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
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The Country Bears should be family fun for everyone |
Austin
Powers in Goldmember (RU-Adult)
Summary:
If there is one thing that money-hungry Hollywood has learned over the
years, it’s that if you have a successful franchise, then milk it
for all it’s worth.
When
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery debuted in 1997,
audiences old and young responded with overwhelming approval. Older
movie-goers appreciated the witty spoofing of the James Bond
series of films, while the younger crowd flocked to see the antics of Saturday
Night Live alumnus, Mike Meyers. Unlike so many films that have
failed to deliver as sequels, the Austin Powers series has
succeeded by returning characters and cliches that are fan favorites
while introducing new material that surprises and delights as well.
In
the series’ latest installment, audiences find super-spy Austin
Powers tackling yet another past decade. This time it’s the 70s.
With disco and roller skates as the backdrop, Austin and his new
side-kick Foxy Cleopatra (Beyonce Knowles of Destiny’s Child fame)
try to put the cuffs on yet another super-criminal – Goldmember –
wile facing off with perennial arch-enemy, Dr. Evil.
As
has been the case with the previous two Austin Powers movies,
this one will leave audiences in stitches. How the film gets people
laughing so hard is another matter though. Much of the Austin
Powers humor is derived from lewd, coarse and often sexual humor.
As such, moviegoers will find any number of instances throughout the
entire film in which the content goes beyond the pale of propriety.
Additionally, there is the issue of general sexuality in the film. Austin
Powers, like the character of James Bond he is patterned after, is
quite the ladies’ man, womanizing his way through his films. The
same kind of behavior can be expected in this installment. And
although there is no nudity or gross romantic/sexual behavior in the
film, the characters’ attire is often inappropriate.
A
better choice for family weekend entertainment might be The Country
Bears.
The
Country Bears (CA)
Summary:
Until the exhibit closed in the fall of 2001, Disneyland’s
animatronic Country Bears attraction was a big favorite with the kids.
These banjo-strumming country music playing characters traced their
history back to the earlier days of Walt Disney’s career as an
animator. For those that were sad to see them go, Disney has provided
an encore performance of sorts by creating a film about the musical
bear family.
In
The Country Bears, audiences meet Beary, a 10-year-old bear cub
who is adopted by human parents (a willful suspension of disbelief is
of course necessary). He lives in a happy home with a loving family;
but he recognizes that he’s somehow different than everyone else. Of
course he’s different; he’s a bear. When this reality sinks in,
Beary decides to head off to find his biological family. His
adventures take him to Tennessee where he finds what he’s looking
for.
However
all is not well with the bears he finds. Country Bear Hall is being
threatened with demolition. To save it, Beary has to reunite the
Country Bears musical group to raise funds for the hall’s
restoration. Not to be put off, Beary saves the day.
This
film is good old family fun. Although the anthropomorphization of the
bears might raise some questions amongst kids, there shouldn’t be
much else in this film to give parents pause. As always, families
going to see this film should be mindful of more general themes (e.g.
running away from home, etc.), but for the most part, The Country
Bears should be a nice film for all to see.
