Plugged In Entertainment Reviews

What to do about online predatory behavior?

NEEDTOBREATHE explores our struggle to accept, embrace and trust that God’s love requires nothing in return.

This glittery sequel ultimately teaches a valuable lesson about loving and accepting people who are different.

Sure, the show has a few tiny bumps—but for the most part, Cory Carson runs smoothly.

Looking for ideas for handling your kid’s screen time?

Mraz sings about finding the positive and looking for the silver lining.

Kids find a magical creature that can grant wishes. But will it grant you a good movie? (PG)

My Spy, starring Guardians of the Galaxy alumni Dave Bautista, certainly seems to be aiming at family audience. But there are some disappointing elements families will want to know about before streaming this comedic actioner. (PG)

Defending Jacob is based on a book written by William Landay, and Landay himself suggests that the story is as much a family drama as it is a crime novel.

What do you do about predators lurking around while your kids are gaming?

Morris sings about the strength of a relationship when the foundation is solid.

This is an agonizing tale of a pregnant young woman who never really seems to recognize any other choice but abortion. (PG-13)

The new Christian comedy Selfie Dad, starring Michael Jr., revolves around a very simple message: prioritizing Scripture and allowing it to transform your life. (PG)

13 Reasons Why may, unintentionally, romanticize suicide for some teens, even though that’s not the show’s intent.

Is your kid spending too much time gaming?

The pop diva returns to familiar territory with dance club melodrama alongside characteristic bizarre portrayals of emotional distress.

Whatever point The Hunt may want to make, or whatever value it might hope to have, is pretty much obliterated by its violence. (R)

This romantic drama about a down-on-his luck guy who finds out he’s a spiritual healer almost feels like your typical Hallmark movie—except for a bit more language, drinking and suggestive content. (NR)

The world could use more Jesus. But can it use more of Him onscreen?

What do you tell your kids about strangers online?

Dua Lipa’s second effort delivers mixed messages when it comes to emotional independence and physical intimacy.

Whannel has crafted a film that plays out more as cruel reality than science fiction. (R)

Ah, the 1950s: sock hops. Poodle skirts. Drive-ins. … UFOs? This slow-burning sci-fi thriller looks on as two intrepid teenagers seek to unravel the mystery of strange sounds being picked up over phone lines in a small New Mexico town. (PG-13)

What happens when you upload your soul to a virtual “heaven” before you die? The answers here aren’t always divine.

Do you have questions about how girls are holding up in this social media age?

After Hours boasts an innovative sound, but it remains the same story fueled by explicit depictions of sex

This classic man-and-dog adventure still has something to offer families looking for an old-fashioned, Disney-style escape. (PG)

Despite its feel-good messages about friendship and perseverance, The High Note still hits some low notes, too, as it glorifies an extravagant, excess-filled lifestyle—one filled with foul language, drinking, showy outfits and casual sex.

Have questions about your kids’ screen time in these Covid-19 days?

Dustin Lynch teams up with American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina in a nostalgic duet revisiting a long-lost love.

By Pixar’s own high standards, Onward is a bit of a disappointment. (PG)

Everyone’s favorite animated Marmaduke returns for an adventure with Shaggy and the Mystery, Inc. gang that’s packed with some surprisingly spooky plot twists. (PG)

Want some YouTube guidance for your kids?

John K sings of all the ways he would be worse off if he hadn’t met the one he loves.

This big-screen take on Sega’s anthropomorphized cobalt cannonballer is mostly cute and cuddly. (PG)

More than a million people have witnessed Sight & Sound Theatres’ remarkable stage production JESUS. Now a filmed version of this winsome portrait of Jesus’ life is available to stream and buy. (NR)

Want some guidance with that new celebrity app called Cameo?

For former One Direction member Niall Horan, “no judgment” really means “no commitment.”

I Still Believe is a poignant portrait of faith and doubt, love and grief, heartbreak and hope. (PG)

Netflix’s latest teen romcom features a pretty standard-issue love triangle … and a not-so-standard-issue same-sex love interest. (PG-13)

Want some tech pointers for your family?

Khalid encourages a friend to turn to someone who can give the love they deserve.

For fans of this franchise, The Rise of Skywalker works: not necessarily logically, but emotionally. (PG-13)

This animated Netflix satire is equal parts delightful and disturbing as it paints a terrific picture of good parents and a grim picture of what might happen to bad ones. (PG)

Want a few pointers on handling kids with screens?

Sam Smith’s latest finds this British singer pining for someone worth living and dying for.

The promise of this witty, PG-rated period piece is briefly undermined by some surprising content. (PG)

Tigertail offers a thoughtful, emotional examination of how we’re all changed in small, incremental ways by the choices we make, and the choices we don’t make. (PG)

A bit of toilet humor and a whole lot of pint-size sass mar this otherwise fun, funny addition to the Netflix catalog.

How about some guidance on setting guidelines?