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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
Scooby-Doo
(RA)
Summary:
Kids and sentimental adults will be pleased as punch to know that
one of their favorite Saturday morning cartoon characters has
finally made it to the big screen. That’s right, Scooby-Doo is
here. Along with Fred, Velma, Daphne and Shaggy, the world’s most
famous Great Dane since Marmaduke will be up to his same old tricks
– namely, helping the crew solve crimes, eating “Scooby
snacks” and speaking in that unmistakable jibber-jabber that could
only come from an anthropomorphized dog.
Following
the cartoon series rather closely, Scooby-Doo will provide a clichéd
caper for the team to solve. As can be expected, there will be both
ghosts and villains to fight and in the end don’t be surprised if
it’s Old Man Jenkins who’s the true culprit.
Geared
towards a youth audience, this film is light on the unacceptable
content. There is some crude humor, some language and some scary
scenes. So parents would want to be discerning before sending their
little ones off.
Wind
Talkers (SA-Adult)
Summary:
Can Hollywood make a movie about Native Americans without being
patronizing? Hopefully Wind Talkers fits the bill. This film deals
with the true story of Navajo Native Americans who were used by the
United States military during World War II as “code talkers”.
Because
the Navajo language was largely unknown outside of the United
States, it made the perfect template for the development of a secret
coding system by which sensitive military plans could be
transmitted. Instead of using complex machines and ciphers, the
military relied upon individual Navajos to carry the code. In
essence, each person was the code; thus making their safety a matter
of national security.
Wind
Talkers tells the tale of one Navajo code talker and the soldier
assigned to protect him.
There
is a great deal of war violence in this film to which some Muslims
might object. But being a movie that deals with war in historical
context, the violence is not out of place. Additionally there is
some foul language, but overall, Wind Talkers has an overriding
theme that may be of interest to Muslim moviegoers. As always, use
vigilance.
The
Bourne Identity (RU-Adult)
Summary:
Robert Ludlum is a fine mystery writer and one of his best-selling
books has finally been adapted for the silver screen. Although there
was a 1988 movie adaptation of the Bourne Identity, it was done for
television; thus the big screen version promises more in terms of
quality and special effects. Acting is another story, as Matt Damon
(Good Will Hunting) replaces Richard Chamberlain in the leading
role.
The
story is rather simple: A man awakens to find that he has been shot
and that he doesn’t know who he is. He must therefore find out who
he is.
It
is during this process of discovery that the plot thickens. Our
protagonist finds that he has some very specialized military skills,
not dissimilar to those employed by spies and special ops agents.
Indeed
he is spy, a rogue of sorts; and he is being chased. The question
is, will he uncover the truth of his identity before time and his
foes catch up with him?
The
Bourne Identity carries an MPAA rating of PG-13 and therefore is not
excessive in the questionable content it has. There is a noticeable
amount of violence and violence-related intrigue. There is also some
foul language along with some potential romantic themes. Because of
these elements, this film cannot be recommended outright, and any
Muslims going to see the movie should be careful as always.
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