Plugged In Entertainment Reviews
Plugged In Entertainment Reviews offers family-friendly reviews of the latest movies, YouTube videos, streaming series, video games, and new technology. Hosted by Focus on the Family's media and culture analysts, these reviews provide a Christian perspective on entertainment from a Biblical worldview. The podcast helps parents decide if content is suitable for their kids and family.
Episodes
Movie Review: Toy Story 5
Playtime faces off against screen time in ‘Toy Story 5.’ The film is mostly clean, but a potty-training device makes for a few unnecessary double entendres. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: My Brother the Minotaur
‘My Brother the Minotaur’ is a preteen mystery with a lot of heart—though viewers should note it finds its roots in Irish mythology. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP: Social Media Pressure
44% of teens say they feel pressured to be online and more than half say they feel left out if they’re not. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire’ looks fantastic, but it’s got some mess in its black-and-white bits. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Peach, Mario, Luigi and a new dino pal named Yoshi rally to save the day. But it’s family viewers who get the gold coin. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Disclosure Day
‘Disclosure Day’ is at times entertaining, but spiritual spaciness and a lack of intrigue sap this summer blockbuster of its potency. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: Lord of the Flies
‘Lord of the Flies’ adaptations, via the book itself, intrinsically come with dark, violent moments. The Netflix version is no different. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- Screentime and Your Heart
We’ve all heard that too much screen time, especially with social media, isn’t great for our mental health. But what about physical health? Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: The Last Dragon House
Ollie Atwood decides to take a job at a house that was set up to protect endangered dragons. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: A Magnificent Life
This animated biopic about French auteur Marcel Pagnol tells a visually lush story, but there are some content smudges on this canvas. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: The Breadwinner
While it may not be a newfound comedy classic, families will find a lot to like in Nate Bargatze's 'The Breadwinner.' Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: Malcom in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair
‘Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair’ modernizes and reboots yet another show—including some of the concerning content therewithin. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- Girl Scouts Feel Scared About Growing Up
According to new data from Girls Scouts of the USA, “becoming a grown-up sounds scary to more than half (54%) of girls ages 5 to 13. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Konnakol
Zayn’s version of love is marred by revenge, lust, and a selfish pursuit of whatever feels best in the moment. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Pressure
‘Pressure’ takes us into a little-known wrinkle in perhaps history’s most documented war, and it does so with fewer content concerns than you’d expect. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Hoppers
Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’ encourages viewers to be better stewards of the planet. But the messages (and the comedy) fall a little flat. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85
While Netflix says that the animated ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ is a kinder, gentler sort of ‘Stranger Things’ show, that hardly makes it kind or gentle. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- Australia’s Social Media Ban Not Working
Australia banned social media for kids under 16. But 61% of Australian teens still have access to one or more accounts. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Pragmata
‘Pragmata’ surprises with its emotional father-daughter storyline. But trigger-pulling peril and foul language will keep younger players ducking. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Title: Reminders of Him
‘Reminders of Him’ is a sickly mix of the saccharine and sensual—yet another Colleen Hoover adaptation that families may want to avoid. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ feels like an old Ray Harryhausen creature feature. ‘Course, all those beasties come with teeth, and the movie does, too. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- Parents Model Screen Use
If you feel like you’re always battling your child over screens, here’s a surprising truth: one of the strongest predictors of a child’s screen use is YOUR screen use. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Mumford & Sons-Prizefighter
Mumford & Sons’ long-wrought journey continues a commitment to vulnerability, encouraging listeners to explore their despair to eventually find hope. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Avatar: Fire and Ash
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ feels much like what we’ve seen before, only more. But that more will leave family viewers feeling burned. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Netflix’s ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ has some lovely messages, but it blunders through a lot of foul language. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: Sesame Street
The opening song asks how one might get to ‘Sesame Street,’ and we’ll help you decide whether or not you should go. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- Deepfakes
Laws might make it harder for AI deepfakes to harm innocents, but we should still talk to our kids about potential dangers. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Koo Koo
"Koo Koo’ is a band that makes goofy music sure to get kids dancing—with a couple of minor concerns to think through. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Solo Mio
‘Solo Mio’ keeps its heart warm and its nose (mostly) clean. And it reminds us that disappointment can lead to unexpected joy. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: The Sheep Detectives
‘The Sheep Detectives’ is funny and sweet, slapstick and tender, and a whole lot better than spending your evening scrolling through EweTube. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: Virgin River
This show has become a sensation on Netflix—and it’s cleaner than some. But before you walk into this small town, know that not everything is fit for families. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- AI Makes Us Socially Stupid
Sycophantic AI chatbots tend to validate bad behaviors. Read the full blog. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: The Aftermyth
Penelope is perfectly prepared for her time at the myth- and magic-based Anaximander’s Academy. But sometimes plans don’t go to plan. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: GOAT
In ‘GOAT,’ a skinny goat gets a shot at the big leagues. He must build a winning team while trying to keep from being sat on—or eaten. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: The Devil Wears Prada 2
‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ isn’t as clever or biting as the original, and there’s some harsh language. But for mature viewers, it could be a nostalgic romp. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: Young Sherlock
It may suffer from an identity crisis, but Young Sherlock is still much cleaner than other recent interpretations of the iconic detective. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP: Parents Model Digital Literacy
Parental controls can help curb screen time when kids are little, but new research says digital literacy is far more successful over their lifetimes. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Crimson Desert
This new adventure title feels familiar, strange, ambitious, grinding, beautiful, bloody and foul. All at the same time. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: A Dog's Way Home
The human-like doggy hero at this family film's core is easy to care about and root for. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Michael
‘Michael’ covers Michael Jackson’s rise to superstardom with much more style than substance—and a few content issues, too. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Tv Review: Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
‘Maul – Shadow Lord’ is darker than previous animated Star Wars fare. It’s still clean, but it may be best suited for older viewers. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP: Instagram Warns Parents
If a teenager repeatedly tries to search for terms related to suicide or self harm, Instagram will now notify parents. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: BTS-Arirang
After a brief hiatus, BTS re-establishes their place in global pop music while doubling down on troublesome relationship habits. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Puss in Boots
Is this Puss just a boot-marked Shrek prequel? Or is it a tabby of another color? Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Panda Plan 2: The Magical Tribe
‘Panda Plan 2’ has a great message about family. But mystical elements, minor language and suggestive moments might give some families … paws. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
As you might expect, prepare to see some giant monsters wipe out some tiny humans. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Hangtime
‘Hangtime’ centers on professional football punter Michael Turk’s chaotic adventures and plain fun experiments. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Night at the Museum
Museums have been adding more interactivity to their attractions lately. But nobody’s been able to bring Attila the Hun back to life, yet, or coax dino bones into playing a game of fetch … Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: You, Me & Tuscany
‘You, Me & Tuscany’ comes with some funny moments and positive messages, but its frequent sexual humor makes it a tough dish to stomach. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins’ is a mockumentary speaking to second chances—though audiences may not want to give it a first chance. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen
Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen’ is perfect for young, first-time gamers. It’s sweet, fun and problem free. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Katseye-Beautiful Chaos
Katseye positions superficial excess at the center of stories where sex, violence, and revenge are the group’s primary messages. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Mercy
Amazon’s ‘Mercy’ offers audiences a dystopian tale with moments of intense violence and some crude language, too. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Peach, Mario, Luigi and a new dino pal named Yoshi rally to save the day. But it’s family viewers who get the gold coin. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: BeddyByes
Disney’s ‘BeddyByes’ may help parents of little ones start the wind-down process before bedtime. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP: Teens Use AI for Emotional Support
Teens are turning to AI for emotional support. Read the full blog. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Snoop
Young Carter’s parents want him to cut back on his screen time. But he’s seeing things on those screens: criminal things. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: The SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants
‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ puts our porous pal right into the nefarious clutches of the Flying Dutchman. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: The Pout-Pout Fish
‘The Pout-Pout Fish’ encourages us to help others no matter what the cost—and to always look for the good in a bad situation. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: Marshals
Kayce Dutton joins the U.S. Marshals in CBS’s ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff series, and the violence and profanity from the original show follow him closely. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- TikTok Hot Water Trend
TikTok’s Hot Water Trend Has Some Merits and Blunders Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Pokémon Pokopia
‘Pokémon Pokopia’ is smooth, seamless, friendly and fun. And it’s free of that grindy feel of a typical casual life sim. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Good Boy
‘Good Boy’ is an inventive horror flick that takes place from a dog’s perspective. But this film won’t quite be a family’s best friend. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary dazzles with its visuals and message on bravery alike, but some content issues may cause chaos on this space mission. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: The Burbs
‘The ‘Burbs’ is Peacock’s attempt to adapt the 1989 movie of the same name. But a fresh coat of paint doesn’t hide the content issues. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP - Discord Wants Your ID
Discord wants to make things safer, but at the cost of more information about your kids. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: Big Hops
If you’ve got a taste for good, creative platforming, then the little froggy hero of ‘Big Hops’ has a tongue you can borrow. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Anaconda
Anaconda is a comedic take on the 1997 film of the same name, but it constricts audiences with violence and crude language. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Reminders of Him
Reminders of Him is a sickly mix of the saccharine and sensual—yet another Colleen Hoover adaptation that families may want to avoid. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: The Artful Dodger
Oliver Twist’s Artful Dodger isn’t 13 anymore: He’s an adult. And being an adult comes with more grown-up problems. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- Gambling and Minors
A recent study found that more than a third of boys ages 11 to 17 gambled in the past year. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: The Amazing Generation
Jonathan Haidt’s ‘The Amazing Generation’ shares stories, insights and tips designed to help young readers make their own choices about technology and social media. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Hamnet
Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’ explores what may have shaped William Shakespeare as he crafted the masterpiece tragedy of ‘Hamlet.’ Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Hoppers
Pixar’s Hoppers encourages viewers to be better stewards of the planet. But the messages (and the comedy) fall a little flat. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
In Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Paramount+ introduces a new generation of Federation cadets who train to make a positive difference in the universe. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
SiYP- Protecting Kids from Trafficking
What rules should I put in place to protect my kids from being threatened, blackmailed, or even trafficked online? Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Culture Remix: xkcd’s What If?
xkcd’s What If?’ offers scientific answers to some of the strangest hypotheticals that people want to know—and with few content issues. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Zootopia 2
Zootopia 2 has references to some R-rated films, but it’s a largely navigable film with nice messages about helping others and celebrating differences. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
Movie Review: Midwinter Break
This well-acted pic raises some subtle questions. But there are a few content issues to navigate, too, including alcoholism and some language. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
TV Review: It’s Not Like That
Two families try to recover from a critical loss in the Wonder Project’s faith-tinged ‘It’s Not Like That.’ But the show has more content than you’d expect. Read the full review. If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.
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