Family Movies, or Movies for the Family?

By Dick Rolfe

Every once in a while a movie comes along that is worth taking your family to see. But what is a “family” movie? For that matter, what is a “family?”

Hollywood has been confused for years when it comes to so-called family entertainment. They mischaracterize “family” as a type of movie. For example, when you go into a video store, you’ll see various sections for movies by genre, including a “Family” section. But, on closer examination, you will probably find mostly children’s animated features along with a 1950’s version of Heidi.

In reality, “family” is not a film genre, but an audience segment made up of all types of people of all ages. Collectively, family members enjoy all sorts of entertainment; comedies, dramas, documentaries, action-adventures, mysteries.

What distinguishes the family audience from other movie-goers is that they prefer to be entertained by creative, compelling stories without being assaulted with endless four-letter words, nudity, and all manner of sexually explicit immorality.

Families also prefer that any immoral behavior in the story is portrayed implicitly not explicitly, and with a balanced view that includes corresponding consequences. For example, “sexploitation” films that show unbridled sexual encounters rarely ever portray real medical and social outcomes like the humiliation and health problems that come from contracting an STD.

Profanity is another turn off. It has been used so consistently that movies leave the impression that most Americans use the “F-word” in their everyday conversation. In fact, most family members are more articulate than their movie counterparts, and can express themselves adequately without resorting to a constant barrage of cheap, degrading pejoratives.

Family is a heterogeneous group of movie-goers of a variety of ages, with a variety of tastes. There are six movies now showing in theaters that have been awarded the Dove Family-Approved Seal. I’ve segmented them by audience type and age.

Audience: Children and adolescents

(Girls and boys)

Clifford’s Really Big Movie – Lovable Clifford experiences an exciting adventure as he tries to help his owners by earning some extra money. (Review)

(Mostly boys)

 Home on the Range – In the tradition of Walt Disney, this musical animated feature is about three bulls that take on a cattle rustler. Needless to say, they win and learn valuable life lessons along the way. (Review)

Audience: Adolescents and teenagers

(Mostly girls)

Ella Enchanted – This movie, based on a best-selling children’s book, tells of Ella, who learns through a series of enchanted experiences that obedience is a gift, not a curse. (Review)

(Mostly girls, some boys)

The Prince and Me – Romantic comedy featuring an attraction between a Midwestern girl and a foreign exchange student who turns out to be a prince. (Review)

Audience: Teens and adults

(Men and women)

Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius – based on the life of legendary amateur golfer, Bobby Jones, this movie is both compelling and inspiring. (Review)

(Mostly Men)

The Alamo – is a vivid portrayal of a small band of heroic men who stood against impossible odds to defend their ideals; a free and independent Texas. (Review)

Watch for the following “family” movies coming later this summer:

Shrek 2; New York Minute; Garfield, the Movie; Around the World in 80 Days

If you consider yourself a “family” audience member as I’ve defined it, you can feel secure in knowing that you are not alone. There are approximately 150 million others just like you. And Hollywood is beginning to realize that fact.

Even so, discernment is still the operative word when selecting a movie. Things aren’t always as they seem. For example, you should watch out for a summer release entitled, Saved. The title is deceptive. Here is an advance insider’s description.

Born Again Christian teens, led by the ultra-devout Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore), demonize their former best friend Mary after she becomes pregnant -- a result of trying to "save" her gay boyfriend.

One of the more anticipated small films this year; “Saved” marks the debut of director Brian Dannelly and his screenwriting partner Michael Urban. If it were any other year, the film would have experienced low-level controversy, given its obvious ridicule of Christian faith. But in the post-Passion era, with even the pristine Mandy Moore poking fun, MGM et al. are in for a whirlwind of drama.