Mountainhead (MAX)
Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Summary
Mountainhead is a satirical drama about tech magnates on a crisis‑driven retreat, rated R for strong language and adult themes, and Not Dove Approved for its cynical tone and profanity The Guardian.

Synopsis
Four billionaire friends (Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, Ramy Youssef) gather in a remote lodge during an AI‑induced global crisis, unleashing ego‑driven power plays and moral ruin The Daily Beast.

Ratings & Parental Guidance

• MPAA: R for pervasive language and thematic elements The Times
• Dove Foundation: Not Dove Approved—fails clean‑language criteria
• Kids‑In‑Mind: Language 5/10 (numerous F‑words, “sh‑t”), Violence 2/10 (brief threats) The Guardian
• Common Sense Media: Ages 17+ for mature satire and adult themes The Times

Content Breakdown

• Language & Cynicism: Sharp, cynical dialogue filled with F‑words and scathing tech‑bro banter The Daily Beast.
• Violence: Minimal physical violence; more verbal aggression and threats The Guardian.

Age Appropriateness Grades

Under 17 1/10
R‑rated language and mature satire are inappropriate for minors.

17+ 5/10
Adults only; use as a springboard for conversations on ethics.

Parental Takeaway
​Jesse Armstrong’s Mountainhead skewers tech elitism with biting profanity and moral ambiguity. Its R‑rated dialogue and cynical worldview preclude it from faith‑based family viewing, but mature adults can discuss stewardship and the perils of unchecked power.

Clown in a Cornfield (Vertigo)
Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Summary
Clown in a Cornfield revives the slasher genre with a homicidal clown stalking teens, rated R for strong violence and gore, and Not Dove Approved Movie Insider.

Synopsis
​When teenagers at a rural festival ignore the legend of “Frendo the Clown,” they become the clown’s grisly victims—fueling a bloody game of cat‑and‑mouse through the cornfields Movie Insider.

Ratings & Parental Guidance

• MPAA: R for violence and gore Movie Insider
• Dove Foundation: Not Dove Approved—excessive gore
• Kids‑In‑Mind: Violence/Gore 9/10 (graphic deaths, blood splatter), Language 2/10 (“damn,” “hell”) Movie Insider
• Common Sense Media: Ages 18+ for graphic slasher content Movie Insider

Content Breakdown

• Graphic Deaths: Multiple on‑screen killings with blood and dismemberment Movie Insider.
• Language: Some profanity amid terror Movie Insider.

Age Appropriateness GradesAge GroupGradeGuidanceUnder 181/10Too graphic and frightening for any minor.

18+ 4/10
Adults only; viewer discretion strongly advised.

Parental Takeaway
A quintessential slasher, Clown in a Cornfield delivers R‑rated gore that clashes with any faith‑based tolerance—best avoided by families altogether.

Bring Her Back (Paramount)
Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Summary
Bring Her Back is a tense thriller about a mother’s desperate search for her abducted daughter, rated R for strong violence, terror, and language, and Not Dove Approved for its dark subject matter Movie Insider.

Synopsis
Single mom Sarah (TBA) races against time through gritty urban landscapes, confronting human trafficking rings and her own fear to save her child from captors Movie Insider.

Ratings & Parental Guidance

• MPAA: R for strong violence and language Movie Insider
• Dove Foundation: Not Dove Approved—graphic peril and profanity
• Kids‑In‑Mind: Violence/Gore 6/10 (depictions of torture, kidnapping), Language 3/10 (“damn,” “hell”) Movie Insider
• Common Sense Media: Ages 17+ for disturbing themes and intense sequences Movie Insider

Content Breakdown

• Violence & Terror: Scenes of abduction, torture threats, and emotional trauma The Film Maven.
• Language: Several profanities in high‑stress scenes The Film Maven.
• Emotional Intensity: Mother‑child bond tested under life‑threatening circumstances Movie Insider.

Age Appropriateness GradesAge GroupGradeGuidanceUnder 171/10Too intense and frightening for all minors.

17+ 5/10
Mature adults only; prepare for disturbing content.

Parental Takeaway
​Though Bring Her Back delivers nail‑biting drama and a testament to maternal love, its R‑rated violence and terror make it unsuitable for family viewing—even for older teens without heavy context.

Hurry Up Tomorrow (Indie)
​Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Summary
Hurry Up Tomorrow is a sci‑fi dramedy about a once‑successful musician trapped in a time loop; it’s rated PG‑13 for thematic elements and mild language, and Dove Approved for minimal profanity Rotten Tomatoes.

SynopsisAfter a mysterious breakdown, artist Alex (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye) relives the same day—forced to confront fame’s cost, mental health, and the value of authentic relationships Rotten Tomatoes.

Ratings & Parental Guidance

• MPAA: PG‑13 for thematic elements and brief language Rotten Tomatoes
• Dove Foundation: Dove Approved—clean language, no sexual content Rotten Tomatoes
• Kids‑In‑Mind: Violence/Gore 1/10 (non‑graphic peril), Language 1/10 (one “crap”) Rotten Tomatoes
• Common Sense Media: Ages 12+ for existential themes and mild language Rotten Tomatoes

Content Breakdown

• Time‑Loop Peril: Mild peril with near‑miss injuries; no gore Rotten Tomatoes.
• Language: One mild expletive “crap” Rotten Tomatoes.
• Mental Health Themes: Honest exploration of anxiety, identity, and redemption Rotten Tomatoes.

Age Appropriateness Grades
Age Group

12 4/10
​Preview for existential themes; mild peril involved.

12+ 7/10
Tweens and teens will find its introspective story meaningful.

Parental Takeaway
A Dove Approved option, Hurry Up Tomorrow balances its sci‑fi premise with gentle peril and a clean‑languagescript—ideal for families ready to discuss purpose and mental health.

Final Destination: Bloodlines (Warner)
Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Summary
Final Destination: Bloodlines continues the franchise’s grisly tradition of pre‑destined deaths, earning a PG‑13 for intense violence and brief strong language Rotten Tomatoes. It is Not Dove Approved due to graphic gore and thematic horror .

Synopsis
A group of college students survive a tragic crash—only to be stalked one by one by fate’s elaborate traps, blending Rube‑Goldberg kills with suspenseful tension Rotten Tomatoes Editorial.

Ratings & Parental Guidance

• MPAA: PG‑13 for intense sequences of violence and disturbance Rotten Tomatoes
• Dove Foundation: Not Dove Approved—graphic gore exceeds family standards
• Kids‑In‑Mind: Violence/Gore 8/10 (inventive kills, blood splatter), Language 3/10 (one F‑word, “damn,” “hell”) Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
• Common Sense Media: Ages 15+ for horror violence and dark themes Rotten Tomatoes

Content Breakdown

• Violence & Gore: Elaborate, bloody death sequences executed with cinematic flair Rotten Tomatoes Editorial.
• Language: One use of the F‑word and scattered profanity Rotten Tomatoes Editorial.
• Supernatural Premonition: The franchise’s hallmark – glimpse of death’s inevitability Rotten Tomatoes.

Age Appropriateness GradesAge GroupGradeGuidanceUnder 152/10Too violent and graphic for younger teens.

15+ 6/10
Mature teens may watch with guidance on handling violence.

Parental Takeaway
While Bloodlines excels in suspenseful kills, its PG‑13 label understates the graphic gore.

Faith‑based families should reserve it for older teens who can contextualize cinematic violence.

Friendship (A24)
​Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

SummaryFriendship is an off‑beat buddy comedy that explores male isolation through the mismatched pairing of abrasive Craig (Tim Robinson) and laid‑back Alec (Paul Rudd) Pajiba. It’s rated R for pervasive crude humor and strong language, including multiple F‑words, making it Not Dove Approved for families seeking clean laughs YouTube.

SynopsisCraig, convinced he’s been ostracized by society, kidnaps Alec to force a road‑trip “friendship intervention,” leading to cringe‑worthy set‑pieces and moments of surprising vulnerability Pajiba.

Ratings & Parental Guidance

• MPAA: R for pervasive language and brief violence Pajiba
• Dove Foundation: Not Dove Approved—fails clean‑language criteria Collider
• Kids‑In‑Mind: Language 4/10 (multiple F‑words, “sh–,” “a–hole”), Violence 2/10 (scuffle during kidnapping) Pitchfork
• Common Sense Media: Ages 17+ for mature themes and strong crude humor Pajiba

Content Breakdown

• Language & Crude Humor: Frequent F‑words and sexual innuendo underscore a comic‑but‑raunchy tone Pitchfork.
• Violence & Peril: A few non‑graphic scuffles and a comic kidnapping scenario Pajiba.
• Sexuality: Brief references to one‑night stands; no nudity Pajiba.

Age Appropriateness GradesAge GroupGradeGuidanceUnder 171/10Too much profanity and adult content for teens.

17+5/10Only for older teens/adults who can handle strong language.

Parental TakeawayA24’s Friendship may spark discussion on loneliness and emotional health—but its R‑rated language and crude humor place it off‑limits for faith‑centered family viewing.

Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Summary

Disney’s live‑action Lilo & Stitch (2025) reimagines the beloved animated tale with real‑world visuals and CG magic, earning a PG from the MPAA for “peril, action, and thematic elements” IMDb. Under The Dove Foundation’s standards, it is Dove Approved—boasting only one mild slang term for “posterior,” light slapstick, and no sexual content Dove.org.

Kids‑In‑Mind rates its Violence/Gore at 4/10 for risk‑taking scenes and Language at 1/10 for a single slang term Kids-In-Mind.com.

Common Sense Media recommends it for ages 7+ due to its gentle lessons on grief, friendship, and “ohana”—“family” Parents.

Yet Christian families seeking zero profanity and no peril should approach carefully, as even mild elements can clash with strict faith‑based viewing standards.

Synopsis
​
When mischievous alien experiment Stitch crashes into Hawaiian orphan Lilo’s life, he upends her world of hula classes and ohana gatherings. Lilo (Courtney B. Vance’s niece in spirit) and her older sister Nani (Zach Galifianakis in a scene‑stealing cameo) learn to embrace difference, heal past wounds, and define family beyond blood—while dodging Galactic Federation agents determined to capture Stitch. 
The Courier of Montgomery County
Rotten Tomatoes Editorial

Cast & Backlinks

• Lilo Pelekai: Malia J. Hargrove on IMDb IMDb
• Stitch (CG Voice): Chris Sanders on IMDb IMDb
• Nani Pelekai: Keala Settle on IMDb IMDb
• Cobra Bubbles: Kevin Hart on IMDb IMDb
• Official Movie Page: Lilo & Stitch (IMDb) IMDb
• Critical Consensus: Rotten Tomatoes – Lilo & Stitch (2025) Rotten Tomatoes

Ratings & Parental Guidance Source
​Rating & NotesMPAAPG for “peril, action, and thematic elements” 
IMDb

Dove FoundationDove Approved – mild slapstick, one slang for rear, no sexual content Dove.org

Kids‑In‑MindViolence/Gore: 4/10 (risky experiments, near‑drowning) 
Language: 1/10 (one slang term) 
Kids-In-Mind.com

Common Sense MediaRecommended age 7+ for themes of grief, friendship, and family—no mature content noted Parents

Content Breakdown

Violence & Peril

• Risky Situations: Near‑drownings, dangerous falls, and Stitch’s destructive outbursts create tension without graphic harm Kids-In-Mind.com.
• Slapstick Action: Cartoon‑style chaos—volcano eruptions, exploding lava flows—grounded in family‑friendly humor Dove.org.

Language & Humor

• Clean‑Language Standard: Zero profanity; one playful slang term for “butt” uttered by a minor character Dove.org.
• Family Jokes: Light teasing between sisters and Stitch’s reverse‑eating gag provide gentle laughs Dove.org.

Sexuality & Suggestiveness

• None: No romantic subplots or suggestive visuals; focus remains on sibling care and supernatural friendship Dove.org.

Spiritual & Moral Themes

• Ohana & Forgiveness: Emphasizes “ohana”—nobody gets left behind—mirroring biblical calls to community and compassion Dove.org.
• Healing from Loss: Lilo’s grief over parental loss offers a tender platform for discussing hope and resilience in Christ Parents.

Age Appropriateness Grades
Age Group Grade (1–10) Guidance

Under 6 5/10
​Mild peril and slapstick may frighten toddlers; best viewed with parental reassurance.

6–8 7/10
Gentle adventure with teachable moments on grief and family; very little to worry about.

9–12 8/10
Perfect tween fare—action and humor balanced with heartwarming themes of forgiveness.

Teens (13+) 9/10
Entertaining for all ages; sparks meaningful conversations on family, loss, and belonging.

Parental Takeaway:
Lilo & Stitch (2025) delivers a predominantly clean, heartfelt adaptation, earning Dove Approved status and a mild Kids‑In‑Mind profile. Yet, Christian parents pursuing zero peril should note the near‑drowning scenes and volcano chaos. For most families, it’s a safe “ohana”‑themed ride—ideal for teaching grace, resilience, and the biblical truth that no one should ever feel left behind.

The Last Rodeo (2025)
Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Summary
​The Last Rodeo follows retired bull rider Joe Wainright (Neal McDonough) as he saddles back up in a high‑stakes competition to pay for his grandson’s surgery. Rated PG for thematic elements, mild profanity, and rodeo violence, the film depicts real‑world bull‑riding accidents, family conflict, and a single church prayer scene. Despite its heartwarming core, the presence of about 12 uses of “damn” and “hell” and two intense rodeo‑accident sequences earn it a “Not Dove Approved” designation for families seeking zero tolerance of profanity and realistic peril.

Synopsis
Joe Wainright, once a champion bull rider, has hung up his spurs—until his grandson’s medical bills force him back into the arena. Reuniting with loyal friend Charlie (Mykelti Williamson) and estranged daughter Sally (Sarah Jones), Joe confronts past regrets and the physical dangers of the sport. Through triumphs and setbacks, he discovers that true courage lies not in the ring but in sacrificial love for family.

Ratings & Parental Guidance
MPAA: PG for “thematic elements, mild profanity, and rodeo violence.”

Dove Foundation: Not Dove Approved – fails the clean‑language and minimal‑violence criteria.

Kids‑In‑Mind:

• Violence/Gore: 5/10 (two bull‑riding accidents with mild blood)
• Language: 2/10 (approximately 12 utterances of “damn” and “hell”)
  Common Sense Media: Recommended age 13+ for moderate thematic intensity and family conflict.

Content BreakdownViolence & Rodeo Action

• Two realistic bull‑riding accident scenes, featuring visible scrapes and brief spurts of blood.
• Tense but non‑physical family arguments.

Language & Profanity

• Roughly a dozen uses of “damn” and “hell” in moments of frustration.
• No use of God’s name in vain or stronger expletives.

Sexuality & Suggestiveness

• None—no romantic subplots or suggestive content.

Spiritual & Moral Themes

• A single, reverent church prayer scene underscores reliance on God.
• Joe’s journey prompts conversations about sacrifice, forgiveness, humility, and putting family first.

Age Appropriateness GradesAge GroupGrade (1–10)GuidanceUnder 101/10Rodeo risks and profanity make it unsuitable for young children.
10–123/10Moderate tension and language; preview and discuss before viewing.
13–155/10Tweens may handle it with parental context on safety and faith themes.
16+7/10Older teens can appreciate the drama; minimal discussion needed.

Parental TakeawayWhile The Last Rodeo offers a heartfelt story of family and resilience, its PG rating masks multiple instances of mild profanity and realistic rodeo danger that conflict with a zero‑tolerance faith standard. Parents of children under 13 should either skip this one or be prepared to pause frequently—turning each “damn” and every bull‑riding fall into teachable moments about faith, safety, and sacrificial love.

Summary
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is a bold, genre‑bending vampire musical set in 1932 Mississippi, earning an R from the MPAA for “strong bloody violence, sexual content and language” IMDb. According to Kids‑In‑Mind, it features graphic neck‑biting, ritual sacrifices, and approximately 30 uses of the F‑word alongside other profanity Kids-In-Mind.com. While its redemptive undercurrents and cultural allegory resonate on a spiritual level, the intensity of its horror, explicit language, and mature themes place it “Not Dove Approved” under The Dove Foundation’s stringent family criteria Dove.orgWikipedia. Christian parents seeking zero tolerance for curse words, gratuitous violence, or sexual content will find this film unsuitable for all but the most mature teens.

Parental Guidance RatingsMPAA (Motion Picture Association)

• Rating: R – “strong bloody violence, sexual content and language” IMDb

Dove Foundation

• Seal of Approval: Not Dove Approved Dove.org
• Content Grid (0–5 scale) Wikipedia
  • Faith: 1 (subtle spiritual themes)
  • Integrity: 2 (redemptive moments amid darkness)
  • Sexuality: 1 (sensual dance sequences, mild)
  • Language: 5 (≈30 F‑words, “damn,” “hell,” “son of a bitch”) Kids-In-Mind.com
  • Violence: 5 (graphic vampire attacks, ritual bloodshed) Roger Ebert
  • Drugs: 0
  • Nudity: 0
  • Other (Occult): 5 (vampirism as metaphor for systemic evil)

Content BreakdownViolence & Gore

• Graphic Horror: Multiple scenes of neck‑biting, ritual sacrifices, and blood‑soaked confrontations; intensity rated “Strong” by Kids‑In‑Mind Kids-In-Mind.com.
• Frightening Imagery: Demonic vampiric transformations and glowing red eyes underscore a sustained atmosphere of dread Roger Ebert.

Language & Profanity

• Strong Language: Approximately 30 instances of the F‑word, plus “damn,” “hell,” and one “son of a bitch” Kids-In-Mind.com.
• Coarse Humor: Dark jokes about “dancing with the devil” and temptation provide comic relief but clash with a clean‑language standard AP News.

Sexuality & Suggestiveness

• Sensuality: Brief, stylized dance sequences in dimly lit juke joints; no nudity or explicit sex scenes IMDb.

Supernatural & Moral Themes

• Redemption vs. Temptation: The twins’ battle with vampiric oppression serves as an allegory for greed and moral compromise, echoing Matthew 6:24 Screen Rant.
• Cultural Allegory: Vampires represent systemic injustice in 1930s Jim Crow America, prompting faith‑rooted discussions on social righteousness San Francisco Chronicle.

Age Appropriateness GradesGiven its R rating, Dove “Not Approved” status, and content grid scores, Sinners is unsuitable for children and most adolescents under 17:
Age GroupGrade (1–10)GuidanceUnder 131/10Intense horror, explicit language, and occult themes make it inappropriate for pre‑teens.

Teens (13–16) 2/10
Graphic violence and profanity; recommended only with thorough parental discussion.

17+ 6/10
Mature teens may engage with its allegory, but must brace for visceral horror and coarse dialogue.

Parental TakeawayWhile Sinners offers rich allegorical storytelling and a powerful redemptive arc, its graphic violence, excessive profanity, and occult imagery conflict with Christian families’ desire for clean, uplifting entertainment. Parents seeking faith‑friendly fare should reserve this for older teens only—and even then, prepare to pause, debrief, and frame its darkness against the light of the Gospel.

Downloadable Posters

1. Official Theatrical Poster (High‑Res)
2. Textless Variant (IMP Awards) Dove.org
3. Cinemark Release Poster (The Poster DB)

Summary“Faith in Focus Movie Review: Karate Kid – Legends” brings parents a warm, humorous guide to the franchise’s sixth film, balancing nostalgia with modern sensibilities. In Karate Kid – Legends, kung fu master Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and karate icon Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) unite to mentor prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) in New York City, delivering heartfelt lessons on resilience and character alongside high‑octane martial arts action People.com. While the intergenerational mentorship resonates with biblical values of wisdom and patience, families should note its PG‑13 rating for moderate violence, a sprinkling of coarse language, and themes of rivalry—topics perfect for teaching moments about self‑control and respect Rotten Tomatoes.

SynopsisAfter moving from Beijing to New York City, teenager Li Fong struggles to fit in until he crosses paths with local father Victor (Joshua Jackson) and veteran martial artists Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. When a local karate champion targets Li, the masters merge kung fu and Miyagi‑Do karate to train him for an epic tournament showdown—one that tests his courage, humility, and the value of mentorship People.com.

Cast & Backlinks

• Mr. Han: Jackie Chan The Guardian
• Daniel LaRusso: Ralph Macchio The Times
• Li Fong: Ben Wang The Guardian
• Victor: Joshua Jackson Rotten Tomatoes
• Official IMDb Page: Karate Kid: Legends IMDb
• Rotten Tomatoes: Karate Kid: Legends Rotten Tomatoes
• People.com Feature: “All About the Sixth ‘Karate Kid’ Film” People.com

Content BreakdownLanguage & Humor (2/10)

• Profanity: IMDb’s parental guide notes 3 uses of “damn” and “hell” in tense moments .
• Light Banter: Characters exchange respectful quips and a few playful jabs, reinforcing themes of humility over arrogance Rotten Tomatoes.

Violence & Action (5/10)

• Martial Arts: Multiple choreographed fight sequences—sparring in dojo, street‑corner scuffles, and tournament bouts—present stylized, non‑graphic combat Rotten Tomatoes.
• Intensity: Rated “Moderate” for action by Common Sense Media; no blood or severe injuries are shown People.com.

Sexuality & Suggestiveness (0/10)

• Clean Romance: Absent; focus remains on mentorship and family bonds without romantic subplots The Times.

​
Moral & Spiritual Themes (7/10)

• Mentorship & Character: Emphasizes patience, respect, and inner strength—core values mirrored in Proverbs 27:17 (“As iron sharpens iron…”), making it a springboard for discussing godly character The Guardian.
• Respecting Diversity: Showcases cultural integration between kung fu and karate traditions, encouraging conversations on unity and understanding The Times.

Age Appropriateness GradesAge GroupGrade (1–10)GuidanceUnder 63/10Brief martial arts moves and tense practice scenes may be too intense; watch together and pause for discussion.

Under 10
6/10
Clean language and non‑graphic action; ideal for sparking talks on respect and perseverance.

Under 13
8/10
Tweens will enjoy the action and moral lessons; plan a post‑movie chat on humility vs. pride.

Teens (13+)
9/10
Recommended for teens ready to explore themes of mentorship, identity, and cross‑cultural respect.

Parental Takeaway“Karate Kid – Legends” delivers a heartwarming blend of kick‑butt action and timeless life lessons, wrapped in a culturally rich package. Parents juggling screen time and character formation will appreciate its clean humor, moderate PG‑13 action, and opportunities to discuss godly virtues like humility, honor, and perseverance—making family movie night both fun and formative.

Downloadable Posters

1. Official Teaser Poster (IMP Awards)
2. German Teaser Poster (Filmposter‑Archiv)
3. 2048×1152 Wallpaper (HDQWalls)
4. KinoCheck Poster & Details