Contributor: Bret Eckelberry

Bret loves a good story—be it a movie, show, or video game—and enjoys geeking out about things like plot and story structure. He has a blast reading and writing fiction and has penned several short stories and screenplays. He and his wife love to kayak the many beautiful Colorado lakes with their dog.

michael

Michael

‘Michael’ covers Michael Jackson’s rise to superstardom with much more style than substance—and a few content issues, too.

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promptware

Thanks, AI: The New Danger of Promptware

The widespread adoption of AI has brought with it some new security vulnerabilities. One such issue? The rise of “promptware.”

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outcome

Outcome

This Hollywood satire has some timely messages, but they’re lost in a wash of vulgar, sexual dialogue and harsh profanity.

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dark romance

The Problem with “Dark Romance” (VIDEO)

What is dark romance? What are the problems with it? And are we seeing more of it in today’s widely accepted popular culture?

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chao

ChaO

‘ChaO’ is a creative, colorful anime with sweet messages about love and acceptance. But some content barnacles cling to its hull.

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prince of egypt

The Prince of Egypt – Plugged In Rewind (VIDEO)

Plugged In talks about the acclaimed 1998 animated film, ‘The Prince of Egypt’: the story, the music, the cast, the animation and much more!

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a magnificent life

A Magnificent Life

This animated biopic about French auteur Marcel Pagnol tells a visually lush story, but there are some content smudges on this canvas.

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game vacations

Are Video Games Changing the Way People Travel?

You might think that a love of video games would lend itself to getting out of the house less. But it seems that’s not always the case …

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i can only imagine 2

I Can Only Imagine 2

‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ is a well-crafted, uplifting film with powerful messages about gratitude and clinging to God, especially in the face of difficulties.

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peaky blinders the immortal man

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

The artistic merits of ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ are blanketed with grimy content—including bloody violence, foul language and murky spirituality.

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oscars reaction

2026 Oscars Reaction Roundtable (VIDEO)

Plugged In discusses the 2026 Oscars—the good, the bad and everything in between. Check out our thoughts on the winners and more!

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buffalo kids

Buffalo Kids

‘Buffalo Kids’ is a sweet, animated story that emphasizes the importance of friendship and family (and with only a few content stumbles).

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reminders of him

Reminders of Him

‘Reminders of Him’ is a sickly mix of the saccharine and sensual—yet another Colleen Hoover adaptation that families may want to avoid.

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best anime movies

Five Best Anime Movies for Families to Enjoy Together

Anime has become a global phenomenon and a billion-dollar industry. But what are the best anime movie for your family?

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protector

Protector

‘Protector’ uses the horrors of human trafficking as a springboard for a voyeuristic killing spree—with lots of blood and language.

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