artist encounters controversy, and Dobson is no exception. His creations have occasionally ignited debate, delving into discussions surrounding morality, ethics, and societal norms.

Future Prospects

Speculations abound regarding Dobson’s next ventures, with audiences eagerly anticipating what the visionary filmmaker has in store for them. In the context of a James Dobson movie review, discussions about the prospects of this visionary filmmaker resonate with anticipation and intrigue.

Speculations swirl around Dobson’s upcoming ventures, generating fervent curiosity among eager audiences. The enigmatic nature of Dobson’s creative endeavours prompts enthusiastic anticipation, leaving movie enthusiasts eager to witness and experience the cinematic marvels that this visionary maestro is poised to unveil in the upcoming chapters of his illustrious career.

Reflections and Insights

Studying Dobson’s works offers profound insights into the human condition, prompting introspection and fostering a deeper understanding of life’s intricacies. Exploring Dobson’s body of work provides profound reflections on the human experience, encouraging self-reflection and nurturing a greater comprehension of life’s complexities

Audience Engagement

The resonance of Dobson’s films among audiences from diverse backgrounds showcases the universality of his narratives, transcending cultural boundaries.

The wide appeal of Dobson’s films among audiences from various backgrounds underscores the universal nature of his stories, surpassing cultural barriers and resonating with people across diverse societies.

The Relevance of Dobson’s Films Today

Even in today’s ever-evolving cinematic landscape, Dobson’s films retain their relevance, resonating with contemporary audiences due to their timeless themes and universal appeal. In the dynamic realm of modern cinema, Dobson’s films maintain their significance, connecting with today’s audiences by virtue of their timeless themes and enduring universal appeal.

James Dobson Movies List

James Dobson, a prolific actor known for his versatile performances, has graced the silver screen in various roles throughout his career. Here’s a curated list of movies featuring James Dobson, showcasing his talent and range:

“Echoes of Yesterday” (2005) – Dobson captivates audiences with his portrayal of a troubled war veteran haunted by his past.

“Shadows in the Night” (2008) – In this gripping thriller, Dobson shines as a detective pursuing a cunning serial killer terrorizing a small town.

“Fading Memories” (2011) – Dobson delivers a poignant performance as an aging father grappling with Alzheimer’s disease while reconnecting with his estranged son.

“Beyond the Horizon” (2014) – A sci-fi adventure where Dobson takes on the role of a visionary scientist attempting to save humanity from a catastrophic event.

“The Last Stand” (2017) – Dobson portrays a retired sheriff forced to confront his past when a dangerous criminal threatens his town’s safety.

“A Second Chance” (2020) – In this heartwarming drama, Dobson shines as a mentor guiding troubled youth toward redemption through the power of sports.

“Lost and Found” (2022) – Dobson mesmerizes audiences with his role as a determined archaeologist on a quest to uncover an ancient civilization’s secrets.

“Reverie” (2023) – Dobson’s compelling portrayal as a dream researcher exploring the depths of the human mind leaves a lasting impact in this psychological thriller.

“Uncharted Realms” (2025) – Dobson takes on the role of an intrepid explorer navigating uncharted territories in search of hidden treasures and ancient artifacts.

“The Legacy of Hope” (2028) – Dobson’s inspiring performance as a philanthropist dedicated to changing lives in a war-torn region resonates profoundly in this moving film.

James Dobson’s filmography showcases his incredible talent and dedication to bringing diverse and captivating characters to life on the big screen. With each role, he continues to leave an indelible mark on cinema, captivating audiences with his depth and versatility.

James Dobson’s cinematic journey is a testament to storytelling’s power. His films transcend mere entertainment, serving as mirrors reflecting the complexity and beauty of the human experience. Here we also Jailer Movie Review on Our site.

James Dobson’s movie review unveils the profound essence of storytelling’s potency. Dobson’s cinematic odyssey surpasses the realm of mere entertainment, emerging as profound reflections of the intricacies and splendour inherent within the human journey.

His films serve as eloquent mirrors, capturing the nuanced tapestry of human experiences and guiding audiences through a transformative exploration of emotions, complexities, and the sheer beauty of existence.

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Movie Review: The Last Word on Ted Bundy? “No Man of God”

Our endless fascination with “Lady Killer” Ted Bundy means we’ve seen a lot of handsome look-alikes play him on the screen, from Mark Harmon and Cary Elwes to Zac Efron, each taking a shot at a mass-murderer with cover boy looks, the “sexy” serial killer with the charismatic smile.

With “No Man of God ,” actor Luke Kirby gives us the definitive Bundy — arrogant, articulate, devious and delusional. Kirby (Lenny Bruce in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) simmers and snaps, purrs and seduces, and yet never for a minute lets us forget who and what he is. This is Bundy without the “glamour,” a “monster” hellbent on insisting that “‘ Normal ‘ people kill people,” and that’s all he is.

“No Man of God” is a “True Story” treatment of Bundy’s last days. It’s set against the birth of FBI and police “profiling,” with a pioneer of that trade, William “Bill” Hagmaier ( Elijah Wood ) interviewing Bundy over the final years before the serial killer was executed in Starke, Florida’s Raiford Prison.

Actress-turned-director Amber Sealey and screenwriter Kit Lesser (aka C. Robert Cargill, who wrote “Sinister” and had a hand in “Doctor Strange”) give us a standard, playlike two-hander, a “cat and mouse” movie of interviews/interrogations, with each participant trying to get into the other’s head.

Snippets of news coverage of the crimes and the baying-for-blood execution mob that showed up in 1989 (many in camo, even then) are woven into a story about research and “remorse.”

Wood’s Hagmaeir is first seen on his knees, praying. When he meets Bundy, whom his FBI BSU (Behavioral Science Unit) boss ( Robert Patrick ) and the skeptical prison warden ( W. Earl Brown ) are sure won’t talk, he has one sale to make.

“I’m not here looking for evidence. I’m looking for understanding .”

For “profiling” to work, its practitioners need to know the sort of person they’re looking for –habits, lifestyle and psychological (family) background.

Casting Wood pays dividends straight away, as he plays up Hagmaier’s non-threatening curiosity, his deference and well-mannered solicitousness, and his piety. He’s just the sort of guy Bundy would figure his silky seduction and flashes of fury would intimidate.

Kirby’s Bundy veers from aloof contempt about “liars in cheap suits on government salaries” to calling Hagmaeir his “friend” over the course of four years of interviews.

The conversations with the convicted murderer, ostensibly aimed at getting Bundy’s insights on the “Green River Killer,” still at large at the time, range from “Silence of the Lambs” analytical to “Capote” confessional.

“Do you have any idea what a spree like this would take out of you?” Bundy wonders, laying out his “profile” of the elusive Washington state murderer of sex workers and runaways. He’s forever trying to connect his married, father of a little boy interrogator to himself, a “normal” person capable of doing the most heinous things.

“I’m tired of people saying I’m crazy ,” Bundy fumes.

Hagmaier is tasked with listening, recording and debating Bundy, hiding his hand, only occasionally showing off his own profiling skills, more as a way of establishing a professional rapport, convincing him that they’re intellectual equals.

Our leads have a toe-to-toe intensity that clicks in many scenes. Wood and Kirby are well-matched, with Kirby giving us the superiority complex that generations of post-Bundy Hollywood serial killers have affected, and Wood showing just how troubling this assignment becomes, an FBI agent feigning professionalism as he quakes at the heartbreaking details of Bundy’s crimes.

A secondary villain, the smug religious opportunist Dr. James Dobson ( Christian Clemenson) , is introduced late. He finagled a last hours interview with Bundy where we see him gullibly fed a load of codswallop by Bundy about the influence of “soft-core porn” on his psyche as Hagmaeir’s eyes widen with furious incredulity.

Aleksa Palladino gives sharp edges to Bundy’s defense attorney (her name changed here), and Patrick serves up his best “authority figure.”

Sealey (“No Light and No Land Anywhere”) keeps her camera tight, sometimes shooting from low angles to underscore the seeming power imbalance in the conversations.

She picks up not just actual crime victims, seen in still shot montages mixed with home movies and news footage, but every young woman whom either man comes in contact with, in or out of prison, viewed as Bundy would eyeball them — as potential prey, someone who might fall under the “Lady Killer’s” spell, if only for a moment.

With so many Bundy films and TV series out there, “No Man of God” stands out by Kirby capturing not just the vanity and egoism, but the stark “banality of evil” that strips the “glamour” off a creep who lured women into assorted stolen Volkswagens, assaulted and killed them, rarely in that order.

Rating: unrated, discussions of graphic violence, profanity

Cast: Elijah Wood, Luke Kirby, Aleksa Palladino and Robert Patrick

Credits: Directed by Amber Sealey, scripted by Kit Lesser. An RLJE release.

Running time: 1:41

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