Contributor: Adam R. Holz

After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.

Overcomer

The Grammy-winning Overcomer brims with faith, hope and perseverance—not to mention catchy pop hooks—as this former American Idol finalist bears constant witness to God’s redemptive work in a broken world.

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Madden NFL

UPDATED REVIEW: Over a quarter century old and still running like a kid right out of college, Madden lets loose a big cheer for the DEFENSE in its 2015 edition.

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“Wrecking Ball”

What’s Miley ripping apart now? The last of her good-girl ties to Hannah Montana? Or is it just her own heart as she tries to come to grips with love gone bad?

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Kick-A– 2

When was the last time you heard of an actor refusing to promote his own movie … because it’s too violent? That’s been Jim Carrey’s stance on this sequel, and now we know why.

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Paranoia

Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth is about to get eaten up by corporate greed and espionage. So is it still paranoia when the danger is real? And is something still immoral if the movie doesn’t mention it?

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I Love You Phillip Morris

Con man Jim Carrey obsesses over a fellow prison inmate in this bizarre, graphic tragidramedy based on an unlikely true story.

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Crash My Party

Rising country star Luke Bryan is back with another chart-topping album that sings the praises of cold beer, willing women, big trucks and … did we mention the beer, the women and the trucks?

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“Roar”

Katy Perry’s latest is once again stoking the fires of controversy. But this time it’s not because of what she sings about in this ode to empowerment.

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“Applause”

When Lady Gaga sings, “I live for applause,” is she bragging about, confessing or deconstructing her own—and other celebrities’—addiction to celebrity?

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“All of Me”

John Legend’s romantic tribute to his new wife (model Chrissy Teigen) focuses on adoration (in the lyrics) while succumbing to sensuality (in the video).

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Last Chance Harvey

Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson are ordinary folk who fall in love in this unusual romantic comedy that’s more old-fashioned than you’d expect—but still has issues.

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Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

Percy Jackson and his demigod crew return for another adventure brimming with lessons about brotherhood, family and sacrifice—oh yeah, and a gaggle of ancient Greek gods.

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Dark Water

A desperate mom and daughter discover more than just a leak in this chilling, spiritually polluted thriller.

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Death Sentence

Kevin Bacon plays a father whose lust for vigilante ‘justice’ after his son is murdered leads to all-out war. Or, in other words, a death sentence for everyone involved.

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“Talk Dirty”

R&B singer Jason Derulo says he speaks the language of love. But he forgot how to translate the word lust.

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