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So Who's Reviewing All Those Movies - And Why?
Phil Boatwright
Editor
Philosophy
"Your head is like a gas tank. You have to be really careful about what you
put in it, because it might just affect the whole system" (from the film
I've Heard the Mermaids Singing)
The motion-picture industry grossed over $9 billion last year. Even those
who do not attend movies are affected by their influence. The first step is to
view responsibly and to:
Know Before You Go.
For the past two decades I have been reviewing films from a family
perspective - offering synopsis and content so concerned parents can make an
informed decision as to the suitability of new releases. My guide, The
Movie Reporter, does not condemn nor recommend. I tell you what the
MPAA does not. Is there language? Sexual situations? Nudity? Blasphemy?
Extreme violence? Religion or racial bashing? If so, The Movie Reporter
will tell you.
WHAT MAKES HIM DIFFERENT?
In addition to the above, I suggest Video Alternatives:
films with the same theme or style as the new pictures, but without
objectionable material. The most endearing films, like Parables,
nourish the spirit as well as entertain. I delight in bringing such movies to
the attention of my readers/radio listeners. My mission is to serve the public
by providing a simple and informative tool.
“For several years, Phil has provided Baptist Press with a monthly column concerning the direction Hollywood is leading our culture and what we as Christians can do about it. The work is concise, informed, and well received.”
Will Hall – Vice President for News Services & Executive Editor for Baptist Press
WORK EXPERIENCE:
88- Present: Film Critic, The Movie Reporter (C.C. Publications).
Administer film and television criticism responsibilities for national
publication, including film criticism, writing, research, copy editing, ad
copy, and motion picture marketing personnel interaction. Also provides film
content information and developed "Video Alternatives" idea (recommendations
on similar - though improved - films with similar plot lines). Reviews are
collectively published in The Movie Reporter: How To Choose a Good Video Every
Time.Author of book, MOVIES: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE REALLY, REALLY BAD.
Aug ’99 – Nov ’00
West Coast Entertainment Editor for The Dove Foundation – Provided
Theatrical reviews, TV film reviews and mini series, plus a monthly column through Dove for ibelieve.com. I
now provide the same service for crosswalk.com (beginning March 2001)
Have Reviewed for:
I have written on a regular basis for: Living With Teenagers, Parent life,
Clifton News Tribune, The Master's Community Magazine, Dallas-Fort Worth
Heritage, St. Louis Metro Voice, Tri-State Voice, San Antonio Voice, Harvest
Voice, Central New York Metro Voice, The Communicant, Today's Christian
Single...I have reviewed for several publications, including: Family Life,
Baptist Press, The Christian Single, The Christian Edge, The Kansas Christian,
Christianity On Line, Dr. Laura’s Perspective.
95-00
Radio review program on KDAR, Oxnard, CA.
97-00
Film critic for Larry Burkett's Money Watch (airs on 180 radio
stations) & Money Matters (airs on 319 radio
stations)
81- 87
Film & TV critic for CTVN, a monthly TV guide with a circulation of
50,000 (6 years)
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Television Acting & Appearances: acted in numerous television programs,
including "The Golden Girls," "Dynasty," "General Hospital," "Days of Our
Lives," and "Generations" as well as many independent and industrial films and
commercials. - Stage Acting: has performed in summer stock, dinner theater,
and community productions since the age of 12.- Film Production: handled wide
variety of film production duties for Vision House Films, including writing,
second unit direction, and casting.
WHY I DO WHAT I DO…
Movies can combine the ultimate expressions of joy and sadness, of nobility and fear, of love and hate, of passion and romance, and of hope and faith. They are modern man’s medium for relating parables to the masses. Certainly, there is a plethora of films containing little or no redeeming value, but let’s not discount the cinematic treasures that overflow with spiritually rewarding messages (DEAD MAN WALKING, SCHINDLER’S LIST, CHARIOTS OF FIRE).
That said, every time we search for a movie we’re given an opportunity to resonate our regard for the Creator and signal our faith following. This website is meant to aid concerned moviegoers by providing a balanced view of Hollywood’s cultural impact and by sprinkling meditative scripture amid a movie buff’s appreciative view of the art form.
I find it a bit foreshadowing that in Ephesians 6:12, Satan is referred to as “the prince of the power of the air.” Ever since the Garden of Eden, the soul of man has been under attack. But at no other time in mankind’s evolution has God’s written direction been so disavowed by such powerful mediums as television and the motion picture. The truth is, Satan governs much of the airways – and most of what appears on little pieces of celluloid.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians the apostle instructs, “Put on the full armor of God…” Isn’t that instruction just as applicable to how we entertain ourselves as to how we conduct the rest of our lives?
It is my sincerest desire that my work be a fun, informative read and I pray it will serve you when searching for your family’s movie choices.
Phil Boatwright
Please pray for those of us who review movies from a Christian perspective. We are trying to glorify the Lord and serve the Body of Christ. Pray for our provision and that the Holy Spirit will direct us. Thanks.
© 1998 - 2010 CC Publications
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