Add your input to a growing conversation about media violence, film ratings and other topical discussions that have your family and kids in mind.

Summer Movies 2013 »

The summer movie season is here and filmmakers anxiously wait to see which of the proffered titles will turn into box office gold. For families looking for entertainment and an opportunity to escape to a cool, dark theater, here is a look at what you can expect to find in 2013:

Mother’s Day Movies »

Flowers, perfume, hand drawn pictures—and sometimes even pots and pans, are all ways we try to say, "Thanks Mom." Yet these things are mere trinkets when compared to a mother’s gifts of hard work, endless love, and patient faith that someday we’ll amount to something.

Pain & Gain: Why Has Crime Become So Funny? »

Pain & Gain stars Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson as two steroid-using gym rats that turn to extortion, kidnapping and torture and is rated R for bloody violence among other things. Unfortunately this script isn’t solely the imagination of some Hollywood scriptwriter searching the dark regions of his or her psyche. It’s… read more »

MPAA Unveils a New ‘Check The Box’ Campaign »

MPAA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd unveiled the organization’s new “Check the Box” campaign designed to help parents better understand and use the rating system. Dodd introduced the campaign in Las Vegas at the annual convention for the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) along with NATO President John Fithian.… read more »

Are R-ratings or Poor Quality to Blame for Box Office Woes »

Universal chairman Adam Fogelson is challenging studios to rethink release dates for their movies. While summer has long been the season for big blockbusters to make their way into theaters, Fogelson recently urged moviemakers to consider releasing their movies any time of the year. He cited the success of movies like “Fast & Furious”… read more »

Media Effects: Same Sex Marriage »

A poll released today from Ipsos MediaCT TV Dailies Study indicates how television has worked to influence public opinion on same sex marriage. Below is the text from the Ipsos media release:

Britain’s Iron Lady Dies at 87 »

Margaret Thatcher, the formidable force in British politics, passed away today after suffering a stroke. The outspoken and determined public servant grew up in a home above one of her father’s grocery stores. But her humble beginnings and the fact that she was a female didn’t deter her from seeking the United Kingdom’s highest elected… read more »

Roger and Me—My Personal Lesson From Mr. Ebert »

It’s been a busy day. Thursdays often are. They are the days we compile print reviews and broadcast segments as we prepare for Friday—the day on which 99% of movies release to theaters. Now it’s 10 PM and I realize that there is still one thing I need to do and that is to take a few minutes and not only recognize the loss of our… read more »

World Loses a Great Critic »

Roger Ebert, the outspoken and enthusiastic film critic with the trademark thumbs up or thumbs down that influenced generations of film goers, has died at age 70. The former Chicago Sun-Times reporter thrust film criticism into the forefront of American culture, informing audiences with his honest and often thought-provoking reviews.

In 2002,… read more »

Easter Movie Ideas »

Whether you are looking for a deep personal religious experience, a solid egg of inspiration, or something as sweet and light as a chocolate bunny, we hope you find something in our basket of Easter movie suggestions that will suit your family’s taste.

Parents Beware: “Spring Breakers” Ain’t No High School Musical Remake »

Why am I not surprised? Because in my 30-plus years of working in media I’ve seen it time and time again—child and teen stars go off the deep end once they enter adulthood and some eager agent/producer/director or even (sadly) their parents are all too keen to have them cash in on the latest raunchy, edgy “new thing.”

Rise of the Guardians Goes Downloadable Before Coming Out On Disc »

Dreamworks is experimenting with what will undoubtedly be the future of Hollywood home video releases. With it’s beautiful animation Rise of the Guardians the studio is releasing the downloadable version of the movie this week on services like iTunes. Meanwhile those… read more »

R Doesn’t Always Rule at the Oscars »

When it comes to the Oscars, R-rated movies may seem more likely to triumph with six of the last Best Picture winners flaunting the higher rating. But movies with lower ratings haven’t been overlooked. While most of them have come with a PG-13 rating, a few PG films and even one G-rated movie have seen their way onto the ballot for an Academy… read more »

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Academy Awards Nominees for 2013 »

They gush and smile as they sashay down the red carpet in yet another fashion piece. If they win, they thank their agent, their director and sometimes their mother. But everyone knows the stars have their eyes on the BIG ONE. And by the big one I mean the Academy… read more »

Cuddle up with one of these classic romance movies »

Tired of vampires (Twilight) and zombies (Warm Bodies)  as the only option for a love interest? Maybe this year it’s time to push aside current offerings in favor of a classic romance movie.

2013 Academy Awards Nominees »

The Academy Awards has issued its nominations for the best movies of 2012. Find out who will win the Oscar at the 85th Annual Academy Awards, held February 24, 2013. The show will run on the ABC network at 7PM Eastern / 4PM Pacific.

2013: And the winners are: »

The Broadcast Film Critics, 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards were handed out on January 10, 2013. Here are the films and actors that won best in their categories:

Critics’ Choice Nominations for Best Animation of 2012 »

Parents often seek out animated features when looking for films they can share with their children. While not all of the titles below are the best choice for family audiences, the Broadcast Film Critics Association did nominate them as the six Best Animated movies of 2012.

Critics’ Choice Awards 2013 »

The Broadcast Film Critics’ Association has nominated the following titles in their “Best” movies of 2012 categories.The winners of each of these three categories (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress)  will receive a Critics’ Choice Award.

Action Movies Earn a Spot at the Critics Choice Awards »

Action movies rarely earn Best Picture honors during Hollywood’s award season. But this year, for its 18th annual Critics Choice Awards show, the Broadcast Film Critics Association shook up the ballot, adding several new… read more »