Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Works For Me – Common Sense Media

WFMW

I recently discovered a great website that gives detailed rating information on movies, TV shows, games, music, web sites, and books.  Common Sense Media is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization whose mission is provide accurate information so we can make wise choices about what we are watching.

Sometimes this website gives recommendations (age-appropriate ratings, etc.) with which I do not agree.  However, what I do appreciate is the low-down on six main criteria:  violence, sex, language, consumerism, alcohol and/or drug usage, and message/role models.  We can read the review and then make a decision for our family based on the facts.

For example, we were considering whether to allow our daughter to see the new Monsters Vs. Aliens movie.  After reading the detailed review, we decided not to allow her to see it.  It is rated PG just like Bolt (which we LOVE!), but we learned that there are many more disturbing scenes of violence, sexual innuendos, words we don’t like, and disrespect for authority.  Movie ratings (G, PG, PG-13, R) are just too general and don’t give us enough details to make an informed decision.  This site works for us!

For more Works For Me tips, visit We Are THAT Family.

4 comments:

Kim H. said...

Interesting - that's a very cool resource! I'm glad you shared it with us.

Anonymous said...

glad to know about this!

i actually have a WFMW post ready to go (sometime) about this topic, but i've always used Plugged In Online (the Focus on the Family resource).

The boys want to see the new Night at the Museum, so I'll have to check out what they have to say about it!

Erin @ Closing Time said...

Great resource! Thanks for sharing it!!

Niki Jolene said...

Wow, what a great tool!

Thanks for sharing.

:)