Reviews

Are you unsure about the latest film or Netflix series – does it promote un-Christian messages? We’re here to help. You’ll find a wealth of reviews, all written from a Christian point of view to help you navigate the themes and messages contains in popular media today.

Reviews

Are Enid Blyton’s Famous Five OK for today’s Christian children?
2023-12-20T16:42:00+00:00By Andy Peck
Andy Peck is transported back to a wholly different time and world in a modern rendering of a classic children’s author
What films or series did Christian parents want to know about in 2023?
2023-12-20T14:01:00+00:00By Andy Peck
Your favourite film of 2023?
What grabbed Christian parents in 2023?
2023-12-20T12:11:00+00:00By Andy Peck
Do you recall any articles from the last year?
Wonka: Some powerful faith conversations lurk in this musical extravaganza
2023-12-13T08:30:00+00:00By Charles Merritt
Your favourite Christmas film?
Is the movie ‘Wish’ pointing us to something God has placed within us?
2023-11-30T09:49:00+00:00By Charles Merritt
Do you have a favourite Disney movie?
All truth is ‘God’s truth’ - improve your family knowledge with the Storybots series
2023-11-28T12:44:00+00:00By Claire Hailwood
What was your best source of information growing up?
‘The book will break your heart into a thousand pieces, and with God’s help, put you together again’
2023-11-23T16:48:00+00:00By Claire Stewart
What is your favourite book on parenting?
Christian values in ‘Paw Patrol’ make it a great series for your young ones
2023-11-23T16:27:00+00:00By Claire Hailwood
Do you watch children’s TV with your children or leave them to it?
3 reasons to read The Chronicles of Narnia with your children
2023-11-22T09:07:00+00:00By Robin Barfield
What is your favourite children’s book series?
The Hunger Games prequel’s war and violence: discussion starters for Christian families
2023-11-20T09:10:00+00:00By Charles Merritt
Charles Merritt finds the prequel to The Hunger Games franchise provides much food for thought at a time when daily news is full of the same kind of violence
Sophia the First: friendship, loyalty, gender expectations - why Christian parents need to be alert to this long-running animation
2023-11-13T09:51:00+00:00By Becky May
Do you recall any pre-school TV having discussion points?
‘We listen to the Audible version on every car journey’: How the Wingfeather Saga has gripped a Christian family
2023-11-02T13:22:00+00:00By Victoria Beech
What’s your favourite book series?
Dumb Money: probably a dumb choice of film for most Christian teens
2023-10-05T11:00:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
Charles Merritt was confused and concerned by this stock-market comedy
The Creator - who’s the real villain, AI or human ambition?
2023-10-02T06:35:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
Have you got to grips with what AI can do?
How is love for your family like a ‘superpower’? Watch Blue Beetle and find out
2023-08-29T09:58:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
How ‘powerful’ are the bonds in your family?
The Haunted Mansion - Christian parents may want to give this a miss
2023-08-14T07:39:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
How do your children respond to horror?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has community, forgiveness and unity - plenty for Christian families to discuss
2023-08-04T08:05:00+01:00By Lisa Skinner
What is your kids favourite franchise?
‘Barbie’ doesn’t like men! Don’t take your kids to see it
2023-07-26T06:40:00+01:00By Lisa Skinner
Did you have a Barbie doll or Action man growing up?
Elemental may look like a sweet film, but has ‘elements’ that make this is a ‘no’ for Christian kids
2023-07-17T07:31:00+01:00By Kate Orson
Have you ever warned your children not to watch a film?
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning (Part One) - Who decides what’s true?
2023-07-12T07:14:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
Is this something you would take your family to?
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - is faith a relic of the past?
2023-07-03T07:24:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
Does your faith feel like an ancient or a present thing?
Modern Family - the TV series that raises so many conversation starters amidst a lot of laughs
2023-06-29T14:34:00+01:00By Ellie Willcock
Is your famly a ’modern family’?
Families might enjoy the discussion points in ‘Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken’ more than the film itself
2023-06-26T08:56:00+01:00
Have you taken your kids to a move which they didn’t enjoy?
The Flash is an enjoyable watch and has fascinating themes Christian parents can discuss with their kids
2023-06-15T08:22:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
What’s been your best post movie discussion?
Bluey may be popular but my child’s behaviour has gone downhill. As a Christian parent what should I do?
2023-06-14T07:12:00+01:00By Kate Orson
What TV programmes seem to affect your kids?
Plenty of Christian themes in this excellent version of The Little Mermaid
2023-06-07T07:41:00+01:00By Lisa Skinner
Can you think of a re-make that is better than the original?
Nintendo’s record-setting game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is a winner for Christian parents too
2023-05-23T10:14:00+01:00By Andy Robertson
Were you a console player in your youth?
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 - Does everyone deserve a second chance?
2023-05-09T07:14:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
Do you think everyone deserves a second chance?
‘Naked in front of the class!’: That was me, and here’s why the C4 series ‘Naked Education’ is not welcome
2023-04-20T08:47:00+01:00By Kate Orson
Do you agree that this is ‘wrong’?
Top grossing film of 2023 so far, but The Super Mario Bros Movie has little for Christian kids
2023-04-17T08:05:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
Have you ever hated a film everyone else loved?
Failing to connect? Mark Arnold shares his 12 favourite books for understanding young people with additional needs
2023-04-13T08:54:00+01:00By Mark Arnold
Which book most appeals to you?
Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves - How does death affect the way we live?
2023-04-04T12:11:00+01:00By Charles Merritt
Are you familiar with the video game on which the film is based?
My son applied to be on Channel 4's ‘Teen First Dates’. Here’s how I talk about the show from a Christian perspective
2023-03-30T10:50:00+01:00By Dawn Savidge
Do you recall your first date?
This baffling Oscar-winning movie gave me some surprising insights as a Christian parent
2023-03-27T09:42:00+01:00By Ali Campbell
Are you a fan of sci-fi?
Shazam! Fury of the Gods: A film whose positive portrayal of family life will delight Christian parents
2023-03-21T09:48:00+00:00By Charles Merritt
Do you have a favourite family film?
Why I wrote The God Files - and why it might be just the Bible that your child has been waiting for
2023-03-20T08:37:00+00:00By Andy Robb
Did you have a favourite Bible growing up?
Is there any Christian merit in watching Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania?
2023-02-20T08:44:00+00:00By Charles Merritt
Charles Merritt finds very little to applaud in the latest Antman film
Top five children’s worship songs you need to know
2023-02-16T00:00:00+00:00By Emily Howarth
Sung worship has always been my favourite part of a church service. I love a good sing along, but more than that, I feel a real connection when I sing truths about God as an affirmation of who he is in my life. It’s something I therefore love to fit into my children’s work. Here are my favourite songs to bounce along to, whether with NSYNC style (other 90s boy bands are available) choreography or just by grabbing a percussion instrument and having a good boogie.
Till - facing an ugly truth. How should Christian families respond?
2023-01-26T09:43:00+00:00By Charles Merritt
Do you like watching gritty drama?
Is a family trip to Disneyland Paris a faith building thing to do?
2023-01-09T10:35:00+00:00By Charles Merritt
Do you enjoy rides or prefer to watch?
Molly and Mack: the preschool drama series that introduces children to sin, forgiveness and the value of community
2022-12-06T08:36:00+00:00By Becky May
What was your favourite pre-school drama in your youth?
6 video games to inspire generosity in your children
2022-12-01T08:30:00+00:00By Andy Robertson
When did you last play a video game with your children?
Is ‘Spirited’ the modern era's version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ ?
2022-11-28T10:10:00+00:00By John Prockter
What’s your favourite Christmas movie?
Kid’s TV - now and then. Has it got harder for Christian parents?
2022-11-24T12:15:00+00:00By Jo Rowe
Jo Rowe reviews a Kids TV documentary that takes her back to her own viewing habits and causes her to reflect on helping children today
Should you watch ‘I’m a Celebrity’ with your teenagers?
2022-11-16T09:35:00+00:00By Claire Hailwood
Would you want to appear on the show?
Wakanda Forever: This outstanding Black Panther film is full of spiritual lessons
2022-11-14T10:36:00+00:00By Dawn Savidge
The new offering from Marvel Studios offers some excellent family conversation starters around revenge, power and mercy, says Dawn Savidge
Is the Stranger Things series suitable viewing for Christian teens?
2022-11-11T09:07:00+00:00By Andy Peck
How do you get on with sci-fi?
Review: Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor
2022-10-27T08:46:00+01:00By Alex Taylor
Which was your favourite Doctor Who?
Why many parents are rejoicing that Bruno the Brake car has joined ‘Thomas & Friends’
2022-09-19T08:32:00+01:00By Becky May
Are you children fans of Thomas & Friends?
Don’t be afraid to influence your kids. But be careful how you do it
2022-09-08T13:03:00+01:00By Andy Peck
What would your children say matters to you?
Even supervillains are looking for spiritual meaning. What’s so good about Minions: The Rise of Gru
2022-08-09T12:36:00+01:00By Becky May
Why is this lastest film so good?
Review: Thor: Love and Thunder: If you can’t speak with your kids about God after watching this film, you never will
2022-07-13T09:44:00+01:00By Andy Peck
Can you handle the weighty themes in this latest Thor adventure?
One contestant left ‘Love Island’ to preserve his mental health. If you want to preserve the spiritual health of your children - leave well alone
2022-06-27T12:49:00+01:00By Amanda Porter and Pais Movement
Might this highly poular TV show be a good starting point for conversation with your children?
Choosing films for your kids? Why ‘Lightyear’ and the ‘gay kiss’ makes you stop and think
2022-06-23T12:55:00+01:00By Andrew Bunt who is Emerging Generations Director for Living Out.
Is this a film you would take your kids to watch?
Many Christians say that ‘parenting’ is the toughest thing they do. Here’s a few books that will keep you on track
2022-06-21T13:42:00+01:00By Ali Hull and is a freelance writer and editor
You read up on topics for fun and work. But what are you reading that will improve your parenting?
Father Stu
2022-05-19T15:38:00+01:00By Amanda Porter and
Former boxer meets girl and ends up in church. Can you guess what happens next?
Hotel Transylvania 4 – Transformania
2022-04-28T08:28:00+01:00By Joel Toombs
If there’s a ’4’ at the end of a film title, does it mean it must be good, or inevitably worse than the first three?
Sex Education
2022-04-27T11:17:00+01:00By Amanda Porter
Amanda Porter suspects your teens may well be watching but suggests they really shouldnt be
The Society
2022-04-27T11:14:00+01:00By Dawn Savidge
It’s an innocuous sounding title, isn’t this series as bland as it sounds?
Squid Game
2022-04-27T11:12:00+01:00By Dawn Savidge
When a series goes ’viral’ you sit up and notice. But that doesnt mean your children should be watching
Creeped Out
2022-04-27T10:55:00+01:00By Lucy Rycroft
Horror and Sci-fi for children. Surely not?!
13 Reasons Why
2022-04-27T09:08:00+01:00By Dawn Savidge
Bad language and suicide - should you leave well alone?
Spiderman No Way Home
2022-04-27T08:32:00+01:00By Russ Bellenie
Spiderman has got to be a winner, right?!
Eternals
2022-04-27T08:20:00+01:00By Joel Toombs
The title sounds like there may be some ’spiritual value, but is there?
Encanto
2022-04-27T08:16:00+01:00By Amanda Porter
It’s Disney, you can always trust Disney can’t you?!
You are a champion - Marcus Rashford
2022-04-27T08:04:00+01:00By Amanda Porter
What can a famous footballer teach you about parenting?
Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad
2022-04-12T14:26:00+01:00By Joel Toombs
A series featuring a Dad and his son. Isn’t that a bit corny?
A Series of Unfortunate Events
2022-04-11T15:50:00+01:00By Lucy Rycroft
Can an off the wall series be of value for children?
Anne with an E
2022-04-11T15:46:00+01:00By Lucy Rycroft
How does the re-make of an old series stack up?
Avatar: The Last Airbender
2022-04-11T15:41:00+01:00By Lucy Rycroft
Adult themes in a children’s series. How does that work?
Peanuts
2022-04-11T11:20:00+01:00By Dawn Savidge
A popular series before nut allergies were a thing. Is it still valuable?
Duck Tales
2022-04-11T11:16:00+01:00By Dawn Savidge
Can a series that was around in the 80s still pack a punch?
Your children need you to play video games
2020-11-17T00:00:00+00:00By Andy Robertson
Headlines about the dangers of video games may not be so prevalent, but most parents are nervous about the content of games and the time spent on them. Youth and Children’s Work Game Boy columnist, Andy Robertson, suggests the answer may be to play video games yourself. Yes really.
Keeping the kids entertained: a list of top Christian media
2020-03-24T00:00:00+00:00By Jess Lester
Keeping children and young people entertained with tech may feel like a cop out – but now we’re in isolation, it’s only natural that we will be relying on our TVs, smartphones and gaming consoles for entertainment.
The Prince of Egypt
2020-03-16T00:00:00+00:00By is the editor of Premier Youth and Children's Work, head of Youth Apologetics at Premier and a contributor to Hope Rising 365 (SPCK), a devotional for girls and young women.
As a confirmed theology geek and musical theatre fan, I was excited to see this new West End show. However, I still don’t quite know what to make of The Prince of Egypt. The choreography (Sean Cheesman) and set design (Kevin Depinet) blew all my expectations out of the water, but the storyline differs so drastically from the biblical narrative that I left feeling slightly confused.
Making sense of Netflix’s Messiah
2020-01-03T00:00:00+00:00By Jess Lester
Have you ever thought about what the Second Coming would actually look like? Other than what the Bible had told me: darkness will rule the earth, Jesus will come to judge and thus will follow a thousand-year kingdom of peace on earth – it t was something I hadn’t considered deeply until this week when I binge-watched Netflix’s latest venture, Messiah, a crime drama about a charismatic man dubbed ‘Al-Masih’, which literally translates to ‘the anointed one’.
Blue Story
2019-12-02T00:00:00+00:00
Gang film Blue Story hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons last month when a brawl broke out between knife-wielding young people at a screening in Birmingham. Tim Sledge, director of fundraising at XLP – a charity aiming to empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds – shares why he thinks every youth worker should see the film.
The Lion King
2019-07-18T00:00:00+01:00
Heather Riley loved the remake of the Disney classic. But she asks if The Lion King has become too scary to be a kids’ movie
The Lion King
2019-06-24T00:00:00+01:00By Rebecca Hamer
The Lion King was originally released in 1994, shaping emotional and spiritual landscapes for thousands of children and teens.
Games: Races
2018-09-19T00:00:00+01:00
Children and young people can become extremely competitive in team-based situations and, while in some circumstances this can be unhelpful, it can help to create great memories and result in an enjoyable session. Try out some of the races below in teams. You could even put on your own ‘Games’ and give out medals for each event!
Music: Rise
2018-08-30T00:00:00+01:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: Jonas Blue (ft Jack & Jack)
Music: This is me
2018-06-21T00:00:00+01:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman ensemble.
Music: Good day
2018-05-22T00:00:00+01:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: New Hope Club
Fortnite
2018-04-25T00:00:00+01:00By Emily Howarth
If you have listened to any conversation with tweens recently, you’ve probably heard the name Fortnite bandied about. The trending game is proving as popular as fidget spinners and flossing (dancing not dental), after being downloaded more than 40 million times since the launch of its popular extension Fortnite: Battle Royale in September 2017. But what is all the fuss about? And should we worry about the game’s impact on our children and young people?
Music: Lullaby
2018-04-18T00:00:00+01:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: Sigala and Paloma Faith
Movie: Thor - Ragnarok
2018-03-23T00:00:00+00:00
Clip: The clip runs from 00:19:30 to 00:27:33.
Music: Leave a light on
2018-03-23T00:00:00+00:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist:Tom Walker
Black Panther
2018-03-20T00:00:00+00:00By Nathan Dennis
Another superhero movie is hardly news, but Black Panther is having a huge impact globally, including on our children and young people.
Music: Secrets
2018-01-19T00:00:00+00:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: Pink
Music: Blinded by your grace
2017-12-14T00:00:00+00:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: Stormzy
Games: Reconnecting games
2017-12-14T00:00:00+00:00
After the Christmas break, it’s good to help children reconnect with each other in their groups. Here are some games to help!
Finding God through gaming
2017-10-20T00:00:00+01:00By Dr Alastair Jones
With around 32.4 million people in the UK playing video games, how can we engage our children and young people with this popular medium? Alastair Jones is on hand to help
Reviews - October 2017
2017-09-22T00:00:00+01:00
Review of the latest books, albums and resources.
Music: Crybaby
2017-09-21T00:00:00+01:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: Paloma Faith
Music: Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing
2017-06-22T00:00:00+01:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: Tori Kelly
Reviews - July 2017
2017-06-21T00:00:00+01:00
Reviews of the latest books, albums and resources.
Music: What do I know?
2017-05-25T00:00:00+01:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Netflix's 13 reasons why
2017-05-23T00:00:00+01:00By Jamie Cutteridge
Imagine being able to tell everyone in your life exactly what you think of them, exactly how they’ve hurt you, without any consequences. The only catch is that you’re dead. This is the premise of 13 reasons why, Netflix’s latest binge-worthy show: a 13-episode suicide note to a teenage girl’s friends and classmates, outlining their role in her decision to end her life. Originally hyped as a smart, important look at mental health and the social issues affecting teenagers, upon release the show attracted criticism for its ‘triggering’ impact, its overly realistic depiction of sexual assault and suicide, and negative portrayals of counselling or other forms of support. So what do we do with it? Ignore it? Watch it with our young people? Something between?
Reviews - June 2017
2017-05-22T00:00:00+01:00
A round up of the latest books, albums and resources.
Music: Giants
2017-04-21T00:00:00+01:00By Becky May is a freelance writer and experienced children’s and youth leader, and can be found at www.theresourcescupboard.co.uk
Artist: Take That
Beauty and the Beast - should I take my kids?
2017-03-20T00:00:00+00:00By Martin Saunders is the Director of Satellites, a new youth event helping young people to put God at the centre of their lives. His new book We Are Satellites, is out now, published by SPCK.
It’s a tale as old as time. In March, news emerged that Disney’s live-action remake of majestic 90s animation Beauty and the Beast features a gay character and the studio’s “first exclusively gay moment”, and immediately a host of Christian voices loudly raised their objections.
The Axis of Good and Evil - Video games
2017-01-23T00:00:00+00:00
This month, we look at video games. So, those in the top right will be worth a play, those bottom left, less so.
Pokémon Go
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00By Jamie Cutteridge
Here are some genuine news stories you may have missed:
Reviews
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00
Reviews of books, albums and games.
Reviews
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00
Two books.
Reviews
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00
1 album and 4 books
Deadpool
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00By Jamie Cutteridge
Deadpool is sweary, rude, sexually-saturated and incredibly violent. Young people are going to love it. To be honest, I did too. That’s the problem.
Reviews
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00
Review of 5 books
Reviews
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00
2 books and 1 album
Black Mirror
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00By Jamie Cutteridge
How far would you go to stop people knowing your darkest secrets? What if virtual reality played on your deepest fears? Could you imagine a world where we’re rated the whole time? How would people react if they knew what you really thought? Who wants to live forever? What if your very worse moments got shared with the rest of the world? Black Mirror is back to answer all these questions, and more…
Avengers
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00By Jamie Cutteridge
You can barely walk down the street without tripping over a super hero these days. We all know the feeling of getting home and finding Spider-Man on the bottom of our shoe or one of the Fantastic Four in our bag – they’re everywhere.
Little Gamers
2017-01-19T00:00:00+00:00By Dr Bex Lewis
Smart phones and tablets have placed gaming at the centre of our society. You don’t need to spend long on public transport to see someone playing ‘angry birds’ or ‘2048’, but what does this mean for our children? Are video games evil or could they help child development? Dr Bex Lewis investigates…