There are a lot of resources our there to help parents learn more about media options for their families. This post is the first in a series of three posts where we will review websites that go in depth to give parents more information than you might get from a simple rating.
Dove.org - The Dove Foundation says that its mission is “To encourage and promote the creation, production, distribution and consumption of wholesome family entertainment.” The website contains reviews of current movies and movies on DVD. Their reviews have several different layers. They give movies three different approval levels, "Dove Family Approved-suitable for all ages," "Dove Family Approved-recommended for ages 12 and over," and "Not Family Approved." Inside the written reviews they give a family perspective of the film and a breakdown and rating of 0-5 in six categories of Sex, Language, Violence, Drugs, Nudity and Other.
Some pluses of this site is the abundance of reviews for lesser known titles that are marketed towards kids. Also Hollywood and independent producers seek out the Dove approval to put on their DVD cases so you can see some titles in a store with the Dove seal and know that Dove has approved them. Many of the movies included in Movie Club 4 Families have received a Dove seal.