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June 25, 2024

Title: Inside Out 2: Family-Friendly or Not?
Topic: Movie Review

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Adam Holz is an Entertainment Critic and the Director of Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam reviews the hit summer movie, “Inside Out 2”, in theaters across the nation now.

Click here for the review from Adam Holz and Plugged In.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is “Inside Out 2” a must-see for families this summer? Adam reveals that he wasn’t optimistic going in to the theater, but was very pleasantly surprised.

Can this be called a “self-help movie” for parents with teens and tweens? Adam discusses the interactions of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust (from “Inside Out 1”) with the main character, Riley Anderson, as well as the new characters, specifically Anxiety.

There has already been a massive positive response to the movie. Why is “Inside Out 2” such a breath of fresh air? Adam believes that parents have been waiting for a new family-friendly movie without an “agenda” and “Inside Out 2” definitely delivers, especially for those over the age of 10.

Click here to help support Focus on the Family, the parent-company for Plugged In.

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February 21, 2024

Title: Controlling Screen Time
Topic: Screen Time Addiction

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

God has given us 24 hours in each day. When they are gone, they’re gone. Many do not realize just how much time they are dedicating to phone screens, computer screens, and TV screens.

Adam Holz is an entertainment critic and the Director of Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam discusses our society’s obsession with screens and how we can each control the time we spend in front of them.

Click here to read more on this issue from Adam Holz.

Click here to read more statistics about exploding screen time addiction.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Does screen time vary for every person?

Does our dedication to screen time effect our other relationships? Adam explains the scientific side of our addiction, comparing it to alcohol, drug, and even a sex addiction.

What can we do to self-detox from screen time? Adam offers several excellent suggestions…

Click here . to help support Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family.

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February 9, 2024

Title: Controlling Screen Time
Topic: Screen Time Addiction

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

God has given us 24 hours in each day. When they are gone, they’re gone. Many do not realize just how much time they are dedicating to phone screens, computer screens, and TV screens.

Adam Holz is an entertainment critic and the Director of Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam discusses our society’s obsession with screens and how we can each control the time we spend in front of them.

Click here to read more on this issue from Adam Holz.

Click here to read more statistics about exploding screen time addiction.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Does screen time vary for every person?

Does our dedication to screen time effect our other relationships? Adam explains the scientific side of our addiction, comparing it to alcohol, drug, and even a sex addiction.

What can we do to self-detox from screen time? Adam offers several excellent suggestions…

Click here . to help support Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family.

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January 15, 2024

Title: Controlling Screen Time
Topic: Screen Time Addiction

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

God has given us 24 hours in each day. When they are gone, they’re gone. Many do not realize just how much time they are dedicating to phone screens, computer screens, and TV screens.

Adam Holz is an entertainment critic and the Director of Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam discusses our society’s obsession with screens and how we can each control the time we spend in front of them.

Click here to read more on this issue from Adam Holz.

Click here to read more statistics about exploding screen time addiction.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Does screen time vary for every person?

Does our dedication to screen time effect our other relationships? Adam explains the scientific side of our addiction, comparing it to alcohol, drug, and even a sex addiction.

What can we do to self-detox from screen time? Adam offers several excellent suggestions…

Click here . to help support Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family.

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July 27, 2023

Title: Do People Yearn for More Godly Movies and Programs?
Topic: Hollywood vs. God

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Adam Holz is an entertainment critic and the Director of Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam discusses how Christian values are striking a chord with large networks and connecting with audiences in a unique way.

Click here to read more from Adam Holz.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is faith-based entertainment growing within our culture today?

Has there been any pushback against the movie Sound of Freedom and the series The Chosen?  Adam admits his surprise that Sound of Freedom has received some harsh criticism.

Are major companies seeing the advantage of advertising during Christ-centered, family-friendly programs and movies?

Are Christ-centered, family-friendly programs and movies making headway in Hollywood?

Can Christ-centered, family-friendly programs and movies really spread the Gospel?

Is the future promising for Christ-centered, family-friendly programs and movies?

Click here to donate to Focus on the Family, the parent company of Plugged In.

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March 28, 2023

Title: Teens and Social Media: Good or Bad?
Topic: Teens and Social Media

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Tik Tok is once again causing a stir in the news with experts warning that it may be impacting teens’ mental health.

Adam Holz is the Director of Plugged In with Focus on the Family. He strives to help parents think through social media and cultural trends through a Biblical lens. Today, he discusses the pros and cons of social media for tweens and teens, specifically Tik Tok.

Click here for the FREE Parent’s Guide to Today’s Technology from Plugged In.

Click here for more from Adam Holz.

Click here for more information about Plugged In.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is it healthy for any one of any age to stare at a screen for hours every day? Adam explains the negative effects screens have on our brains, especially in tweens, teens, and young adults.

When should a tween/teen be given their first smart phone/iPad/computer?

Should these devices have parental controls? Adam explains how the parental controls work and apps parents can purchase to keep their children/teens safe online.

When connected, should the tween/teen have access to TikTok?

There is a lot of talk about social media being harmful. What are some tips to regulating screen time and social media use? Adam has a great, Biblical response for this...

Are there benefits of social media? Adam says: “There are times we can enjoy the content… But we have to do it in moderation.”

Click here to help support Focus on the Family, the parent-company or Plugged In.

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May 31, 2022

Title: How Does the Culture Influence What We Watch?
Topic: Culture War

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Many families are being pushed to their limits when it comes to entertainment giants like Disney, wondering how they should respond to the culture shifts now infiltrating the movie and television industries.

Adam Holz is the Director of Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family. Today he discusses just how long this culture war has been happening and what Christian parents can do to protect their family.

Click here for more information about Plugged In.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What ideology is all too present on our movie and television screens? Adam explains that the Left’s push is not just focused in one area; they’re focused on ALL issues and it is definitely having a negative impact on the world population’s worldview.

How effective are the scenes in movies and television in changing attitudes of the viewer? Adam discusses why people are so afraid to share their opinion for fear of negative retaliation from a friend or even a stranger on the internet. He also references the Judges 21:25.

Did the perversion so prevalent on our screens just now start?

Can we change society? Or will society change us? Adam stresses the importance of community and standing up for our beliefs. He also shares a story about one of his neighbors…

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April 29, 2021

Title: Hollywood Hates Christianity
Topic: Movie Review

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

We all know that the majority of Hollywood celebrities, directors, screen writes, etc. hate Christianity. Recently, however, an Academy voter took a bold pro-life stand regarding the movie Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always.

The Academy voter, Keith Merrill, wrote: “I received the screener but as a Christian, the father of 8 children and 39 grandchildren AND pro-life advocate, I have ZERO interest in watching a woman cross state lines so someone can murder her unborn child. 75,000,000 of us recognize abortion for the atrocity it is. There is nothing heroic about a mother working so hard to kill her child. Think about it!”

Today, Adam Holz, with Plugged In, discusses Keith Merrill’s announcement and the responses it generated from the Left. Click here  to read Adam’s op-ed on this interview.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the movie Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always about?

Who is Keith Merrill? What movies has he been involved with? How long has he been an Academy voter?

In response to one person’s critique of his announcement, Keith stated: “She has her right and I have my right.” Was he condemning or condescending in this statement? Adam Holz reads some more of Keith’s response.

Will Keith be asked to “step down” from his position as an Academy voter?

Are Christ-followers called to be sowers of the good news – not knowing the harvest?

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February 3, 2020

Title: REWIND: The Best Movies of 2019
Topic: Movie Review

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Part 1 of 2

Did you see any good movies in 2019? Did you skip some because you weren’t sure they would be family-approved or not?

Adam Holz and his team at Plugged In reviews all the movies for you! They also offer reviews for TV shows, music, books, and video games. You can learn more here.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Do our kids and grandkids need strong media discernment?

How can parents and grandparents help them in choosing which movies to see and which not to see? Adam explains that it is so important to explain the “why behind the what”, especially for tweens and teens.

How can parents best equip their children to make these decisions for themselves as they mature?

The movie “Unplanned” was a big hit at the box office. If you were hesitant to see it in the theaters due to its content and “R” rating, listen to Adam’s review and decide for yourself if your family should buy the DVD…

What other movies did Adam review? Tune in to the next segment to find out!

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - REWIND: The Best Movies of 2019
Topic: Movie Review

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

In this segment, Adam Holz offers the Plugged In review for the kiddos:
Abominable
Aladdin (live action)
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Klaus (Netflix original)
Toy Story 4

What about Tom Hank’s portrayal of Mr. Rogers? How did this film rank? Why did the film make Adam want to be a better person? Is it appropriate for kids?

What are some great movies being released in 2020 that Adam is looking forward to?

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June 27, 2019

Title: Does Your Teen have a Burner Phone?
Topic: Family Issues

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Does your teenager have a burner phone?

“In almost every high school across the country there is a kid who sells burner phones from their locker,” said Rich Wistocki, a retired detective for the high-tech crimes unit of the Naperville, Ill., police department who now gives talks about cyber safety.

Adam Holz is the Senior Associate Editor of Focus on the Family’s media review center, Plugged In. You can read more on this topic here.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

If you knew your child was going to jump into an open-pit fire, what would you do to stop and protect them?

Adam Holz previews and offers recommendations for movies. What are his criteria?

What is a “Burner Phone”?

How can parents protect their kids/tweens/teens from the dangers of cell phones?

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October 26, 2018

Title: Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer
Topic: Abortion

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young children. Issues discussed might be upsetting or hard for little ones to understand.

Have you seen the new movie/documentary “Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer” yet? If not, RUN don’t walk to the nearest movie theatre and see it today!

Adam Holz has all the inside information about the movie and the reaction it is receiving from the public.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Does evil exist in this world today?

Should parents use caution when deciding whether or not to see this movie with their children? Adam Holz warns that this movie is definitely graphic and everyone should use caution…

Is this a must-see movie for people with deep moral convictions concerning abortion?

Will the movie change hearts and minds?

Click here  for more reviews on this and other movies/book/television shows from Plugged In.

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August 21, 2018

Title: Plugged In Movie Reviews
Topic: Family Issues

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Breaking News: Every kid – parent – family is different. I know. You’re shocked!

Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family, has announced that it is changing the way it offers movie reviews. Adam Holtz has all the details…

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the purpose of Plugged In reviews?

Why have they changed their policy to not include a rating (from 0-5)?

FACT: You can’t please everyone! Have they received a lot of negative feedback regarding their ratings?

What will Plugged In reviews look like now?

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June 29, 2018

Title: Plugged In Movie Reviews
Topic: Family Issues

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Breaking News: Every kid – parent – family is different. I know. You’re shocked!

Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family, has announced that it is changing the way it offers movie reviews. Adam Holtz has all the details…

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the purpose of Plugged In reviews?

Why have they changed their policy to not include a rating (from 0-5)?

FACT: You can’t please everyone! Have they received a lot of negative feedback regarding their ratings?

What will Plugged In reviews look like now?

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December 11, 2017

Title: FOF Movie Review: Coco
Topic: Coco: Movie Review

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Adam Holz, with Focus on the Family’s “Plugged In”, offers an honest review of the new children’s movie “Coco”. Parents: Listen carefully and share this segment on social media so others know the truth!

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is Pixar’s latest movie, “Coco”, a depiction of a pagan world-view? Is it in conflict with Christian beliefs?

Why is it so hard to find a good, Christ-focused movie to take the whole family to?

Should parents research movies before taking their children to see them?

Does “Coco” center around the Hispanic “Day of the Dead” celebration? Listen as Adam offers his honest opinion about the new children’s movie, “Coco”.

Do Hollywood screen writers occasionally create storylines contrary to Christian beliefs? Or, do they write stories that they think are true and normal?

Does “Coco” give children the wrong impression of heaven and hell, and even purgatory?

Why does Adam recommend parents discuss each movie AFTER they’ve seen it with their children? “We want to model for our children active engagement, critical thinking, and a comparative theological process,” Adam says. Ask your child: “How does this movie/TV show/song/book reflect our Christian belief?” Don’t just say: “This show is inappropriate. We aren’t going to watch it.” Explain why.

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July 26, 2016

Title: Pokémon Go or No?
Topic: Video Games

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Part 1 of 2

It’s not every day you see a ten-year-old girl biking eight miles to hunt down a Zubat. This is exactly how millions of children around the nation have been spending their time the last week or so. The wildly popular Pokémon GO game requires players to actively search and capture mythical creatures using map technology and local landmarks.

Though the game presents definite positives, there are some concerning realities that accompany such technology as well. New guest, Adam Holz, with Focus on the Family’s Plugged In, will be discussing the pros and cons of this phenomenon.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What are the positive aspects of Pokémon Go?

What are the negative aspects of Pokémon Go?

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Pokémon Go or No?
Topic: Video Games

Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

There are also some very scary things which could result from the game, Pokémon Go. Listen in as Adam discusses those situations and why parents must be cautious with this game.

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