Series Introduction TL;DR
The “Why We Review” series explains why different media types require specialized evaluation for Christian families. Each format—visual, printed, audio, interactive, digital, cultural, and miscellaneous—creates unique influences through distinct psychological mechanisms, consumption patterns, and family integration methods.
Additionally, I’ve included posts on specific mediums – for instance “books” in particular – and content types – like “educational content” – for additional information. Understanding these differences helps families make informed decisions that support rather than undermine biblical values, character development, and healthy relationships.
This comprehensive approach recognizes that thoughtful media engagement requires format-specific wisdom rather than one-size-fits-all evaluation.
Posts in the “Why We Review” Series
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Why We Review What We Review
It takes time and effort to set up this site properly, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and looks appealing. Additionally, creating thoughtful and thorough reviews for a variety of media types and content requires careful analysis and dedication. To help explain the motivations behind my work and provide some insight into the process, I’ve started this blog series. Through these posts, I hope to share more about why I do what I do and the…
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Why We Review Educational Content
Our Approach to Learning Media Evaluation for Christian Families Published: June 2025 | Reading Time: 7 minutes | Methodology Explanation “Isn’t educational content automatically good for families? If it’s teaching something, why does it need the same scrutiny as entertainment media?” This assumption—that anything labeled “educational” is automatically beneficial and family-appropriate—reflects one of the most
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Why We Review Miscellaneous Media
In today’s post I answer the question “Why do you review miscellaneous media?” Through answering this question I reveal how visual storytelling in comics engages multiple brain systems simultaneously for stronger memory formation, how magazines benefit from print credibility that reduces critical evaluation of lifestyle advice, and why routine consumption of “casual” media creates more cumulative influence than dramatic one-time entertainment, among other surprising conclusions. Come join me as I cite the research behind our…
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Why We Review Art & Culture Media
In today’s post I answer the question “Why do you review art and culture media?” Through answering this question I reveal how institutional authority leads families to assume content neutrality while reducing critical evaluation, how aesthetic beauty makes embedded philosophical messages feel more credible and appealing, and why one-time cultural experiences create lasting memories that influence thinking for years, among other surprising conclusions. Come join me as I cite the research behind our methodology and…
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Why We Review Digital Media
In today’s post I answer the question “Why do you review digital media?” Through answering this question I reveal how recommendation algorithms gradually shift family preferences without conscious awareness, how platforms use psychological manipulation techniques to maximize engagement over user well-being, and why personalized content creates more powerful behavioral influence than generic entertainment, among other surprising conclusions. Come join me as I cite the research behind our methodology and explain why it’s so crucial to…
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Why We Review Interactive Media
In today’s post I answer the question “Why do you review interactive media?” Through answering this question I reveal how active participation creates deeper learning and behavior change than passive consumption, how reward systems use psychological conditioning to shape real-world decision-making patterns, and why repeated practice in games builds neural pathways that influence family relationships and moral reasoning, among other surprising conclusions. Come join me as I cite the research behind our methodology and explain…
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Why We Review Audio Media
In today’s post I answer the question “Why do you review audio media?” Through answering this question I reveal how music and podcasts create direct emotional connections that bypass rational analysis, how repetitive listening builds deeper mental pathways than movies watched once, and why multitasking during audio consumption makes families vulnerable to influence when critical thinking is reduced, among other surprising conclusions. Come join me as I cite the research behind our methodology and explain…
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Why We Review Visual Media
In today’s post I answer the question “Why do you review visual media?” Through answering this question I reveal how visual content bypasses rational thinking through emotional manipulation, how algorithms actively curate what families see without their awareness, and why passive consumption makes problematic messages slip past critical defenses, among other surprising conclusions. Come join me as I cite the research behind our methodology and explain why it’s so crucial to analytically consider visual media…
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Why We Review Printed Media
In today’s post I answer the question “Why do you review printed media?” Through answering this question I reveal how books require marathon-level mental engagement that creates deeper character influence than any other media, how the “educational assumption” leads families to trust problematic content simply because it’s published, and why different formats like audiobooks and graphic novels create entirely distinct reading experiences, among other surprising conclusions. Come join me as I cite the research behind…
How many reviewers do you have? Do you watch everything multiple times?
Currently, I am the only one reviewing. I combine my own opinion, reviews from other sites, and AI assistance to compile the full review. I then update it as needed based on the comments I receive.
Will you review books too, or just visual media?
Yes I will and have. Check out this blog post about our printed book reviews: Why We Review Printed Media
What’s your process for rating something when Christians disagree about it?
This is a great question, and I have answered this and more questions on our About Us page here
How far back do you plan to go with classic films? So many we’re rediscovering!
It really depends on requests and public demand. As you say, there are so many out there; as well as modern ones-and other forms of media. So much so that it comes down to time management and giving the people what they want. 🙂
Let me know by submitting a request here.
Do you take review requests? My kids are obsessed with a series I can’t find info on.
Absolutely! You can submit review requests here: Contact Us
How often do you update reviews if content changes (like streaming edits)?
I don’t currently plan to update past reviews unless someone requests it. However, having a system in place for updating reviews of ongoing media, like streaming shows or book series, is a good idea.
If there’s a current series you think needs an update, please feel free to request one on the contact page.
What about content in other languages? We watch a lot of foreign films with our kids.
Yes, I have a review for Les Miserables that was done in French and am happy to do others as well. If there is one in particular, just leave a request on our contact page.
Been following since you started. Quality just keeps getting better!
The way you connect content to timeless principles is brilliant. Our kids are learning to think critically.
Do you have plans to review video games? That’s where we struggle most.
Thank you for your question. Yes, we do have some plans to expand into that area in the future. What type of video games would you like reviews on? Or is there one in particular that you are looking for?
How do you decide which adaptations get full reviews vs. just comparison posts?
It depends on the time and public demand right now. If there’s a specific one you’d like a full review of after seeing a comparison, please comment on that post asking for the full review. I’ll do my best to get it done for you!
Would love to see reviews of educational content and documentaries. Any plans for that?
Yes, we have done some documentaries, but we also have plans for more in the future. These upcoming projects are aimed at exploring a variety of interesting topics that we believe will engage our audience. We are constantly researching new ideas and gathering inspiration to ensure our documentaries are both informative and captivating. If there are any specific subjects or themes that you would like to see covered, please feel free to share your requests with us. Any that you have requests for?
Your approach to ‘red button topics’ is exactly what Christian families need – information without agenda.
Not Christian, but your moral analysis is so thoughtful. We use your reviews all the time!
The discussion guides have sparked some of our best family conversations. Thank you!
I love that you explain WHY something might be concerning instead of just saying ‘bad content.’
Your Star Wars: High Republic overview was incredibly thorough. Helped us decide which books to start with.
The ‘Quick Take’ sections are perfect for busy parents. I can decide in 30 seconds if I need to read more.
Sharing this with our entire congregation. The balanced approach is refreshing.
As someone raising kids in a multicultural household, I appreciate how you handle cultural elements respectfully.
Your Matrix franchise analysis saved us from a really awkward situation with our teens. Thank you!
Love that you don’t just focus on what’s wrong but highlight discussion opportunities. So much more helpful!
The detailed content breakdowns help me preview things before family movie night. Game changer!
Thank you for the universal moral language approach. As a Catholic family, we appreciate reviews that let us apply our own framework.
Bookmarking this immediately. Your age-specific guidance is SO helpful for our multi-age family.
The way you handle adaptations is brilliant. We had no idea how much the 2017 Beauty and the Beast changed until we read your comparison.
Finally! A review site that doesn’t talk down to parents or assume we all have the same standards.
As a youth pastor, I’m recommending this site to all our families. The discussion guides are incredible resources.
This is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for! So tired of reviews that either panic about everything or ignore real concerns entirely.