Qualities of a Good Movie : HopeStreamRadio

Qualities of a Good Movie

What are the qualities of a good movie? People have a broad range of opinions about this so Steph Nickel shares her viewpoint.

What about you? What do you think are important factors for Christian movie watchers? Do you have a list of qualities of a good movie? Share your comment below, or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.

What Makes a Good Movie?

Ask a group of Christians what they think qualifies as a good movie, and the answers will vary—widely.

When our church’s mission committee tried to come to a consensus about what movie to show for a family fellowship night, we ran into a number of challenges. Should we show a Christian movie such as Miracle from Heaven or I Can Only Imagine?

How closely did the film have to correspond to our church’s theological stand? Who exactly was our target audience?

Would young children be interested in a movie created for an older audience?

Disney Classics

One lady suggested we show a Disney classic such as Mary Poppins. She felt it might appeal to the seniors for nostalgic reasons and might keep children entertained as well.

The members of my family are fans of newer Disney movies, cartoons and CG (computer graphics) films created to appeal to a younger audience but written to appeal to adults. As I mentioned previously, my hubby and I went to the theatre to see Incredibles 2 while we were vacationing in the Maritimes this summer.

The concern was raised that, if a movie was to be shown in the church, it should have a message—a moral to the story as it were.Others felt the fun and fellowship was enough.

In the end, we decided not to hold a movie night—at least not in the foreseeable future.

What Are the Qualities of a Good Movie?

What do I consider a good movie?

Personally, my taste in movies is as eclectic as my taste in books.

I enjoy some of the animated and live action versions of Disney films such as the classic Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella.

I also enjoy many of the more modern Disney films such as Frozen and Big Hero 6.

I like several fantasy and science fiction movies. My husband and I grew up watching the original Star Trek.

I enjoy much that qualifies as action-adventure.

I am a fan of many, but definitely not all, of the Marvel movies, which are a combination of genres. The personal interaction between characters, the gamut of emotions, the seat-of-your-chair action sequences, and so many other elements are why I enjoy many of the films in The Avengers franchise.

And while drama is not my go-to genre, there are several I’ve enjoyed, most recently The Case for Christ, which my husband and I watched on Netflix.

Christian Drama

Because drama is not at the top of my list, I’ve often avoided Christian movies, but recently, I’ve been increasingly impressed with the story and the acting. And when these elements are strong, I don’t find the lower production budget distracting.

No matter what genre—whether live action, animation, or a combination of the two—there are some things I look for in every movie I watch:

The interaction between characters. I’m all about relationships.Do I care about the characters? Do they seem real to me? Can I relate to them in some way?

Do I feel as if I’ve been plunged into the middle of their story from the first few moments?

A Little Comic Relief

And although not absolutely necessary, I enjoy a little comic relief from time to time, especially if the subject matter is particularly intense.

Did the film make me laugh out loud or sob like a baby? Either reaction may very well be a good sign that I would recommend the movie to others.

What are some of the elements that I would warn others about even if I enjoyed a particular movie?

There are believers who are sensitive to any swearing, violence, or sexual content. Others do not like movies that cast dispersions on the Christian faith. Others are opposed to specific genres, such as fantasy and science fiction.

When sharing my perspective on something I’ve seen, I like to give others as much information as possible to make an informed decision.

Elements of a Good or Bad Movie

Despite my eclectic tastes, there are things I don’t tolerate well, things I find it difficult to overlook. What elements would make me select something different at home or, possibly, walk out of the theatre?

Excessive foul language, in particular, taking the Lord’s name in vain. And, like many people, there are certain words I find particularly distasteful.

Graphic violence and sexuality. I’m not a fan of most boxing and war movies for example.

Plus, I’m not interested in “going passed the bedroom door” as it were.

No matter what movies we choose to watch, as in all things, may we seek to honour the Lord.

Steph Nickel

Stephanie is a freelance writer and a contributor to our Christian internet radio station, HopeStreamRadio. Read and hear more from Steph Nickel on the contributor’s page or at Steph Nickel’s Eclectic Interests.

Stephanie’s show, “Family Life Lessons,” airs from Monday to Friday on HopeStreamRadio.