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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about ChristianityTodayMovies.com
Q. Why a Christian website about movies, anyway?
A. We address that on our mission statement and philosophy page.
Q. What do the star ratings mean?
A. We use a rating system from zero stars (worst) to four stars (best). The star rating is primarily a judgment on how well the film is made from an artistic and technical standpoint. The star rating is not an assessment of the film's "moral value," its "family-friendliness," or even whether it's recommended viewing. (Indeed, some films with high star ratings are not recommended viewing for any but the most discerning Christians.) Any concerns about a film's moral worldview and/or depictions of sin are generally addressed in the body of the review, and specifically in "The Family Corner" at the end of each review.
Q. Who decides the star rating on your movie reviews?
A. The critic who writes the review. The star rating is not a "consensus"—it's not the result of a vote among our staff or from readers. It is not unusual for our staff to disagree about a film's quality; one critic might give a film 3½ stars, and another give the same film 2 stars. So it's important to remember that a star rating—and indeed, the entire review—reflects the opinion of only one of our critics.
Q. Why do you review R-rated movies?
A. We review films that we think are important to the culture at large—and to Christians in particular—regardless of their MPAA rating. It's important to note that a review of a film does not necessarily equal a recommendation of the film or agreement with its message. If the film is a well-done work of art, we'll likely give it a high rating—even if, as Christians, we might not agree with its message or its content.
Q. How can you endorse a movie that depicts so much sin?
A. We do not "endorse" films. Our reviews are critiques by professional film critics who assess the film on a number of fronts, with the star rating primarily indicating how well a film is made artistically and technically. (See "What do the star ratings mean?" above). A high star rating only means that the film is well-made; it is not an "endorsement" or even necessarily a "recommendation." For further insight into our thinking on this matter, we highly recommend reading this commentary.
Q. How can you give a bad rating to a Christian movie that brings glory to God?
A. We are all for movies that bring glory to God, that communicate biblical truths, that depict the Christian faith accurately and sensitively. But we feel strongly that those things should be done with excellence. As film critics, we are first and foremost about finding movies that are well made from an artistic and technical standpoint. Some Christian films achieve this; some do not. Many Christian movies are made by inexperienced filmmakers who have good ideas and motives, but lack the finances and skill to make a top-notch film. Great movies are extremely difficult to make; in general, there are a lot more mediocre and bad movies than excellent ones—and that applies to mainstream movies as well as Christian ones. But we do appreciate the passion—and, generally, the motives—that drive Christian filmmakers. If we give a low rating to a Christian film, it's not because we don't appreciate those things; it's just that we have deemed the film lacking in artistic and/or technical excellence. For further insight into our thinking on this matter, we highly recommend reading this commentary.
Q. Can I review movies for you?
A. Probably not, because we have a full stable of professional critics. However, if you have a specific idea for a particular review, commentary, or other story, send a detailed query of your idea to ctmovies@christianitytoday.com.
Q. Can I get rich as a movie critic?
A. Ha!
Q. Do you cover stuff on TV?
A. Rarely, though we do occasionally write about movies that are made for TV or are first released to TV.
Q. Do you review children's videos, like VeggieTales?
A. No. We love VeggieTales and many other children's videos, but for now, we are pretty much limited to coverage of feature-length films and documentaries.
Q. I searched your archives, but I can't find a particular movie. Where is it?
A. Our archives are nothing close to exhaustive. We launched in February 2004, and Christianity Today magazine had only been reviewing films regularly, via "Film Forum," for several years before that. So our archives are mostly limited to movies released theatrically since 2001—and even then, we haven't covered nearly all of them. To check out films that aren't in our database, we recommend searching the reviews at Rotten Tomatoes.
Q. I've made a movie and I'd like you to review it. What do I do?
A. Do NOT send it to us unsolicited. Write us first (ctmovies@christianitytoday.com) and tell us about it, and we'll advise you from there. We cannot review every film, but we will give it due consideration.
Q. How do I advertise at Christianity Today Movies?
A. Click here to find out.
Q. Can I reprint one of your articles?
A. If it's for ministerial or educational purposes only and copied no more than 1,000 times, yes—just be sure to include the source. If it's for any other purpose—print or online—you must ask our permission first by writing ctmovies@christianitytoday.com. For a further explanation of our reprint policy, click here.
Q. I would like to interview one of your critics. How can I arrange that?
A. Contact us at ctmovies@christianitytoday.com. We'll work it out.
Q. Can you put me in touch with a certain actor/director/producer/whatever?
A. Probably not.
Q. Is Brad Pitt really all that handsome?
A. Probably. We've never met him. Nor Angelina. So don't even ask.
Q. Can you give me any advice on breaking into the movie industry?
A. Not really. But click here for a list of some organizations and agencies that might be helpful; Hollywood Connect is a pretty good place to start.
Q. How can I pray for Hollywood?
A. The Hollywood Prayer Network is a great place to start.
Q. Do I need permission to show movies or clips in church?
A. You need permission to show movies, even short clips. The licensing system works a lot like the CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) license many churches purchase in order to be able to print or project song lyrics. CCLI has partnered with Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) to offer a service especially for churches. Church Video Licensing International (CVLI) offers an "umbrella license" for an annual fee. You can show authorized titles from MPLC's long list of big studios (including Sony, Warner Brother, and Disney) and from a growing list of Christian movie producers. This license covers film showing as long as no admission fee is charged and the title is not advertised to the general public.
Licensing fees are based on church size. An average Sunday attendance of under 500 is $180/yr. Under a 1,000 is $240. Up to 1,500 is $350. Under 2,000 is $475. 3,000 and up is $600/yr. Smaller churches can license only the religious titles if they wish: $45 for churches with attendance under 100. $75 for under 200. Licenses can be granted over the phone. Contact CVSI at 1-888-771-2854—on the internet at http://www.cvli.org—or their sister organization, MPLC, 5455 Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066-6970. E-mail info@mplc.com or 310-822-8855 or 1-800-462-8855 or http://www.mplc.com.
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