With film being one of the most powerful cultural influences in America, we Christians cheat ourselves and limit our opportunities to witness to the culture when we label all movies as either "completely corrupt" or as "harmless entertainment." The one stance thoroughly excludes a possible source of greater understanding; the other allows ungodly values to freely enter our hearts. What we need is the balance discernment provides.

A film not made solely by or about Christians can still be uplifting and connect with us spiritually—as long as it conveys truth with cinematic excellence. Yet many of us are unequipped to determine which movies meet that qualification. That's why we need the right tools. With them we can shift to the offensive and intentionally evaluate and discuss how a movie illustrates God's truth.

In this book, two media experts offer you those tools. Using a wide range of examples from throughout cinematic history, they explain how a film is created, what the story line means for its effectiveness, and how films impact our kids. In learning to better understand the movies and unpack their images, you'll not only gain an informed discernment for yourself, but more importantly, help your children, friends, and the unsaved come to view Hollywood's messages more critically and more carefully.

Part of the Focal Point series.