Movie Reviews: The Ultimate Guide to Christian Movie Reviews – Everything You Need Before Family Movie Night (Elio, Moana, and More)

Category: Movie Reviews

Family movie night is supposed to be fun, not a stress test. You queue up what looks like a great film, the kids are finally settled with their snacks, and then boom, unexpected language, a scene that makes everyone uncomfortable, or themes that just don't line up with what you're teaching at home.

Sound familiar?

As Christian families, we want entertainment that builds up rather than tears down. We're looking for stories that inspire, encourage, and reflect values we actually believe in. But with new releases dropping constantly, from animated adventures like Elio and Moana 2 to superhero reboots like Superman and nostalgic remakes like Lilo & Stitch, how do we know what's actually safe before hitting play?

That's exactly what this guide is for. Let's walk through what to watch for in Christian movie reviews, plus specific breakdowns of the biggest family films on everyone's radar right now.

What Makes a Good Christian Movie Review?

Before we dive into specific movies, here's what every solid Christian movie review should give you:

A Clear Content Breakdown – You need to know exactly what you're walking into. How many curse words? Any sexual content or innuendo? Violence or scary scenes? A good review counts this stuff so there are no surprises.

Theme Analysis – Beyond surface content, what messages is the movie actually sending? Does it promote selflessness, courage, and faith, or does it glorify revenge, materialism, or rebellion without consequence?

Age Appropriateness – Just because a movie is animated doesn't mean it's for toddlers. Reviewers should help you gauge which age group will benefit most from (or be protected from) the content.

A Christian Safety Rating – Think of it like a report card for parents. A quick 1-5 star system helps you decide at a glance if this is a "yes," "maybe," or "hard pass" for your household.

Now let's apply that lens to some of the hottest releases families are asking about.

Elio (2025) – Christian Safety Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Pixar's Elio tells the story of a young boy who gets mistakenly beamed up to space and becomes Earth's unlikely ambassador to an intergalactic council. It's quirky, heartfelt, and full of that signature Pixar charm.

Content Concerns:

• Mild language: 1-2 uses of "crap" or "butt"

• No sexual content

• Minor peril/scary moments (alien creatures, space danger)

• One brief bathroom humor joke

Themes Worth Celebrating: This film does a beautiful job celebrating the underdog. Elio doesn't fit in on Earth, but in space, his differences become his superpower. The story champions courage, authenticity, and the idea that God made each of us with unique gifts: even when we feel out of place.

Parents will appreciate the positive portrayal of a close mother-son relationship and the emphasis on doing the right thing even when you're terrified.

Bottom Line:Elio is a win for most Christian families. It's fun, emotionally intelligent, and a great springboard for conversations about identity and bravery. Kids ages 6+ should be fine, though younger ones might find a few space scenes intense.

Moana 2 (2024) – Christian Safety Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Disney's sequel brings Moana back for another ocean adventure, this time assembling a crew to explore uncharted waters and reconnect isolated island communities.

Content Concerns:

• No profanity

• No sexual content or romance

• Moderate action sequences (storms, sea creatures)

• Spiritual/mythological elements (Polynesian gods and legends)

Themes Worth Celebrating: The original Moana celebrated calling, courage, and restoration: and the sequel doubles down. Moana's journey reflects the biblical call to be a light to the nations, bringing people together and restoring what was broken. Her leadership, humility, and willingness to risk everything for others are all qualities Christian parents can affirm.

The Spiritual Element: Here's where discernment comes in. The Polynesian mythology (demigods, ocean spirits) is woven throughout. Some families are comfortable viewing these as cultural storytelling, while others prefer to skip films with non-Christian spiritual themes. Either way, it's a great chance to talk with your kids about the difference between myth and the one true God.

Bottom Line:Moana 2 is visually stunning, musically rich, and thematically strong. If your family enjoyed the first film, you'll likely love this one. Best for ages 5+.

Superman (2025) – Christian Safety Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

James Gunn's reboot of the Man of Steel aims to bring hope and heroism back to the superhero genre. Early footage suggests a more grounded, heartfelt take on Clark Kent's journey to become Earth's protector.

Content Concerns:

• Mild to moderate language: Expect 3-5 uses of mild profanity ("hell," "damn")

• Intense action violence (punches, explosions, building destruction)

• No sexual content expected

• Themes of sacrifice and moral responsibility

Themes Worth Celebrating: Superman has always functioned as a Christ-like figure in pop culture: the alien sent to Earth, raised by humble parents, who sacrifices himself to save humanity. This version appears to lean into that symbolism, emphasizing hope, truth, and selfless love.

The challenge? Superhero films often glorify power and vengeance. Early reports suggest this version focuses more on Clark's internal struggle to do good in a cynical world: which is a refreshing angle.

Bottom Line:Superman could be a solid pick for families with teens who can handle action violence and appreciate deeper themes. Younger kids (under 10) might find it too intense. Wait for full reviews to confirm content before taking the whole family.

The Minecraft Movie (2025) – Christian Safety Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Based on the massively popular video game, The Minecraft Movie follows a group of misfits who must work together to save the blocky world from a mysterious threat.

Content Concerns:

• Minimal language: Likely 1-2 mild words

• Cartoonish action (block-based combat, no gore)

• No sexual content

• Mild scary moments (monsters, Ender Dragon)

Themes Worth Celebrating: Minecraft is all about creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. The film appears to celebrate teamwork, resourcefulness, and standing up for your community. It's also a story about unlikely heroes: ordinary people (or players) who rise to the challenge when it matters most.

For Christian families, there's a lot to love here: building, creating, protecting, and working together reflect God's design for community and stewardship.

Bottom Line: This one's a safe bet for almost everyone. Kids who love the game will geek out, and parents will appreciate the positive messages. Ages 5+ should be fine.

Lilo & Stitch (Live-Action Remake, 2025) – Christian Safety Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Disney's live-action take on the beloved 2002 animated film brings the story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her chaotic alien "dog" to life with real actors and CGI.

Content Concerns:

• No profanity expected

• No sexual content

• Mild sci-fi action (alien experiments, chases)

• Emotional themes (loss, abandonment)

Themes Worth Celebrating: Lilo & Stitch is ultimately about ohana: family. It's a story about brokenness, belonging, and the power of unconditional love. Lilo is grieving her parents, Nani is overwhelmed trying to keep them together, and Stitch is a destructive experiment who learns what it means to be loved.

For Christian families, the redemption arc is beautiful. Stitch is literally designed for destruction, but love transforms him. That's the gospel in a nutshell.

Bottom Line: If the live-action version stays true to the original, this will be a tearjerker and a win. Perfect for families with kids ages 6+. Be ready for conversations about grief and what family really means.

How to Use Christian Movie Reviews in Real Time

Here's the thing: movies are released faster than most of us can keep up. So how do you stay ahead of the game?

Bookmark Trusted Review Sites – Resources like Plugged In, Movieguide, and Cinema Faith offer detailed, faith-focused breakdowns of new releases. Make it a habit to check reviews before movie night.

Check the Rating: and Then Dig Deeper – A PG rating doesn't always mean "safe," and a PG-13 doesn't always mean "bad." Read the specifics so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

Watch the Trailer Together – Previews often reveal tone, humor, and themes. If something feels off in the trailer, trust your gut.

Have a Post-Movie Conversation – Even "clean" movies can include worldviews or messages that need unpacking. Ask your kids: What did you think? What was the main message? Did anything surprise you or make you uncomfortable?

Takeaway / Next Step

Family movie night doesn't have to be a gamble. With the right tools and trusted Christian movie reviews, you can confidently choose films that entertain, inspire, and align with the values you're raising your kids to live by.

Whether you're geeking out over Minecraft, singing along to Moana 2, or introducing your kids to Lilo & Stitch for the first time, the key is being intentional. Do the homework, ask the questions, and create space for conversations that matter.

Because at the end of the day, entertainment isn't just about filling time: it's about shaping hearts. And that's something worth being picky about.

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Want more family-friendly content, faith-based resources, and honest movie reviews? Head over to laynemcdonald.com for articles, guides, and tools to help your family grow in faith and navigate culture with confidence.

Looking for community and encouragement? Check out Boundless Online Church for online services, Bible studies, and a community of believers walking this journey together.

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