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 Please
consult the following ratings system for the evaluation of films
currently in theaters. Please note that films with themes
specifically adult in nature will be rated as (Adult) in
addition to being given an overall rating.
(CU)
Completely
Unacceptable
-
Film contains levels of Sex, Violence, Profane Language and/or other
objectionable content that are gratuitous to the degree that the
film has absolutely no redeeming value either as a work of social
commentary or as an entertaining diversion.
Examples:
Fatal Attraction, Basic
Instinct, Eyes Wide Shut, Eddie Murphy: Raw
(RU)
Rather Unacceptable
-
Film contains levels of Sex, Violence, Profane Language and/or other
objectionable content that are extreme. As such only through extreme
rationalization could someone consider the film fit for consumption.
The only reason to see it would be as a study of the current state
of Western culture.
Examples:
American Beauty
(SA)
Somewhat Acceptable
-
Aspects of objectionable Sex, Violence and Profane Language and/or
other questionable content exist, but either a) Not in a gratuitous
manner, b) Not in great frequency or c) With specific redeeming
intent. But be very careful.
Examples:
Malcolm X, American History X, The
Matrix
(RA)
Rather Acceptable
-
Overall, the film is suitable for general consumption with some
concerns over thematic issues or minor objectionable content. But be
on the lookout for more subtle Western themes that are of concern to
Muslims such as romance and dating.
Examples:
Shrek, Atlantis
(CA)
Completely Acceptable
-
Film content is either tame or fully socially redeeming in nature.
Examples:
Jinnah, The Battle of Algiers, Bambi
The Truth About
Charlie (RU)
Summary:
No Alfred Hitchcock movies have been remade well enough to rise
above the originals. That has not, however, stopped directors from
chasing Hitchcock’s legacy, reinterpreting his classics in a vain
attempt to recapture some of his magic. Jonathan Demme is the latest
to give it the old college try with his film, The Truth About
Charlie, a rehash of the 1963 fan-favorite, Charade.
As
in the original, the story centers on the plight an unfortunate
young woman, Regina (Thandie Newton), who becomes widowed while on
vacation in Paris. As death is often more revealing of a person than
his or her life, Regina finds out some new information about her
former spouse – namely that he wasn’t the man she had thought
him to be. Complete with multiple passports and other strange
personal effects, Regina’s husband was leading a double life. He
was also hording a large sum of money, unbeknownst to Regina.
Despite
her ignorance of her husband’s past, Regina is pursued by a range
of characters, all of whom seek the money. Who can she trust?
Anyone?
If
director Jonathan Demme has just stuck to the Hitchcock original
this film would be fine for viewing by almost all audiences.
Unfortunately though, he decided to add some violence and sexual
conduct that was not part of Charade. As such, Demme ruins it
for those of more delicate sensibilities who just wanted to see a
good, suspenseful, thriller.
Jackass:
The Movie (CU-Adult)
Summary:
Not only should moviegoers not attempt to reproduce the stunts
performed in this film, they should simply not see the movie.
Jackass:
The Movie is MTV’s bid to cash in on the popularity of the
network’s controversial hit series of the same name in which
Johnny Knoxville and his crew of death-defying court jesters perform
every foolish, stupid and dangerous stunt known to man.
Whether
it’s lighting themselves on fire, electrocuting themselves or
doing some other inane act, the Jackass crew consistently
steps well beyond the bounds of propriety.
Most
disturbing is the fact that there have been several incident across
the United States in which young children have been seriously
injured and maimed for life imitating Jackass. As such, this
film cannot be recommended for kids or for adults.
Ghost
Ship (CU-Adult)
Summary:
It’s almost Halloween and it’s expected that at this time of
year Hollywood will oblige viewers in their desire to see something
scary in theaters. Ghost Ship is this year’s offering.
The
plot is simple and predictable: A salvage crew finds a ship adrift
in the Bering Sea and decide to tow it home. As they begin their
journey however odd occurrences and visions plague the crew. Soon
they find themselves trapped inside the old ship facing demonic
powers.
Because
of all the overt references to the supernatural (including ghosts
and demons) and its power to influence human existence, Ghost Ship
cannot be recommended. As with most all films of this genre it uses
pagan belief as the basis of its storyline and therefore should be
avoided.
Bowling
for Columbine (SA-Adult)
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Michael Moore's 'Bowling for Columbine' takes a frank look at gun control |
Summary:
Michael Moore is at it again. The man behind the groundbreaking film
Roger and Me as well as the recent book, Stupid White Men,
returns to the big screen with Bowling for Columbine.
With
his trademark biting sarcasm and satire, Moore explores the issue of
gun control and societal decay in a way unique to him. The shooting
at Columbine High School serves as the backdrop for the gun control
discussion; however, the film goes well beyond those fateful events
in Colorado to examine the soul of the American nation. Mixing humor
and harsh reality, Moore opens up the discussion in a manner that
mainstream media would never touch.
There
are some scenes of violence and some foul language in this film;
however, there are far more redeeming aspects of Bowling for
Columbine. 
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