The Christian Index
  • Front Page
  • News
    • Georgia
    • National
    • International
    • People & Places
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Culture
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Community
    • Family Life
    • Student Life
    • Lifestyles
    • Politics
  • Religion
    • Bible Studies
    • Daily Bible Readings
    • Since you asked…
    • Church Today
  • Opinions
    • Editorial
    • Guest Commentary
    • Letter to the Editor
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Subscribe
  • RSS
November 13 2019

Family-centric Disney Plus leads November streaming lineup

Michael Foust Disney, Hulu, Netflix

Greatest Events of WWII In Colour

“The Greatest Events of WWII in Colour” examines World War II, from beginning to end, in 10 colorized episodes. Photo provided by Michael Foust

In my home, Friday evenings are reserved for family movie night.

Sometimes, we rent a movie from Redbox. Other times, we catch a film on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. Occasionally, we’ll even watch a DVD off the home video shelf.

But it’s not always easy to find an appropriate title, especially when my children don’t like repeats. 

It’s safe to say I’m excited about Disney Plus, which entered the streaming wars Nov. 12 and includes more than 500 movies and 7,500-plus television episodes.

And — get this — nothing is rated R or TV-MA.

This doesn’t mean everything on Disney Plus is kid-friendly (more on that in a moment), but it does mean families like mine will have far more choices for parents and children than Netflix or anyone else offers. Remember those quirky-but-funny movies from the 1960s and 1970s — like “Herbie Goes Bananas” and “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes?” They’re on Disney Plus. Have you ever wanted to show your kids “The Muppet” films, or “Benji: The Hunted,” or even the well-done Disney Nature films? They’re on there. And what about the excellent Pixar films? There on Disney Plus, too (by my count, 18 of them are).

Disney Plus has titles from the entire Disney brand, which includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, “Star Wars,” and National Geographic.

The lineup encompasses most of the “Star Wars” films (Netflix still holds the streaming rights to “Solo” and “The Last Jedi”) and most of the Marvel movies (I counted 16 Marvel movies in the lineup, including “Endgame”). This also includes great documentaries from National Geographic (“Wild Yellowstone,” for example).

But despite the family-centric direction of Disney Plus, you probably shouldn’t let your kids run wild. Some of the movies are PG-13. And some of the TV series — including titles from the Disney Channel — have questionable content. Thankfully, Disney Plus allows you to set up a profile for your child and block most of the iffy stuff.

The strength of Disney Plus is its collection of movies — many of which could not be rented and were hard to find.

It does have original content, but thus far it is limited. Among the original titles: “The Mandalorian” (a series set in the Star Wars universe), “The Lady and The Tramp” (the live-action version), a G-rated film called “Noelle,” and “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” (a National Geographic-produced science and history series).

Disney Plus is great for families who enjoy movies and are looking for kid-friendly content. But if movies aren’t your thing, then you might want to test drive it first with a free seven-day trial.

Also worth streaming this month:

For adults/teens

“Greatest Events of WWII In Colour” (Netflix) — Yes, there’s something nostalgic and romantic about black-and-white film, but sometimes it’s fun to watch colorized footage and view the world as it really was. This Netflix original documentary examines World War II, from beginning to end, in 10 colorized episodes. Rated TV-14. Nov. 8.

“Echo in the Canyon” (Netflix) — It’s a documentary looking back at a slice of 1960s music that helped define a generation — tunes developed in the Laurel Canyon section of Los Angeles. The Byrds, Mamas and Papas, and Beach Boys all came from here. It’s a lot like today’s music: catchy but often questionable. Rated PG-13 (for drug references, some suggestive content, and some language).  

“The Toys that Made Us, Season 3” (Netflix) — It’s a fast-paced Netflix original series examining the behind-the-scenes stories (and creative decisions) of our favorite toys. Season 3 looks at the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, My Little Pony and wrestling figures. Rated TV-14. Nov. 15.

For children

“Llama Llama, Season 2” (Netflix) — The series based on the popular children’s books enters its second season, with Llama Llama and his friends learning lessons about life. The books are better than the TV series, but it nevertheless may be worth a watch. Nov. 15.

“Ugly Dolls” (Hulu)— A group of odd-looking dolls from a village named Uglyville discover another world — the Institute of Perfection — where every toy is perfect. The Uglyville dolls want to be owned by child, just like every other toy is. But does anyone want them? The film is based on a Hasbro toy line and has a good message, even if it has a word (“ugly”) that’s forbidden in some homes. Rated PG for thematic elements and brief action. Nov. 13.

Michael Foust
Michael Foust

Michael Foust is the husband of an amazing wife, Julie, and the father of four small children. He has cover the intersection of faith and entertainment for more than 15 years.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Related Posts

donkey from Shrek

Arts & Entertainment, Guest Commentary

‘The Star’ leads December’s family-friendly lineup

Back view of a relaxed family watching TV on sofa in the living room.

Arts & Entertainment, Guest Commentary

Inspiring ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ tops Nov. family-friendly lineup

jamie grace

Arts & Entertainment, Guest Commentary

Netflix’s ‘Abstract: The Art of Design’ tops October streaming lineup

Recent Posts

  • teens serious look into cameraTime for ‘radical reevaluation’ of youth ministry
  • Peter Yanes preaches at a Filipino community church service .Yanes named executive director of Asian American relations and mobilization
  • man-looking-out-window-sldrMake today better than yesterday
  • Executive Committee meetsExecutive Committee members hear positive CP report, Listening Sessions announcement 
  • Senior woman, African-American friend laughing togetherSitting with winners
  • Southwestern Seminary SLDRSouthwestern issues statement regarding former professor
BCLC Church Lending Infographic
Move Atlanta advertisement
Mark Mirza Christmas Special

Categories

The Christian Index

About

  • God’s Plan of Salvation
  • Our History
  • Christian Index Staff
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
Brewton-Parker College Discover a small campus with a big heart, girl standing in front of group with books in her arms and smiles
Daily Puzzles
Search Archives
Classified Ads
georgia baptist mission board logo Gifts of Georgia Baptists through Mission Georgia and the Cooperative Program enable us to partner together in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Copyright 2019 © Georgia Baptist Mission Board | Terms & Conditions