"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed." - G.K. Chesterton

Movies shape more than behavior — they form the imagination, the moral compass, and the heart. Catholic parents are not merely protecting innocence; they are cultivating virtue and wonder. In this episode, we explore how stories shape our children, how to choose wisely, and how to use movies as part of a rich Catholic family culture. Jesus used stories to teach. So do we.

Here are four filters that parents can use to decide what movies to watch with their children:

1. Content – Surface-level: language, nudity, violence, disrespect.

   • Different for every family.

   • Talk about this with spouse

   • May change as the kids get older
     
     

2. Context / Theme–

   • Does it glorify sin, or does it show redemption?

   • Does this movie affirm the dignity of the human person?

   • What’s the movie saying about truth, identity, family, and faith?

   • Does it honor the sacrificial nature of love?

   • Does it support the family or undermine it?

   • Is faith treated with reverence, or ridicule?
     
     

3. Beauty

   • Is it ugly?is does it nourish the soul and imagination?

   • Is this edifying? Does it educate, challenge, or cause me to grow and bear good fruit?

4. Character Arc – Are the heroes virtuous? Are sinners redeemed?
   
   

5. Remember: It's not enough to avoid what is harmful. We must actively seek what is holy, good, and true.

🧰 Trusted Tools for Parents:

• IMDB parents guide - use this to search by adding your movie title
  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26743210/parentalguide/
  
  

• Common Sense Media — secular, but useful for content breakdowns.
  
  

• MovieGuide — faith-based reviews of current films.
  
  

• Catholic News Service Movie Reviews — Catholic perspective with theological commentary.
  
  

• Your Own Conscience — Don’t ignore the check in your spirit as a parent.