We at Catholic-Link firmly believe that videos can be great resources for apostolate: that’s basically our raison d’etre. And what is a movie but a long video?! Here are our top tips for how to get the most out of watching a movie with a group.
A Few Tips for Choosing a Movie to Watch With Your Apostolate
- Choose a movie that the group will enjoy. Some friends of mine still talk about a movie they watched together as teenagers, which featured a guy and a mountain. It was long, it was complicated and it was slow. They only remember the guy, the mountain, and the immense boredom. Fifteen years on, they are still traumatized.
- Always watch the movie yourself before you show it to the group. That way you’ll know what to expect, when would be a good moment for a break, when would be a really bad moment for a break, and can also check for particular examples of the topic you’re hoping to discuss.
- Think about the group. Check whether the movie is age-appropriate in terms of rating, and also, knowing the group, whether swearing or hand-holding is likely to lead to lead to so much giggling that a meaningful discussion won’t be possible. The range of ages and girl-boy mix are other factors you might want to consider.
- Think about the individuals in the group. Consider whether anyone is likely to be deeply affected by something in the movie because of recent personal experience, such as bereavement. This doesn’t mean you can never watch the movie, but maybe this is not the week for it.
- Make sure all your equipment is working at that there are enough seats for everyone. Technology is liable to turn evil at key moments and sorting it out will eat into your discussion time.
- Check out our apostolic movie recommendations section, which we update regularly.
- Finally, consider the points in the following infographic:
10 Great Questions Catholics Should Ask Before Watching A Movie
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Phil. 4:8).
