21 of the Best PG Rated Movies: Streaming Series Summer 2023 (Part 1)

June 1, 2023 by Mark Eckel

Before I even begin the list, I’ve got to tell you about Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories from 1985-86. You can purchase these (45, 23-minute episodes, 2 seasons) for $20 each (digital) season. Seriously, I still remember some of these stories to this day. “The Mission” teaches the (fantasy) power of imagination. But, if you just want the best of them all, you can try these out for $2 apiece. “Mummy Daddy” still makes me laugh. And then there is “Family Dog,” the only animated episode of them all. What a hoot! Like all episodic series, some are better than others (most are rated PG). And I just “put my money where my mouth is” and bought both seasons. [Also note, these are only available in SD, which means that the pixilation and screen size is from 1985 television, but it views just fine. But it’s the story that counts!] Okay. Now “on with the show” (as they used to say!)

The Sting – I’ve mentioned this movie before and will say again, this PG offering is something close to perfection.

That Thing You Do (Tom Hanks, writer, director) is a fun, nostalgic, jazz-filled, great-casted, energetic, wonderful sense of Americana. Highly recommended.

Home Alone – nothing beats the original kid-versus-robbers story! The ingenious contraptions to stifle the bad guys are as fun as the pratfalls the stuntpeople perform! Love it still!

Simon Birch – I have never heard a theological word used so often in a movie! “Things happen for a reason” has never been better portrayed. And the boy believes in God!

Something Wicked This Way Comes – from the master storyteller (Ray Bradbury). Yes folks, there is “wickedness” in the world. The idea sounds vaguely familiar.

Willow – A favorite for our kids back in the day. Fantastic stories – real or imagined – always depend on ethical boundaries.

The Chronicles of Narnia – I love the animated Narnia better, but this is good. You can find the 1979 version for free on YouTube here.

The Elephant Man – How do we treat those different from us? Do we know the person apart from their looks? Brilliant performances by John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins.

The Hunt for Red October – Sean Connery in the brilliant adaptation of the book.

Shrek – A quest, a princess, an ogre, a land grab, a dragon. I vote for the donkey every time. 😊

Invincible – dreams do come true, based on a real-life tale of an improbable addition to the Philadelphia Eagles. This one will make you smile whether you’re from Philly or not!

Field of Dreams – Cornfields come to life in more ways than one. Dreams can come true. You don’t have to love baseball to love this movie if for no other reason than you get to see James Earl Jones.

The Sandlot – Neighborhood boys play baseball. Sound exciting? You have NO idea!

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark – this one got me into the movies in 1981.

The Princess Bride – Fred Savage is sick so his grandfather Peter Falk reads him a bedtime story. You don’t remember it?! It’s “inconceivable!” If you don’t want to watch sword fights, bog beasts, and true love, just skip it. But you’ll be sorry!

Rear Window – How can a movie be so exciting when the main character is in a wheelchair? Only because of Jimmy Steward, Grace Kelly, and Perry Mason (I mean Raymond Burr 😊)

Secondhand Lions – A wonderful “who really loves ya’” movie. What boy wouldn’t want to be raised by these two uncles? [And watch out for the bad “truth” theology.]

Turner & Hooch – Tom Hanks and a dog’s slobber star in this dog-lovers classic.

Big – Haven’t we all wished to be someone else? Relive your childhood with Tom Hanks. [My favorite bit: playing chopsticks.]

A League of Their Own – Based on the true-life story of a woman’s baseball league during World War II. I say, if you can catch a ball without a glove, you can be on my team any day.

Sleepless in Seattle – The all-time favorite romance dramedy (and watch for my favorite part when the guys get fake-teared up about the movie The Dirty Dozen!)

Hachi – OK, it’s rated “G” but come on! It’s about a dog’s loyalty! Bring Kleenex.

The Sound of Music – Julie Andrews. The Alps. Little kids singing. World War II. The Nazis. And don’t forget the nuns! Great music, script, and acting.

PLUS, Kid’s Movies (PG) I love as an adult (all because of Pixar) You Can Look These Up On Your Own (if you’re a parent or grandparent, you probably already own them and for good reason!) Toy Story (1-4), Wall E, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, Inside Out, How to Train Your Dragon, Ratatouille, The Incredibles, Despicable Me (and its spin offs), Up

PLUS, PLUS A couple of sit-coms (two are mentioned in the June 6^th TNT) Abbott Elementary, The Neighborhood, and The Middle

PLUS, PLUS, PLUS Here are Ranker’s rankings with some I saw and said, “How could I have forgotten that one?” But hey. I gave you the link! Check out all your favorites.

[Part Two Next Week – the best PG-13 movies!]

And check out my book on movies When the Lights Go Down: Movie Review as Christian Practice

Support MarkEckel.com (here). Find the MarkEckel.com YouTube Channel (here). Mark is President of The Comenius Institute (webs ite). Dr. Eckel spends time with Christian young people in public university (1 minute video), teaching at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, and interprets culture from a Christian vantage point (1 minute video). Consider becoming a Comenius patron (here).

Pictures: Robin Eckel, Snappy Goat

6 Memorial Day Movies

May 27, 2023 by Mark Eckel

Some gave the ultimate sacrifice

for my freedom.

Find out what movies to watch during Memorial Day weekend (full text below).

Pictures: Josh Collingwood, Snappy Goat

FULL TEXT

Every day I am reminded of how much I have to be thankful for, living in the United States of America. But on Memorial Day I am especially grateful to the many fighting men and women who have paid the ultimate price to secure my freedom. So, during the Memorial Day weekend I thought it appropriate to suggest some films that remind us how many others have given their lives on our behalf.

The World War II ten-part series Band of Brothers is the most exceptional television event ever created. The focus is on one company of soldiers, from the time they prepare to go to war through the battles they fought. Watching Band of Brothers I am always reminded that a few gave everything so the many could experience American liberty. The 2019 movie Midway is another excellent World War II example of sacrifice. The true-life story is about the famous battle in the Pacific that turned naval warfare to the advantage of the United States. Fury is another World War II film that focuses on one tank crew in an ultimate tale of courage. The movie by David Ayer is a homage to his family and all those who have served in the military.

Many other fine films come to mind. 13 Hours is the true story of a few American fighting men who held off hundreds of terrorists who wanted to kill defenders of the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya. 12 Strong is based on the true story of twelve special forces soldiers who were the first to arrive in Afghanistan, taking the fight to extremists after 9-11. And I would be remiss to leave out one of the greatest World War II movies of all time, Saving Private Ryan

I am thankful for American soldiers who have bled and died so that I might be free. For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, president of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking truth wherever it’s found, benefited by America’s freedom.

Neighborhood

May 15, 2023May 15, 2023 by Mark Eckel

Neighborhood is not always where you live,

but where you do your living.

What do I mean? Watch our Truth in Two and find out (full text below & don’t miss the AFTERWORD, my dedication of this TNT to our friend, Jim Strietelmeier).

Pictures: Josh Collingwood, Snappy Goat

FULL TEXT

Neighborhood block parties will begin popping up around subdivisions this summer. Folks who live close to one another spend time over picnic-style meals to renew acquaintances. In one way or another we all live in a neighborhood; and I don’t necessarily mean houses next door. By “neighborhood” I mean the places you work, the events you enjoy, or the commitments which are important to you. Examples could include care of Children, Education, Public Service, Music, The Arts, or Medical Care. Whatever others esteem along with you could be your neighborhood.

Christian responsibility wherever we live, in whatever we do is summarized by Titus 3:2,

“Do whatever is good, slander *no one*, be peaceable and considerate, show true humility toward *all people*”

Did you notice where I placed the emphasis? As far as God’s Word is concerned, how we live with our neighbors includes everyone; no one is left out. Our service to our neighbors should conform to Galatians 6:10,

“As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.”

Here are some good examples of Christian neighbors in their neighborhoods. Jim & Deb Strietelmeier live and serve in one of the poorest communities in Indianapolis. Leah Joanne and Taylor Sorenson work in the musical field, sharing their abilities with those who love music. Matt Barnes is the volunteer chaplain in the Indiana State House; his neighbors are politicians. The Harrison Center for the Arts is housed within the Redeemer Presbyterian Church building; artists are the church’s neighbors.

I’ll summarize my point this way: wherever you are, whatever your giftings, THAT is your neighborhood. Paul summarizes Christian neighboring in 1 Timothy 3:7,

“Moreover, indeed, it is necessary to wear a good testimony before outsiders.”

Paul uses the word for a “martyr” who gives a witness in a courtroom; the same as a good testimony in the neighborhood. This kind of Christian neighboring will be the best dish brought to the block party.

For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, president of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking truth wherever it’s found.

AFTERWORD It is with great sadness that I dedicate this Truth in Two, to my friend, the friend of many in Indianapolis, Jim Strietelmeier. Jim’s memorial will be held today (16 May 2023). Here is what I wrote about Jim with this picture on FB the day after he moved from Indiana to the presence of his Lord:

This is how I will remember Jim: a man of deep joy in Jesus. Pastor Jim Strietelmeier joined the great cloud of witnesses yesterday. [7 May 2023] Jim described his ministry as “the poor serving the poor.” He and his family live and work in an area of Indianapolis where the definition of “poor” is real. Our conversations, whether on the radio show or over coffee, always revolved around others, in the arenas of his church’s free medical clinic, education, service, preaching, and suffering. Jim’s eyes brimmed with compassion and his hands showed Jesus’ love to all. Rest, now, brother. Your example continues to spur the rest of us on, to love and good works.

How to Change the World

April 18, 2023 by Mark Eckel

There is only one way to get it.

And it’s not the way you think.

Watch our Truth in True to understand how true, lasting change takes place (full text below).

Pictures: Josh Collingwood, Snappy Goat

FULL TEXT

Students in my classes, to their credit, write about change that they would like to see. Inspired by their youthful zeal to transform their world, I offer my own, biblical vision of change.

The Hebraic-Christian community must demonstrate to any culture, its counter-cultural approach to living. “Doing good” according to Titus (3:1, 8, 14), is based on a set standard for “good” (1:8), setting a pattern of good works (Titus 2:7) for all to see. However, that “goodness” is only possible by people whose lives have been transformed, inside-out, by the saving work of Jesus (Titus 3:5).

To think that cultural transformation can take place simply by changing laws or changing definitions of words to fit cultural concerns, will never solve cultural problems. Why? Because the root cause of our problems, is us. Paul goes on to tell Titus in his letter, that by themselves, people cannot do “anything that is good” (1:12-16).

Cultural change comes from individuals who are changed; their spirits transformed, no longer slaves to sin declares Romans 6 (15-23). These changes come from a transformed spirit born of The Spirit’s mindset Romans 8 (5-9) proclaims. People desiring cultural change, a change of heart, must first look to their own hearts, repent of their sin, and come to a saving knowledge of Jesus’ salvation (Romans 10:8-13). Economic change, for instance, cannot take place until Isaiah 58:6-8 is accomplished within God’s People. And what change does God require of His People?

The call to “loose the chains” of Isaiah 58:6 cannot be successful through governmental fiat, a top-down requirement given by cultural overlords. The promise of a great society has been shown to be an empty promise. If “light that breaks forth like the dawn” is to bring “speedy healing” according to Isaiah 58:8, the only lasting change is for the individual to be unchained from individual sin which may then unchain institutional sin. Like my students, I want change. But Scripture is clear: true, lasting, eternal and temporal change, begins with a changed heart, provided by the true change-agent, Jesus.

For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, president of The Comenius Institute, believing The Truth of Scripture, that change begins first in me.

The Cost of Lies

March 29, 2023 by Mark Eckel

How many lives will be lost

From our lies, the human cost.

Find out how lies ruin individuals and institutions in our Truth in Two (full text below).

Pictures: Josh Collingwood, SnappyGoat, Wikipedia

FULL TEXT

“What is the cost of lies?” This is one of the key concerns in the five-part 2019 miniseries Chernobyl. Some may remember the nuclear accident that occurred on Russian soil in 1986. If you have not seen the program, I highly recommend it, as a universal, human warning. The story is told, much like Apollo 13: we already know the ending. But the narrative is so well told, it deserves its 96% rating at Rotten Tomatoes. The viewer feels every character’s emotion.

Yet, the case of Chernobyl is not simply about a nuclear accident – as horrendous as that event was for the people who lived it. If I were to summarize the miniseries, I could do so in one word: lies. For those who know something of the old U.S.S.R. or The Soviet Union, you may remember that this was one of many totalitarian regimes during the 20^th century. Like all dictatorial rule, those at the top want to keep everyone in line. Everything is controlled, even words. And the words used by the managers of the Communist regime were lies, lies to deceive, lies to cover up, lies to control.

Toward the end of the last episode, the main character, one of the key figures involved in the actual events, says this about his country,

“Our lies are practically what define us. When the truth offends, we lie, and lie, until we can no longer remember truth is even there. Every lie we tell incurs a debt to the truth. Sooner or later that debt is paid.”

When I spoke earlier about a “universal human warning” I was not speaking of nuclear power. I was speaking of the power of telling the truth, standing against lies. Every individual, every people group, everywhere, will at some point confront the cost of telling the truth. At Chernobyl, the cost can be counted in human lives. For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, president of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking and telling the truth, wherever it’s found.

Condoleezza Rice: Commemorating Women’s History Month

March 7, 2023March 7, 2023 by Mark Eckel

A woman who needs little introduction:

Condoleezza Rice

Watch our Truth in Two to find out more about this great woman (full text below).

Pictures: Josh Collingwood, SnappyGoat

FULL TEXT

At the start of Women’s History month, I want to focus attention on a woman of multiple life roles and many talents: Condoleezza Rice. Dr. Rice is a brilliant scholar, diplomat, political scientist, and is currently the director of the Hoover Institute at Stanford University. She helped to guide the United States through its response to terrorism immediately following September 11^th. Dr. Rice served as the National Security Advisor – the first woman to do so – during President George W. Bush’s first term. She then served as the U.S. Secretary of State, during Bush’s second term, the first female African American to do so. Beyond her service to America, Rice served as Provost at Stanford University, again, as the first African American woman.

Rice was told during her teenage years that she was not college material. Condoleezza went on to earn her PhD and became one of the most prominent women of her generation. Rice is also an avid football fan, part of the Denver Broncos ownership group, and is considered to be a concert pianist.

Reading Condoleezza’s book Extraordinary, Ordinary People, I was struck by the acclaim she gave to her parents. Condoleezza’s dad and mom raised her in the Christian faith. She gives them gratitude for all her opportunities and beyond that, their positive spirit. The attitude, the spirit, of Rice’s life is nowhere better explained than when she wrote about racism in her book.

The fact is, race is a constant factor in American life. Yet reacting to every incident, real or imagined, is crippling, tiring, and ultimately counterproductive. I’d grown up in a family that believed you might not control your circumstances, but you could control your reaction to them.

I can think of no better way to begin Women’s History Month than to honor Dr. Condoleezza Rice. For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, president of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking truth wherever it’s found.

Be Unpopular

February 27, 2023 by Mark Eckel

If you stand for something,

it will cost you.

Find out why maintaining “unpopular” views means you must sacrifice (2 min vid + full text below).

Pictures: Josh Collingwood, SnappyGoat

FULL TEXT

One of the most impactful law professors I know is Robert P. George of Princeton University. He has been teaching law students for years. In this Truth in Two, I am quoting Dr. George at length because his focus should apply to each of us. On social media he posted

“When discussing the history of racial injustice, I frequently ask undergraduates what their position on slavery would have been, had they been white, and living in the South before abolition. Guess what? They all would have been abolitionists! They all would have bravely spoken out against slavery and worked tirelessly in the cause of freeing those enslaved.

So, I respond to the students’ assurances that they would have been vocal opponents of slavery, by saying that I will credit their claims, if they can show me evidence of the following: that in leading their lives today, they have embraced causes that are unpopular among their peers and stood up for the rights of victims of injustice whose very humanity is denied. And would they have done so, knowing

(1) that their position would make THEM unpopular with their peers,

(2) that they would be loathed and ridiculed by wealthy, powerful, and influential individuals and institutions in our society;

(3) that it would cost them friendships and cause them to be abandoned and even denounced by many of their friends,

(4) that they would be called nasty names, and

(5) that they would possibly even be denied valuable educational and professional opportunities as a result of their moral witness.

In short, my challenge to them is this: show me where you have, at significant risk to yourself, and your futures, stood up for a cause that is unpopular in elite sectors of our culture today.”

Every time I read the professor’s words, I have asked myself the question, “What unpopular stands have I taken in my culture today?” For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel. President of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking truth wherever it’s found.

Secular Theocracies

December 20, 2022December 20, 2022 by Mark Eckel

Unbelievers have theocracies too. Why?

. . . Everyone believes something. Whatever the belief, an assumption regarding origins means a commitment to a god follows. So, either matter (or the universe, consisting of matter and energy) is eternal, or God is eternal. Either raw, despotic power will be the authority, or standards have been given by a beneficent God. My views of the humanities, economics, justice, politics, or whatever sphere of life is under discussion are influenced by my dedication to a theological worldview that gives overarching direction to my thinking and living. But this is not a proclivity unique to me or to Christians in general. Everyone’s lived life is dictated by their theological perspective, their ultimate authority, their god . . .

Find the full explanation and my whole article at Salvo here. (4 min read)

Sign up for Mark’s Friday emails on the pop-up when you go to MarkEckel.com Support MarkEckel.com (here). Find the MarkEckel.com YouTube Channel (here). Mark is President of The Comenius Institute (webs ite). Dr. Eckel spends time with Christian young people in public university (1 minute video), teaching at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, and interprets culture from a Christian vantage point (1 minute video). Find all my Salvo articles here.

Photo credit: Josh Collingwood, Getty images (screen shot of the Salvo image online)

Scream: The Reason Halloween is Scary

October 25, 2022 by Mark Eckel

Screaming at Halloween is nothing

in comparison to real screams in life.

Watch our Truth in Two (full text included) to find out what should make us afraid.

Picture Credit: Josh Collingwood, Snappy Goat

FULL TEXT

Driving down the highways of Indianapolis, billboards advertise Halloween scream-fests. For those attracted to horror, being scared in haunted houses or cornfields is a thrill. But more often than not, October prompts me to remember The Silent Scream by Edvard Munch. Munch’s painting is of a sexless, twisted, fetal-faced creature, with mouth and eyes open wide in a shriek of horror. Munch re-created a vision that had seized him as he walked one evening in his youth with two friends at sunset. As he later described it,

“The air turned to blood and the faces of my comrades became a garish yellow-white.”

He heard vibrating in his ears

“a huge endless scream coursed through nature.”

Edvard was torn. His dad had just died. He lacked his father’s faith in God. Reflecting later on his bohemian friends and their embrace of free love, he wrote:

“God and everything was overthrown; everyone was raging in a wild, deranged dance of life. But I could not set myself free from my fear of this life and eternal life.”

If Christians are to have an answer for Munch or scream-fests at Halloween, our beliefs, our theology, must be anything but dry, dusty, and boring. Theology is lived every moment of every day, whether we think so or not, whether we like it or not. Living theology—incarnational theology, if you will—is no spectator sport. We humans are not in the stands rooting on the home team. No, we are in the trenches, sweat-drenched, foul-odored, trying to get traction on the turf of life, so we can run the next play. The intersection of theology and practice is where we should live.

The Halloween season reminds us that many scream, not from the fun of jump scares, but the everyday life of Munch’s silent scream.

My Truth in Two series during Fall 2022 is a tribute to our son Tyler Micah. We lament his death while desiring to give voice to all who suffer in any way.

[This material is drawn from a sermon I preached on Job 3 at Zionsville Fellowship (Indiana) the spring of 2008. A number of articles have used the same words and ideas since and can be found by searching for “lament” at MarkEckel.com where you can also find a tribute to my son.]

21 Series and Movies to Watch this Summer

June 2, 2022June 1, 2022 by Mark Eckel

One summer Robin and I were catching up on Breaking Bad, at that time considered to be one of the most ground-breaking episodic shows on television. We were so into the storyline that we were staying up until 1 or 2 a.m. saying to each other, “Can you do another one? I can do another one? Wanna’ do another one?!”

It seems that we reprise our experience each summer with another show (or two or three or . . .). This summer I would like to add to my “binge-watching” post from 2021 with a few more offerings here. Again, I would say, please read “parental guides” on imdb.com so you know what you’re getting into or want to stay away from. [I broke down sobbing and could not finish Up In the Air because the storyline was done to me.] And for all who carefully consider the content of any entertainment, please read my writings on forming convictions here and here and here.

Without further ado, here is a list adding to my offerings that Robin & I have found compelling:

Under the Banner of Heaven is a crime drama limited-series based on a true story occurring in a Mormon community in the 1980’s. [Hulu]
Joe Pickett concerns a game warden whose detective skills outshine the local magistrate. The series is based on a composition of C. J. Box page-turners. Box’s books will surely be the basis for future on-screen action. [Hulu]
The Dropout is the true-life tale of Elizabeth Holmes who created Theranos duping scientists and board members alike. The limited series continues to ask the question, “How do you know what to believe?” [Hulu]
The Offer is based on behind-the-scenes finagling that created one of the most iconic motion pictures of all time – The Godfather. I found myself wondering how many other stories could be told about the difficulty of getting a movie made. [Paramount +]
Better Call Saul is winding down to its last episodes later this summer. Of course “winding down” should probably be “winding up,” the six season series is so good. Vince Gilligan has outdone himself as the creator of the prequal to his outstanding Breaking Bad. [AMC+]
Maid is a hard-to-watch, must-see story of a young woman in the throes of emotional abuse along with the consequences of good and bad decisions. I recommended this to a class at public university wherein almost all the young women responded, “Oh yes! Everyone has to see this series!” [Netflix]
Dopesick is the disgusting story of family greed which helped to produce the opioid crisis. The awfulness of addiction for individuals and its impact on medical institutions is crucial to understand. [Hulu]
Five Came Back documents (yes, it’s a must-see documentary) the impact of WWII on some of the premiere movie directors in the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s who were shooting footage for the military. I was shocked at what I saw for so many reasons. By the way, It’s a Wonderful Life takes on a whole new meaning after seeing what combat experiences did to the famed director Frank Kapra. [Netflix]
Bosch “Everyone counts or no one counts.” I loved this series so much that after the last season finished I re-watched the whole series again. One of the best cop shows ever, with a stoic combat-hardened Vonnegut-quoting atheist detective played by Titus Welliver. Not to be missed. [Amazon]
Stranger Things has dropped its fourth season. If the first three are any indication, I can’t wait for this one. [Netflix]
Longmire has been out for a while but if you missed it, catch up. Based on mystery novels by Craig Johnson, these seven seasons are enjoyable, engaging television. I loved the shows for the wit and wisdom of a stoic go-it-alone Wyoming sheriff. I’m a sucker for “stoic.” [Netflix, A&E]
Yellowstone, 1883 (and soon to come 1932) is the saga of an American family. There is much to love in this show, including the not-so-subtle questioning of land as property. If you missed it, make sure to note that Taylor Sheridan was/is the writer/creator/producer, sometimes director/actor in these shows. Sheridan is hot in Hollywood. His storytelling skills are unparalleled. And make sure to watch Hell or High Water and Wind River two movies I constantly tell people about, also Sheridan creations. [Paramount+]

I’m rounding out my 21 summer offerings for 2022 with nine movie titles; some “old” (by a few years!) some new. I was just pacing through my “watch list” (which has over 200 movies, SMH). Search them out on imdb.com or rottentomatoes.com to see if they might be for you. [Links to imdb included.]

Pig, Mr. Jones (my review),Joy, Harriet, Please Stand By, A Star is Born (2018), Darkest Hour, The Founder, The Gift

Post Script. I care so much about movies that I wrote a book about how Christians should review film. You can get an overview of the importance of word-pictures related to Scripture related to movies in an address I gave to Moody Bible Institute in 2009.

Picture Credit: Josh Collingwood, SnappyGoat