Wednesday, June 13, 2012

7 Wholesome Family Netflix Streaming Movies You Can't Miss


I love Netflix Instant Stream. In our home we've decided to forgo cable and just use Netflix. Pro tip: It's huge savings. We only pay $8 a month and get all the TV and movies we can handle. Doing without cable actually saves us enough money that we can support God's work with our tithe.

Anyway, this isn't a comercial for Netflix Streaming... because, like with everything, there is good and bad. Today I want to give you 7 wholesome Netflix movies. I encourage you to sit down with the fam, pop a bag of corn, sip a root beer, and enjoy (most of them).

The Pistol
Perfect for: Older elementary school through high school 
This is the true story of Pete "The Pistol" Maravich. He was one of the best players to ever dribble and shoot a basketball. The Pistol was the name given to him because of his strange, but accurate way of shooting from the hip. The movie takes you through many of his struggles in high school and all in all is an encouraging movie that will have you ready to take on the world. Be warned, your kids will be playing pretend basketball the whole next day... at least mine were.

Lord of the Beans
Perfect for: Young kids and parents
This one skews a little younger. What am I saying? It's Veggie Tales! Who doesn't love these incredible anthropomorphic vegetables? This movie isn't too long (51 minutes), but it's full of impact and speaks to kids on their level. There are also jokes for the adults, and the humor is completely clean. If you like The Lord of The Rings movies you'll think this parody is quite funny.

The Case For Christ
Perfect for: High school up to 120 years old
The Case for Christ The Film is an extremely compelling and well done documentary about the New York Times best selling book, The Case for Christ. You will be blown away by the story of Lee Strobal's conversion from devout atheist to follower of Christ. He presents the viewers with the same evidence that brought him to believe. Though it would probably fly over the heads of younger viewers it's a must see for high school and above.

Faith Like Potatoes
Perfect for: Middle school and up
Based on a true story this is one of the best examples of a good Christian movie I've seen. A white farmer who is weary of the conflict in Zambia, moves his family to South Africa, where they try to transform a bare plot of land into a working potato farm. As the farm transforms so does the family. There is heart break, miracles, and, well, a lot of faith. This movie will have you on an emotional roller coaster. Must see.

Fireproof
Perfect For: High school and above. This movie should be a requirement for all married couples.
If you and your spouse haven't seen this one, you need to. It's about bringing a marriage from the brink of destruction to making it fireproof. POWERFUL. I wept like a baby. In fact as I right this I'm welling up with tears. Kirk Cameron gives the best performance of his career. Just watch it already!


The End of The Spear
Perfect For: Middle School and Above
Christ told us to go out and make disciples... some people took him seriously. This is the story of a few of those people. Nait Saint, Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian had a passion to win the lost in the jungles of Ecuador. Things go very wrong, but end up very right. Be warned there are some intense scenes in here that younger viewer probably shouldn't see. Middle school and above will come to understand the strength of faith in Christ and the cost of obedience. This is a story of forgiveness in every sense of the word. After you've watched the movie also check out the documentary Beyond The Gates of Splendor.


The Passion of the Christ
WARNING RATED R
Perfect For: Older High School and Above.
This is a movie I have only seen once. It is visceral in its depiction of Christ's crucifixion. Everyone at some point should see this movie at least once. It will help you understand Christ's sacrifice for you. It is not enjoyable, but it is beneficial. It is beautifully shot, but it is horrific. For me it's right up there with Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List. You probably need to see them, but you won't want to go back. And that's how it should be.

QUESTION:
Do you have any other suggestions?