"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things" - Phil 4:8
Preview Online is a fun, informative tool for Christian parents and concerned moviegoers. Our reviews contain the content of films so you can decide if they are suitable for your viewing. Please make friends, family and foes aware that there’s a place where they can “Know Before You Go” ®.
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Listings in BOLD are movies with POSITIVE PREVIEW CONTENT RATINGS
Everything a Christian needs to know about moviegoing!
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Preview Editor Phil Boatwright
Articles, Commentaries, and Other Musings from
Preview Editor Phil Boatwright
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He’s got 1,764 of his own past film reviews posted on that site.
NEW!!!Ramona and Beezus and Aslan and the Public School System Though Hollywood is a land of great creative opportunity, it is also one that can eat away at the soul. But, make no mistake, there are people, and companies, determined to enliven the heart, while also respecting the teachings of the Bible. One such multimedia entertainment company is Walden Media.
NEW!!!Film Critic Asks, "Should I Relate to Moviegoers?" "Like the industrial age before it, the information age has changed our lives in monumental new ways, including how a lot of us are learning about spirituality. Research suggests fifty million people will rely solely on the Internet—indeed the new Roman Road—for their faith-based experiences in 2010".
NEW!!!New Book Examines the Christian's Responsibility to Witness Via the Internet "Like the industrial age before it, the information age has changed our lives in monumental new ways, including how a lot of us are learning about spirituality. Research suggests fifty million people will rely solely on the Internet—indeed the new Roman Road—for their faith-based experiences in 2010".
Casablanca and the Christian Hopefully, after this full-out explanation of my love affair with this, the second best film ever made (IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE gets my vote for best film), those who have an affection for the film will see what I'm trying to do when I recommend it.
Movies - Are They Good or Evil? If you don't remember the time, your grandparents will. I'm speaking of an era when movies were a no-no. Like wearing makeup and playing pool, the good Christian wasn't supposed to go to motion pictures. Nowadays very few preach against movie-going. Maybe they should.
A Shark Attack Was "Part of God's Plan" Remember around six years ago when we heard of the surfer girl who lost her arm to a shark? Just about everybody I've spoken to can recount that news event. Her name is Bethany Hamilton and after hearing the details of her story, it sounds more like a Hollywood movie. Indeed, it soon will be.
Pearl Set in 1920s rural Oklahoma, PEARL is the true story of Pearl Carter Scott, the youngest licensed pilot in American history. Mentored by world-renowned aviator Wiley Post, Pearl first pilots a plane at age 12 and becomes a commercial pilot and local barnstorming celebrity before she reaches adulthood. As she finds love and becomes a wife and mother, her two greatest passions collide.
Teens and the Movies (Part 2) Part two of my predicament: today's high schooler is courted by movie studios predominantly with two film genres – the teen comedy and the sci-fi adventure. Alas, the teen comedy is usually full of crudity and often wit found sophomoric to even sophomores.
Teens and the Movies (Part 1) I'm often asked to suggest DVDs for teens. Here's the predicament; not only do I have to find quality films that might amuse those of a generation behind me (well, two generations behind me), I also have to search out movies that don't contain something that someone will find offensive. (Try doing that.)
Letters to God Offers Hope While dealing with a sad reality, the script does contain humor and uplifting themes. What's more, it addresses a subject seldom discussed – children's reaction to their lives ending so quickly.
A Note From Your Reviewer The wonder of movies is that one picture will reach one person, while completely mystifying another. A film critic is merely giving an opinion. But as my purpose is not to promote a movie, neither is it meant to condemn.
Sci-Fi Book Contains Biblical Truths I’m not normally a Sci-fi book buff. I begrudgingly followed the search for Frodo’s ring, and like Narnia’s Pevensie kids, I needed to know what was on the other side of that mysterious closet.
A Critic's Confession For the past twenty years I have been reviewing films from a Christian perspective - offering the synopsis and content so parents and concerned moviegoers could decide if the new releases were suitable for their viewing.
Secrets Of A Film Critic - A tongue-in-cheek interview of Phil Boatwright, Editor of Preview OnLine. Not for the faint of heart.
Hachi: A Dog's Tale
I've seen 'em all, from Lassie to My Dog Skip. I think this one is the best because there's no subplot with the animal saving the family from home invaders or romancing another canine over a bowl of spaghetti. It's a very simple story (though full of poignancy) about a man connecting with a dog. Peanuts 1970s Collection, Volume 2
Six remastered Peanuts TV specials will be released together on DVD for the first time on June 1st. Warner Bros. Home Video offers the two-disc set features six primetime animated specials, including one that's never been released on DVD. The set also includes bonus material Preacher's Kid
Certainly the premise is a natural. The makers have tweaked the Prodigal Son parable, updating it by changing the lead's gender, and having the father needing to learn as many lessons as his wayward child. Flicka 2
A bit corny in spots, still it's a tried-and-true formula. Both girl and animal struggle with authority, finding something within one another that makes life tolerable. The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
Although it played on 300 theater screens and became one of the top 15 grossing independent theatrical movies of 2009, it got by me. Finally, I was sent a screener and was I surprised. It is a very moving, well-made production. Four on DVD
Four faith-based movies on DVD to pass the weekend... Ice Castles
This remake of the 1978 Lynn-Holly Johnson/Robbie Benson romantic drama concerns a teen girl, about to graduate high school, suddenly becoming a championship ice skater. Angel and the Badman (2009)
The pacing is off, the theme muddled (he seduces her and she is willing to go away with him if that's what it takes), and much of the dialogue is as corny as a B-western-Saturday-morning-serial. But what this film really does is point out the difference between a direct-to-DVD movie actor and a superstar legend. The Clique (2008)
I understand that I'm not the intended audience, but I found little redeeming about this production. Yes, lessons are learned by film's end (we shouldn't judge someone by what they wear; be yourself; be nice to others), but it's a long trip to those lessons QUICK LIST OF REVIEWS OF RECENT DVD RELEASES (as of 07/30/10)
(titles in BOLD received positive content ratings)
