Wonder, The Greatest Showman and the Resurgence of the PG Movie

Ok. Confession time. I don’t watch a lot of PG movies.
 
It’s not that I don’t like them or don’t want to support lean content on the big screen. It’s more that often PG movies lack the spark of a compelling story line told by actors who have honed their craft. So, when I received a Fandango gift card for Christmas, I was genuinely confused as to what movie to see. When we saw the reviews for Wonder, however, we were hooked. We had to go see it. This wonderfully written film starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay did not disappoint. Not only did Roberts and Wilson deliver wonderful performances, but the plot rings true for so many of us: this film is for the outcast quietly suffering through bullying with an insatiable yearning to be heard: the celebration and embracing of humanity.
Soon on its heels came another blockbuster, The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman about P.T Barnum’s and the beginning of the Barnum and Bailey circus. Recently nominated for a Golden Globe for best film, Hollywood is not only validating women as they speak out against the sinful actions on the powerful men in their past but also that a good story can stand on its own without gratuitous material for a seeming more popular rating.
 
What is so refreshing about this and other films coming out is not only the acceptance of human beings for who they are, but it also gives credibility back to clean quality cinema that doesn’t need profanity, gratuitous sex or bloody violence to tell a story. For so long we as Christians have been settling, allowing a good story to take prominence over our moral compasses. Too many times a television show or film has come across my screen with content that are clearly condemned in Scripture. And yet I let it go, because I let myself believe that a good story was more important than holding fast to the word of God.
 
Christians, it is time to take a stand. Not a stand with posters in front of the White house or on a street corner, but rather with our wallets. The resurgence of the Pg rated film deserves a comeback. With well-crafted storylines and compelling actors, it could just become a reality.