I've often thought that Hollywood should change the explanation of their movie ratings. The upper three could go like this:

* R: "This is going to be some of the most obscene, profane garbage you'll ever see."

* PG-13: "We're going to swear a whole lot in this film, but it won't be quite as bad as an R."

* PG: "You'll see how badly America's morals have declined when you watch some of the junk in here that will be classified as family-friendly."

I realize that filmmakers release positive fare, too, such as this year's satirical "Over The Hedge," the inspirational "Invincible" and the "World Trade Center"'s heart-warming story of heroism.

Yet even the latter included several instances of God's name being taken in vain. The film would have been fine without the gratuitous use of that and other profane expressions.

That's why Christians who enjoy decent movies can be pleased about a pair of recent developments, including the unexpected splash that greeted a film produced on a shoestring budget.

Even before the late September premiere of "Facing the Giants," I had read about this gospel-centered football film because of the uproar over the motion picture academy slapping a PG rating on what is clearly G-rated fare.

What caught my attention in a recent story was a comment by Alex Kendrick, one of the men behind the production. In describing his longtime admiration of film, he told how he and his brother, Stephen, used to do stop-action productions with clay figures and Tonka cars in elementary school.

"We shared an interest in films long before we had any real ability," said Alex, now 35. "We were fascinated with the art of storytelling through that medium and have since discovered this desire would tie directly into our calling from the Lord."

Unfortunately, since it only opened on 76 screens, it may take awhile before "Facing the Giants" works its way around to your neighborhood.

However, additional good news appeared in my e-mail the same week "Facing the Giants" hit theaters. It concerned the formation of "Fox Faith," a unit of Twentieth Street Fox that will release films in theaters and on DVD.

The first, "Love's Abiding Joy," is based on the books of popular Christian author Janette Oke. It releases Oct. 6, albeit on only 250 screens in 75 theaters. "One Night With the King," based on the biblical story of Esther, follows on Oct. 13. Fortunately, it is booked for a wider audience; it is currently slated to open on 1,000 screens in more than 120 cities.

Next winter will see the debut of films by two of my favorite authors: Ted Dekker's "Three" in January; and Francine Rivers' award-winning "The Last Sin Eater."

Christians have plenty to complain about with movies and televisions' degenerating standards. Yet rather than cursing the darkness, I think the best way to attack the problem is producing top-quality films that appeal to the public's appetite for wholesomeness.

In the past Christians were noted for preaching against even going to the movies, saying theaters were the province of the devil. Not only did millions tune out that message, it disillusioned many youngsters who later wondered what the fuss had been all about.

Better to realize that film is a powerful medium that isn't intrinsically "evil;" it's how the message is shaped that makes the difference. Let's support people like Alex and Stephen Kendrick as they use their God-given talents to take the gospel into all the world—including theaters.