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This Week’s Movie Ratings
By Ali Asadullah 05/11/2001
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 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
Monsters, Inc.
(RA)
Summary: It's the time of year again for some high quality animation; and like
Toy Story and Ants before it, Monsters, Inc. delivers. The brainchild of Pixar Animation Studios, this computer generated extravaganza tells the "inside" story of those monsters and other fictitious creatures that "go bump in the night", scaring little children. The premise of the film is that the human conception of such frights, being rooted in the belief that there are singular creatures continually lurking in the shadows, is wrong.
Monsters, Inc. takes moviegoers behind the scenes of what is actually a well-developed corporate structure, going into the boardrooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms of the worlds scariest monsters. This film is meant to be just plain fun. It should provide lots of laughs and the animation should wow audiences. Because the theme centers on the existence of monsters and other supernatural creatures, however, Muslims might want to be careful about allowing smaller children who don't know the difference between fact and fiction see the movie. Additionally, the MPAA "G" rating has edged towards not-so-tame material in recent years. And while
Monsters, Inc. should provide little objectionable material, parents should - as always - keep their guards up.
The One
(RU-Adult)
Summary: First and foremost, this is not a kid's film. With over-the-top action, it definitely appeals to adult tastes.
The One deals with the question of personality, and what one does when confronted by unsavory elements of his or her own being. In the case of
The One, international martial arts sensation Jet Li literally faces his darker half in the form of an evil twin from a parallel universe. While the film has a point to it, it is more of showcase for martial arts violence, of which there is plenty. Special effects abound and are reminiscent of the kinds of innovations first seen in
The Matrix. For Muslims however, the level of violence could be considered excessive and therefore might want to consider skipping
The One.
Domestic Disturbance
(SA-Adult)
Summary: John Travolta's movies can be very hit or miss. He was lauded for his portrayal of a Clinton-like president in
Primary Colors and roundly panned for his role as an evil alien in the sci-fi flop
Battlefield Earth. Domestic Disturbance probably falls somewhere in between, although if pre-release reviews are to be trusted, it is more of a pan than a pick. The plot is fairly simple. A divorcee who gives his blessing to his ex-wife's remarriage is tipped off by his son that the new man of the house has a serious evil streak. The only person to believe the boy, Travolta uses all means at his disposal to expose the step-dad for what he is and save his son.
Domestic Disturbance is MPAA rated PG-13, so there could be some objectionable language, romantic themes and some violence. So Muslims would want to be careful with this movie.
The Man Who Wasn't There
(RU-Adult)
Summary: Critics say that the Coen brothers have done it again, creating yet another critically acclaimed film with
The Man Who Wasn't There. Like their other recent success - Oh Brother, Where Art Thou - this film steps away from the norm and tells a story in a captivating manner. Maybe the most notable feature of the film is the fact that it is shot in black and white, something rarely done in this age of color.
The Man Who Wasn't There is a period piece, set in 1949, that tells the tale of a simple and rather reclusive barber. However, when a seedy businessman comes to town and lures our friendly barber into a sketchy business scheme, things change. There is treachery, deceit, and all kinds of other under-handed dealings. Because the Coen brothers represent a serious, critically acclaimed trend in American film and storytelling,
The Man Who Wasn't There qualifies as having some merit. However, there is a seriously violent scene in this movie as well as other thematic elements that may be of concern to Muslims.
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