Do you experience a subtle thrill of anticipation every time you walk into a darkened theater, groping for your seat, trying not to spill the popcorn and drink in your hand?

Movie theaters (note: they are called "theaters"!) still embody a touch of mystery for most people.

This feeling is ageless.

It is a feeling that does not totally dissipate even when that film has moved on from "first run" status to reincarnation as a video.

Some film analysts have compared the movie theater to the ancient temple, where people come to have their souls and emotions worked on. Anyone who has watched people emerge from a film subdued, or enthralled, or laughing wildly, knows that movies are powerful stuff.

In The Family View on Film in the WholeFamily Room, we take a look at films not as detached critics, but as involved family members.

Some of our reviews stand alone and some of our reviews are accompanied by questions in our Focus unit.

Most of the films we feature have been around for a while and are recognized favorites that have sustained the test of time.

In both our reviews and our questions we wonder: What does this film say to me as a wife, husband, teenaged daughter or son, sibling, grandparent?

Some films are appropriate for viewing as a couple, others are for viewing with the kids as well.

So whichever it is, make plans for an evening together with your spouse or your family. Split up the tasks - preparing the popcorn, renting the video, bringing the blankets and pillows down from the bedrooms - and returning them!

Print out our reviews and, when relevant, our Focus questions. You might want to read the questions before the viewing, as food for thought, and discuss them when the film is over - whatever works. Too sleepy by then or made other plans? Save them for the next family meal together or for a long drive in the car.

And let us know, on our Film Board, if you agree or disagree with what our reviewers wrote and what you discovered in the process.

Happy viewing!

Go to the films!