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Plugged In Entertainment Reviews

Focus on the Family·1000 episodes

KidsFamilyParentingTvFilmShort reviewsParent-focusedChristian perspectiveDailyStandalone episodesFamily media guide

Take a minute to hear a family-friendly review of the hottest movie, YouTube video, streaming series, video game, or new technology to help you decide if it’s a good choice for your kids and family. Hosted by Focus on the Family’s media and culture analysts, these reviews for parents offer a fresh Christian perspective on entertainment from a Biblical worldview.

Why listen

Plugged In Entertainment Reviews gives parents quick, practical guidance before a movie night, streaming binge, game purchase, or screen-time conversation. Each short review from Focus on the Family's media and culture analysts flags content concerns and family themes through a Christian lens, making it especially useful for parents who want a fast gut check without a long discussion.

Episodes

1 min
Jun 3, 2026
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.

1 min
Jun 2, 2026
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.

1 min
Jun 1, 2026
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.

2 min
May 29, 2026
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.

1 min
May 27, 2026
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.

1 min
May 26, 2026
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.

1 min
May 25, 2026
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.

1 min
May 24, 2026
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.

2 min
May 21, 2026
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.

1 min
May 20, 2026
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.

1 min
May 19, 2026
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.

1 min
May 18, 2026
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.

2 min
May 15, 2026
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.

1 min
May 14, 2026
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.

1 min
May 13, 2026
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.

1 min
May 12, 2026
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.

1 min
May 11, 2026
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.

2 min
May 8, 2026
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.

1 min
May 7, 2026
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.

1 min
May 6, 2026
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.

1 min
May 5, 2026
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.

1 min
May 4, 2026
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.

2 min
May 1, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 30, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 29, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 28, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 27, 2026
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.

2 min
Apr 24, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 23, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 22, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 21, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 20, 2026
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.

2 min
Apr 17, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 16, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 14, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 13, 2026
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.

2 min
Apr 10, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 9, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 8, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 7, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 6, 2026
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.

2 min
Apr 3, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 2, 2026
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.

1 min
Apr 1, 2026
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.

1 min
Mar 31, 2026
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.

1 min
Mar 30, 2026
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.

2 min
Mar 27, 2026
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.

1 min
Mar 26, 2026
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.

1 min
Mar 25, 2026
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.

1 min
Mar 24, 2026
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.