Luckily there are some other options to get some entertainment into the home. The Mormon Movie Guy recently wrote an article for Median Magazine about some great family friendly flicks streaming on Netflix that you can watch right now!
"Though their stock has fallen in recent months, Netflix Streaming is still arguably the best place to watch movies online. At only $7.99 per month for unlimited viewing of thousands of films and television shows, for many families it's the main source of entertainment (especially now that you can connect your TV to Netflix). But how does one sort the trash from the gems?"
Below are a few of his selections and a few of my own.
The Office (TV-14, 2005-2010)One of Netflix Streaming's best benefits is television programming. Easily one of the best shows on television, and better than the English version, The Office is a mockumentary about office life that just about every drone can relate to. We all have known a Dwight or a Ryan. If you haven't seen it yet, now if your chance. The box set of seasons 1-5 will set you back about $100, but Netflix is streaming 1-7 right now.
Annie (PG, 1982)
"The classic musical about the spunky little orphan and her billionaire adopter is as fun and lively today as it ever was."
The Conspirator (PG-13, 2010)
"Gripping true story about the trial of the Lincoln assassination conspirators, with brilliant performances by James McAvoy (Chronicles of Narnia) as an unwilling defense attorney and Robin Wright (The Princess Bride) as the mother of an accused rebel who may be punished in his stead. Robert Redford directs. Has some language and intense moments." (For the longest time I thought this movie was "The Lincoln Lawyer." Turns out that is a different movie.)
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (TV-Y7, 2010)I guess I just haven't gotten enough Avengers after seeing the film. I started watching this with the boys, and found myself watching episodes on my own to see what happens next. It is done very well and has Stan Lee on board.
Emma (PG, 1996)
"Delightful adaptation of the Jane Austen novel stars Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man) as a Victorian young lady who delights in matchmaking but struggles with her own love life. Squeaky clean and totally charming."
End of the Spear (PG-13, 2005)
"Well-made, well-acted, and incredibly powerful Christian drama about a group of missionaries who travel to the jungles of Ecuador to teach a bloodthirsty native tribe about the Prince of Peace before the government wipes them out. Beautifully shot with lovely music. Though in my opinion it contains nothing offensive the film is PG-13 for a reason, with male rear nudity of the natives and fairly graphic depictions of tribal warfare. Highly recommended for teenagers and up, as it beautifully contrasts the viciousness of the world with the love and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. Based on a true story (a worthwhile documentary about the same events, Beyond the Gates of Splendor, is also available on Netflix Streaming)."
Forever Strong (PG-13, 2008)
I caught this one the other night based on his recommendation. I was very pleased. "Inspiring true story about the Highland Rugby Team, led by Latter-Day Saint coach Larry Gelwix. Directed by Ryan Little (Saints and Soldiers), this is a solid sports film with wonderfully redeeming messages about wayward youth finding their way. Has some teen drinking and partying (portrayed with tragic consequences and contrasted with better choices later on) and one comedic vulgar gesture."
Hunt For Red October, The (PG, 1990)
"Brilliant and intense Cold War thriller pairs Sean Connery with a very young Alec Baldwin, both attempting to avert disaster aboard nuclear submarines. Has some PG-level gunplay and language. Based on the Tom Clancy novel."
"The original classic about a young man who learns courage and integrity from a karate master."
The Rocky Series (PG, 1976-1990)
From the Best-Picture-winning Rocky and its underrated, character-driven sequel Rocky II to the Reagan-era machismo of Rocky III (versus Mr.T) and Rocky IV (dumb-fun patriotism as the Italian Stallion takes on a giant Russian), and the pathetic/depressing Rocky V, most of the classic series is here. Sadly, the surprisingly excellent 2006 finale Rocky Balboa, which redeems the franchise and sends it off on a high note, is not. Seek it out, it's worth the watch.
Saints and Soldiers (PG-13, 2003)
"Ryan Little's stunning WWII drama remains one of the finest films to ever come out of Mormon Cinema, with a terrific ensemble cast and a powerful spiritual core to go with its gripping combat scenes. Rated PG-13 for war violence and mild language."
Sense and Sensibility (PG, 1995)
"Wonderful Jane Austen adaptation starring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and, in a rare romantic lead role, Alan Rickman (Snape from Harry Potter). Terrific viewing for die-hard romantics." (My wife convinced me to watch this with her on a Sunday afternoon, then she fell asleep 20 minutes in. I always finish a movie and this one was pretty good. If anything you will score points with your lady if you watch it with her.)
Veggie Tales (Not rated, 1997-2010)
These are a Sunday Morning staple in our home. It can be a struggle some weeks to keep the kids focused on Sabbath oriented things, yet not go crazy. We usually try to stick to the episodes that mirror a Bible story. Once of my favorites is when they tell the story of King David who has a lot of Rubber Ducks, but covets someone else's Rubber Duck. "A total of 19 titles from the clever and charming Christian children's series are currently available on Netflix Streaming."
Whale Rider (PG-13, 2003)
"As far as girl-power films go, you'd be hard-pressed to find one more profoundly moving and culturally sensitive as this tale of a young Maori girl in New Zealand who longs both for the approval of her grandfather and the opportunity to prove herself worthy to be the tribe's first female chief. Rated PG-13 for a few profanities (no f-words) and the implication that a man is having a child out of wedlock (portrayed with appropriate sensitivity to such a situation). A moving tale of familial bonds.Great for teens and up."
So what are some Netflix gems that we might have missed. I only have two episodes left in The Avengers so I will be looking for something new.
So what are some Netflix gems that we might have missed. I only have two episodes left in The Avengers so I will be looking for something new.
Fireproof is a really good Christian movie about working problems out in your marriage. It's made by the people who made Courageous.
ReplyDeleteThe world needs more of that. I remember my wife telling me about the premise of "Eat, Pray, Love" and I just couldn't move past the fact that she cheats on her husband and leaves him because she needs to "find herself."
DeleteMarriage is certainly something worth fighting for.
The office and veggie tales are good.
ReplyDelete