MFP 339: Movies, kids, and imagination

"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed." - G.K. Chesterton

 

Summary

Movies shape more than behavior — they form the imagination, the moral compass, and the heart. Catholic parents are not merely protecting innocence; they are cultivating virtue and wonder. In this episode, we explore how stories shape our children, how to choose wisely, and how to use movies as part of a rich Catholic family culture. Jesus used stories to teach. So do we.

 

Key Takeaways

 

Here are four filters that parents can use to decide what movies to watch with their children:  

1. Content – Surface-level: language, nudity, violence, disrespect.

   • Different for every family. 

   • Talk about this with spouse

   • May change as the kids get older

2. Context / Theme– 

   • Does it glorify sin, or does it show redemption?

   • Does this movie affirm the dignity of the human person?

   • What’s the movie saying about truth, identity, family, and faith?

   • Does it honor the sacrificial nature of love?

   • Does it support the family or undermine it?

   • Is faith treated with reverence, or ridicule?

3. Beauty

   • Is it ugly?is does it nourish the soul and imagination?

   • Is this edifying? Does it educate, challenge, or cause me to grow and bear good fruit?

4. Character Arc – Are the heroes virtuous? Are sinners redeemed?

5. Remember: It's not enough to avoid what is harmful. We must actively seek what is holy, good, and true.

🧰 Trusted Tools for Parents:

• IMDB parents guide - use this to search by adding your movie title https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26743210/parentalguide/

• Common Sense Media — secular, but useful for content breakdowns.

• MovieGuide — faith-based reviews of current films.

• Catholic News Service Movie Reviews — Catholic perspective with theological commentary.

• Your Own Conscience — Don’t ignore the check in your spirit as a parent.