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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
Mr.
Deeds (RU-Adult)
Summary:
Somehow, someway, Adam Sandler has become a top Hollywood draw
despite the fact that the range of his humor rarely surpasses his
canned act of baby-talking and over-the-top violent rages. Mr. Deeds
contains more of the same. A quasi-remake of the Frank Capra 1936
classic, this film follows the escapades of a simple young working
stiff who inherits a fortune. Like so many people who have never had
experience with large sums of money, Mr. Deeds finds himself
struggling to handle his new opulent lifestyle. To make matters
worse, the people around him are actively attempting to swindle him
out of his money by any means necessary. Thus his world is turned
upside down; and every moment of it is captured by a enterprising
young news reporter who is played by Winona Ryder, who has more
recently made headlines over shoplifting charges she currently faces
in a Los Angeles court.
Though
the film has some positive themes concerning the value of money and
how wealth can impact life, Mr. Deeds cannot be recommended outright
for Muslim audiences. There is coarse language, crude humor, some
sexual references, romantic subplot and a few other elements of
objectionable material. For this reason, Muslims should be very
careful with this film.
Hey
Arnold! The Movie (RA)
Summary:
Nickelodeon continues its quest for Hollywood children’s film
supremacy with the summer of release of Hey Arnold! The Movie. The
popular cartoon character hit screens in this kid’s film that has
a decidedly adult theme – Corporate Sprawl. In this installment of
his adventures, Arnold finds himself facing a huge corporation that
has plans to buy out city buildings, knock them down and build a
huge mall in its place. Adults would realize that such a nefarious
plot, were it successful, would fundamentally change the culture and
flavor of a city, making it a glittering homage to corporate
America. However, this is a subtle and nuanced theme to introduce to
children, and one that honestly could teach a valuable lesson about
life. To keep the kiddies entertained though, this film has all the
childish fun humor one would expect from a Hey Arnold episode.
Because of the theme, parents might want to see this film along with
their children. But all in all, this film should be fairly safe for
all audiences; but be vigilant as always.
The
First $20 Million (SA-Adult)
Summary:
For all the Muslims out there who are or were part of the technology
boom of the 1990s, this film could be of interest. It is based on
the book by Po Bronon, The First $20 Million is Always the Hardest
and captures the culture of Silicon Valley at a time when technology
was still the hot ticket in town. When faced with the monumental
task of creating the world’s best network computer, all the
craziness one would associate with a start-up ensues and audiences
are taken on the rollercoaster ride that seemed to be so prevalent
in Silicon Valley in the 1990s. There is some foul language and some
sexual content, and although the MPAA rated this film PG-13, Muslims
should be careful.
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