As someone with many conservative friends and family members, I, of all people, know how difficult it can be to get those in your life to watch a movie that they don’t find completely and utterly offensive and devoid of all moral character. However, having been surrounded by family and friends who consist primarily of Catholic Republicans for most of my life, I like to think I know a thing or two about finding movies appropriate for a fun movie night in that your conservative friends will never forget.
Ted: Frequently referred to as America’s answer to The King’s Speech, Ted tells the heartwarming story of a boy and his beloved teddy bear. This fictionalized story of the childhood and early adulthood of the late Senator Ted Kennedy will certainly leave your friends speechless. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and your friends will certainly never stop talking about it.
Magic Mike: Everybody’s heard of Harry Houdini, but few have heard of the mastermind behind many of his tricks. Magic Mike tells the story of the magician who lived in Houdini’s shadow for years, acting as a ghost writer of sorts for the tricks that made Houdini a star. With stunts that will take your breath away, it’s safe to say that anyone who watches this movie will never be the same.
Brokeback Mountain: Everyone is familiar with the Greek myth of Sisyphus, the Greek man condemned by the gods to roll a rock uphill for eternity. However, this classic myth is reimagined in a truly thought-provoking way through the interpretation of the myth as an American Western. It’s no wonder it took home three Oscars and has been recognized by several notable Christian organizations over the years.
50 Shades of Grey: Although not yet released, this film is sure to be well-known in the world of prestigious film festivals, such as Cannes and Sundance, and will most certainly generate some commentary from film critics as well. Moviegoers are thrown into the mysterious, private lives of some of the most fascinating people in the world: those who suffer from color blindness. Few people realize the plight of those who see nothing but gray their entire lives, and the struggle to contain oneself while watching such a touching film is sure to be genuinely difficult at times.
Give some of these films a try—your friends will not only be impressed with your uncanny ability to choose films of creative and moral substance, but they’ll also most likely trust you to make the choice for every movie night in the future. Enjoy!
