Faith Building Movie Nights with Your Grandchildren
Normally, when we’re with the grandkids, I lock the screens away, but I’m not opposed to a movie night or afternoon matinee. If we’ve played hard that day, and usually, we have, rest prevents meltdowns. A movie allows everyone to pause and to breathe.
Children’s literature, even the film version, has the potential to build character and to open discussion. Choose any character quality, virtue or flaw, or a difficult topic, and you can bet there’s a story about it. Matthew said this about Jesus, the master storyteller, “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.” (Matthew 13:34 NIV) God wired us for story. Let’s partner with Him and use one of His favorite tools to touch hearts and to effect change.
If the movie we’re watching is based on a book, especially a classic, I try to read it with the kids or at least read simultaneously due to distance. If you have reluctant readers, the film version can introduce the grandkids to the book. If they love the movie, encourage them to give the book a try.
Blankets. Popcorn. Movie. Are you ready?
But don’t just watch the movie.
Talk about it.
Characters
The protagonist is the main character. Sometimes there are two, but usually one is emphasized. The antagonist opposes the main character. Setting, weather, individuals. All can serve as an antagonist. Often, they have the same goal as the protagonist.
What character(s) did they like best? Why?
What character(s) did they like least? Why?
What were some of the character flaws of the hero/protagonist?
What were some redeeming qualities of the antagonist?
Goals and Obstacles (Plot)
What goal drove the story?
What obstacles did the hero face?
How did the characters overcome those obstacles to attain their goals?
Change
Transformation is a key element. Who changes and how? Change is not always positive. In the movie The Godfather, Michael Corleone has a negative character arc, and we simply can’t stop watching. Look at what choices the characters make, how, and why.
Theme
Can the kids pick out the theme or the main idea?
Other
What was their favorite line?
If the movie is a film version of a story they’ve read, what differences do they notice between the movie and the book?
An Example: The Princess Bride
What might this process look like? Let’s take the movie The Princess Bride.
The Princess Bride has two main characters, or protagonists, the title character, Buttercup, and the romantic interest, Westley.
Their goal is to be together. True love.
The list of antagonists could fill a page. The Dread Pirate Roberts. Vizzini. Fezzik and Inigo, initially. Count Rugen. And, of course, Prince Humperdinck.
Note, Vizzini, Count Rugen, and Prince Humperdinck have their own personal goals, but all of them stand in opposition to Westley and Buttercup’s true love.
Character flaws of our heroine: Buttercup, naïve and self-reliant.
Redeeming quality of an antagonist: Friendship between Count Rugen and Prince Humperdinck.
Obstacles abound: Shrieking eels, fire swamp, the pit of despair.
The main theme? True love. But wait, there are more, like revenge and pride.
If you know most of this movie by heart, as my family does, identify some key lines. Pause the movie and talk a little bit.
Here are some key themes and lines from the 1987 film.
True love: “Death cannot stop true love. It can only delay it for a while.” (Westley)
Hmm, sound familiar? Sounds like another very important book that I know.
Matthew 20:19 reads, “On the third day he will be raised to life.”
Revenge: “You know, it’s very strange. I’ve been in the revenge business so long. Now that it’s over, I don’t know what to do with the rest of my life.” (Inigo)
Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Real Life: “Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.” (Westley)
True or false?
Romans 8:18 reads, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Pride: Ah, the battle of wits.
“I can’t compete with you physically, and you’re no match for my brains.”
“You’re that smart.”
“Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Plato? Aristotle? Socrates.?”
“Yes.”
“Morons.”
“Really? In that case, I challenge you to a battle of wits.”
“For the princess? To the death? I accept.” (Vizzini and Westley)
James 4:10 reads, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
How about character arcs? While I love rooting for Westley, his character doesn’t arc or change. He believes in true love from beginning to end. He never wavers.
However, Buttercup is a different story. Consider her arc.
When she first hears of the Dread Pirate Roberts, she assumes Wesley is dead. Westley later admonishes her for this.
After the fire swamp, she sacrifices herself for Westley by returning with Humperdinck in exchange for Westley’s freedom. She’s still doesn’t fully trust in true love and its ability to overcome. She takes matters into her own hands, or so she thinks.
Later, she confronts Humperdinck about her love for Westley, and the prince agrees to send his four fastest ships to find him. When she realizes that Humperdinck is lying, she says, “Westley will come for me anyway . . . You can’t hurt me. Westley and I are joined by the bonds of love, and you cannot track that. Not with 1,000 bloodhounds. And you cannot break it. Not with 1,000 swords.” She’s getting there.
Then there’s the infamous wedding scene. “Here comes my Westley now.”
“Your Westley is dead. I killed him myself.”
“Then why is there fear behind your eyes?”
Buttercup finally believes—and we do too.
When planning your movie night, ask God if He has a particular movie in mind. If not, then share one of your favorites. Why is that movie special to you? What can you pull from the movie that will make your grandchildren think?
God wired us for story. Partner with Him. Use story to challenge and encourage your grandchildren.
Let’s pray: Father God, You are already working in the hearts of our grandchildren. Show us which stories will complement Your work. Bless our together time as we have fun with movies. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Which movie will you choose for your next movie night? Bring on the popcorn!
Resources:
You will need to vet these. Not all will be appropriate for your family.
From Storybook to Screen: 10 Magical Adaptations of Classic Children’s Books
Snack and Set-up:
13 Award-Winning Movie Night Ideas the Kids Will Love
DIY Popcorn Bar or Concession stand
Christmas lights
Themed pajamas or dress up like movie characters
Next week’s post: 4 Ways to Build Your Grandchildren’s Faith on Father’s Day.
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