A new documentary is on the way.  Looks exciting!

Over the past couple of years, I have worked to learn how to practice what I preach.  Actually, I don’t preach all that much, other than to my own family.  What I began to realize, was that I couldn’t have two sets of standards.  As my children grow (taller than me), it no longer makes sense for me watch everything that popular culture has to offer, while restricting them to “family” movies.  I had two options: allow them to watch the rubbish that I was watching, or change my ways.

I chose to change my own ways.  I can’t remember the last time that I watched a movie rated worse than PG.  The only bad consequence is that I can no longer talk with most of my friends about movies.  I’ve even begun to watch really “preachy” movies — films that would make most people in our secular world feel a little bit squeamish.  I don’t really care though.  I want to surround myself with positive messages.  I think it really helps to reinforce my faith.

One of the gems in the preachy-movie genre, is Sherwood Pictures.  To date, they have produced three films: Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof.  I’m really not much of a movie critic, but I liked all three of these.  Each one is better than the previous.

Flywheel is an extremely low budget film that was never intended for mass release.  Still, it’s a fun movie with a solid message.  If special effects and great cinematography are important to you, then avoid this.  I don’t care about those things.  I care about God.  This movie is all about God.

Facing the Giants is another solid movie.  It’s essentially a preachy football movie.  It’s better reviewed by others, so follow the link.

Fireproof is the newest and best of these movies.  It’s movie about a young, married couple that is completely falling apart.  They both engage in some pretty damaging sinful behavior, until they find God, who pulls them back together — as He does for all of us who truly seek Him.  It’s a very serious film, but there are some funny moments as well.

Many folks will be turned off by some or all of these movies.  There’s not much action.  There’s no sex.  They pray a lot.  I however, wish that we had more films like this.  I was able to get them all from Netflix.  I definitely recommend them.

If you are like me, you find much of the popular culture to be rubbish.  I am very thorough about researching movies to make sure that they are family friendly before I allow my children (or even myself) to watch them.  I thought I would share with you the resources that I use to do my research.

- USCCB Movie Reviews
- Decent Films Guide
- Common Sense Media
- FamilyStyle Film Guide