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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
Sweet
Home Alabama (RU-Adult)
Summary:
Reese Witherspoon stars in this silly little tale of journeying to
find one's true identity. That would be worthwhile theme for a film
to tackle if it weren't for the vapid backdrop of romance employed
by Sweet Home Alabama.
Witherspoon
stars as a southerner transplanted to New York City. Leaving behind
her more modest and humble beginnings, she creates a new life and a
new persona for herself in the Big Apple. She even finds a new love
interest. The problem is, she still has an old love interest down
south – a husband with whom her divorce is yet to be finalized.
In
order to be free to marry her new love, Witherspoon's character must
return home to tie up loose ends. What she finds back in Alabama is
an unexpected love for the life, history and land she has left
behind.
This
film is quite the cookie cutter romantic comedy. The overall theme
has been done many times before, and therefore the movie breaks
little new ground. Although inappropriate elements such as foul
language and sexual references are kept to a minimum in Sweet Home
Alabama, various thematic elements in the film make it such that it
cannot be recommended. Of greatest concern to discerning audiences
would be the portrayal of modern romance and the implication that
adultery and infidelity and liberal moral values are somehow OK in
the modern age. SEE SOMETHING ELSE THIS WEEKEND.
The
Tuxedo (RU-Adult)
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Jackie Chan brings more of his martial arts expertise to the screen in The Tuxedo |
Summary:
Jackie Chan is always good for thrilling martial arts action and
humor on-screen. The Tuxedo pairs him with sometime actress/sometime
singer Jennifer Love Hewitt for a great deal of both.
Chan
finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the world of high stakes
espionage when his employer dies rather suddenly. What Chan does not
know, is that his former employer was secretly working for the
government. When Chan dons one of his boss' tuxedos, he finds
himself uniquely outfitted for crime fighting via the special, top
secret functions and features built into the suit. What ensues is
the typical action/adventure one would expect from Chan as he
unassumingly steps into the role of secret agent.
Unfortunately,
The Tuxedo does contain some improper material. For those sensitive
to action violence, this film is definitely out of order because of
the constant presence of fight scenes. Additionally, there is some
crude humor and sexual content, although not in overwhelming
frequency. There are better choices at theaters this weekend.
Moonlight
Mile (SA-Adult)
Summary:
(Limited Release) Moonlight Mile has received advance praise for its
dramatic treatment of personal relationships in times of crisis.
When Joe's (Jake Gyllenhaal) fiancée is tragically killed, he moves
in with her mother and father as he tries to piece his life back
together.
Unexpectedly,
he does fall in love again, this time with a woman whose own
boyfriend has gone missing. Joe recognized that the relationship is
not the best thing for him, but he goes ahead with it anyway.
Through
the characters and the way they each cope with loss, love and
healing, Moonlight Mile provides some insight into the human
condition, its strengths and its weaknesses. There is some brief
foul language and sensuality, but not in overwhelming quantities.
Some of the thematic elements related to romance and contemporary
relationships are questionable, and more sensitive moviegoers would
want to be aware of this. 
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