Watching a movie together is a chance to create a terrific family memory. Movies have the ability to transport us to different time periods, different countries and even to the future. They fill us with a wide array of emotions, teach us valuable lessons and force us to ask questions about things we may never have considered. Movie watching creates community. It is a shared experience that leads to conversation and discussion and allows us to think about significant issues in a new light. Movies offer an opportunity to expose kids to new ideas in a safe environment where their thoughts and questions can be discussed. Movies offer an opportunity to discuss your faith and help kids learn to discern whether themes they’re watching reflect Christian faith or not.

That’s what Reel Family Time is all about. Reel Family Time is an opportunity for families to share in the experience of watching a movie together with the intention of engaging in a discussion about the movie later that day or week.

Following are a few quick questions to prompt a conversation after watching a movie together with your kids. Movies might open up conversation about big themes like friendship, courage, grief, life, faith, identity, purpose and so much more. We have also created several movie specific discussion guides that you can find here.

Which of the characters did you like best? Why?

Which of the characters did you like least? Why?

What feelings did you experience in this movie?

What character displayed a characteristic you admire? What characteristic and why?

What do you think this movie is about?

I wonder what questions you have after watching this movie?

If you had the chance to ask any of the characters a question, what you ask?

Would you recommend this movie to your friends? Why or why not?