How to Find Good Family Movies

What do you do when your children's friends have told them about interesting movies they have seen and you don't know anything about these movies? Responsible parents will want to check the ratings, reviews and quality of the requested movies before permission is given for viewing. Many places on the internet will provide this guidance which you can check ahead of time to help insure age appropriate and good family movies.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Movie or Movies
• DVD Player
• Computer or Television
• Internet
• Online Distributor or Brick and Mortar Store for Rentals or Lending Library or Movie Theater
• Friends and Family Who Lend Movies
• Refreshments

1. Determine what movie or movies are desired for viewing.

2. Determine whether this will be viewed (1) at home by rental, (2) by cable channel or internet package on television or (3) at a theater.

3. Determine the method of obtaining the movies for viewing at home by rental, lending library, friend/neighbor/relative or adding this ability to your cable package.

4. Make your list, then you can then determine what is or is not appropriate for viewing by your family by checking the reviews. You can type in the name of the movie on one of the search engines and look for reviews. You can also visit the websites listed below in Resources and search for reviews to make a final determination. I have found these sites helpful, but there will be many more on the internet if you wish to continue to search (some of them will ask you to pay to join their service). Speaking with a friend, neighbor or relative who has already viewed the DVD or attended at a public theater can also be helpful in finalizing your decision.

5. Calculate costs of the method chosen to view the movie and determine the time to be viewed.

6. Obtain your DVD rental for home viewing or show time on cable or theater.

7. Prepare your refreshments ahead of time when viewing at home so that you and your family can all enjoy the movie uninterrupted.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read the ratings and reviews before permitting your child (or teenager) to view movies to avoid violence, foul language, nudity and innuendo inappropriate for them (or anyone) and their age group.
• Be aware of extra fees if DVD is not returned on time or the additional cost of a movie station on cable.
• When attending a movie theater, the time of day can determine the price.
• Children and teens are greatly influenced not only by their peer group and family life, but television and movies. Your care in vetting what they see and hear will go a long way in their development of attitudes and choices in later life.

Resources

• Decent Films
• Office For Film and Broadcasting

[Scarlett9284]

on 12/22/2008 It can be so hard to find good family movies. Thanks for the great article! 5*

[miasavc]

on 12/20/2008 Informative! I'll use the information I read on how to find good movies for my family. I am so concerned about inappropriate content especially for my kids.

[lb128f]

on 12/7/2008 Good ideas!!

[iamageniuster]

on 10/26/2008 Awesome article. You got some fine tips. 5 stars!