Episodes

Movie Review: In the Heights
Aug. 30, 2021

Movie Review: In the Heights

Some of the innuendos and foul language could deter audiences from an otherwise fun musical. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/in-the-heights-2021/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, ...
Movie Review: The Loud House Movie
Aug. 27, 2021

Movie Review: The Loud House Movie

Another Nickelodeon show-turned-movie debuts on Netflix this week. "The Loud House Movie" features an underperforming son striving to keep up with his 10 sisters. The story majors in humility but also includes some surprising...
TV Review: Masters of the Universe: Revelation
Aug. 26, 2021

TV Review: Masters of the Universe: Revelation

Some adult fans of the original may celebrate Kevin Smith's take on the franchise. But for families, the show leaves a lot to be desired. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/masters-of-the-univers...
Game Review: The Forgotten City
Aug. 25, 2021

Game Review: The Forgotten City

Can a game mod of Skyrim actually end up being a decent game all its own? Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/forgotten-city/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedb...
Music Review: Billie Eilish, "Happier Than Ever"
Aug. 24, 2021

Music Review: Billie Eilish, "Happier Than Ever"

The superstar's sophomore album has some themes worth exploring, but they're almost impossible to get to through the content issues. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/happier-than-ever/ If yo...
DVD & Streaming Review: The Water Man
Aug. 23, 2021

DVD & Streaming Review: The Water Man

"The Water Man" is a deftly handled pic that trumpets love and understanding, even in the face of onrushing grief. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/water-man-2021/ If you've listened to any ...
Movie Review: Paw Patrol: The Movie
Aug. 20, 2021

Movie Review: Paw Patrol: The Movie

Young fans of Nickelodeon's popular animated kids series "Paw Patrol" will likely love this franchise's first big-screen, G-rated canine adventure (even if 90 minutes feels like a long time for their parents). Read the Plugge...
TV Review: Jellystone!
Aug. 19, 2021

TV Review: Jellystone!

The Yogi Bear revival provides fun, if mindless, adventures for a new generation to enjoy. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/jellystone/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us...
The Screen in Your Pocket: Online Predators
Aug. 18, 2021

The Screen in Your Pocket: Online Predators

Have you thought about how to talk to your kids about online predators? Read the Plugged In article: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/kids-fortnite-and-predators/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your f...
Music Review: Big Red Machine, "Renegade"
Aug. 17, 2021

Music Review: Big Red Machine, "Renegade"

The rising R&B star's full-length album is full of emotion and honesty, as well as confused interpretations of love. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/track-reviews/big-red-machine-renegade/ If you've list...
Movie Review: Finding You
Aug. 16, 2021

Movie Review: Finding You

"Finding You" illustrates that sex and romance aren't synonymous; that kindness matters. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/finding-you-2021/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please ...
Movie Review: Free Guy
Aug. 13, 2021

Movie Review: Free Guy

"Free Guy" stars Ryan Reynolds in this whimsical-but-violent movie about a guy who realizes he's a non-player character in an online video game. "Free Guy" delivers laughs and some solid messages amid a lot of content for a P...
TV Review: Ridley Jones
Aug. 12, 2021

TV Review: Ridley Jones

This animated Netflix kids' series emphasizes some values parents may embrace and others they may want to critique. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/ridley-jones/ If you've listened to any of o...
Game Review: Pokémon Unite
Aug. 11, 2021

Game Review: Pokémon Unite

The door is open for taking your Pokémon into battle arena matches. Is that a good thing? Read the Plugged In article: https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/pokemon-unite/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please gi...
Music Review: H.E.R., "Back of My Mind"
Aug. 10, 2021

Music Review: H.E.R., "Back of My Mind"

The rising R&B star's full-length album is full of emotion and honesty, as well as confused interpretations of love. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/her-back-of-my-mind/ If you've listened ...
Movie Review: Here Today
Aug. 9, 2021

Movie Review: Here Today

Directed by and starring the legendary Billy Crystal, "Here Today" seems guilty of trying too hard. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/here-today-2021/ If you've listened to any of our podcast...
Movie Review: Vivo
Aug. 6, 2021

Movie Review: Vivo

Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/vivo-2021/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/
TV Review: Monsters at Work
Aug. 5, 2021

TV Review: Monsters at Work

Some mayhem and mildly frightening content aside, the follow up to Pixar's classic appeals to kids and adult fans alike. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/monsters-at-work/ If you've listened to...
The Screen in Your Pocket: Connection Before Correction
Aug. 4, 2021

The Screen in Your Pocket: Connection Before Correction

Wondering how to talk to kids about the shows they watch and the apps they use? Read the Plugged In article: https://www.pluggedin.com/tech-guide/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https...
Music Review: Olivia Rodrigo, "Sour"
Aug. 3, 2021

Music Review: Olivia Rodrigo, "Sour"

Olivia Rodrigo's sound and story are connecting with young fans. But her vulnerable appeal comes with some baggage. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/olivia-rodrigo-sour/ If you've listened t...
DVD/Streaming Review: The Last Champion
Aug. 2, 2021

DVD/Streaming Review: The Last Champion

The first half feels like a slow-burn indie movie. The second half feels like "The Karate Kid," with wrestling replacing karate. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/last-champion-2020/ If you'v...
Movie Review: Jungle Cruise
July 30, 2021

Movie Review: Jungle Cruise

The inspiration for "Jungle Cruise" isn't found in ancient legend or turn-of-the-century storybook, but rather a ride—the beloved Jungle Cruise ride found at most Disney parks. You could argue that the ride is timeless. The m...
TV Review: The Bureau of Magical Things
July 29, 2021

TV Review: The Bureau of Magical Things

The Australian series provides a clean, family friendly alternative to other less innocuous fantasy worlds. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/bureau-of-magical-things/ If you've listened to any ...
The Screen in Your Pocket: If They've Already Got a Phone
July 28, 2021

The Screen in Your Pocket: If They've Already Got a Phone

What should you do if you gave your child a phone too early? Read the Plugged In article: https://www.pluggedin.com/tech-guide/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily...