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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
Die
Another Day (RU-Adult)
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James Bond is back in 'Die Another
Day'. |
Summary:
Super-spy James Bond is back for his twentieth film adventure in Die
Another Day. Long gone are the days of Sean Connery’s
portrayals of the British secret agent, and audiences now have to
put up with Pierce Brosnan playing the character that so many have
come to like.
Die
Another Day is a typical Bond flick. There are fast cars,
explosions, tech gadgets and witty one-liners. And of course, there
is a super evil villain for Bond to confront. This time around, the
megalomaniac is named Gustav Graves. Holed up in a fortress
constructed entirely from ice in the appropriately named country of
Iceland, Graves possesses a weapon of untold power, which the world
fears he will use. Bond is dispatched to dispense with him.
The
venues are exotic, the camera work panoramic and the stunts
spectacular – everything one would expect from a James Bond film.
Unfortunately,
as most people are aware, that most unsavory of Bond’s activities
– his womanizing – is front and center in this film as well. It
seems that producers can’t make a Bond flick without tossing in a
healthy dose of sexuality. Because of this, as well as some of the
over-the-top violence, Die Another Day cannot be recommended.
Friday
After Next (CU-Adult)
Summary:
Who said rapper-turned-actor Ice Cube lacks depth? Fresh on the
heels of the blockbuster Barbershop, in which he played a
streetwise barber, Ice Cube doubles back for the holiday season in Friday
After Next in which he plays … a streetwise security guard. Oh
well, so much for depth.
Friday
After Next is the third in the series of “Friday” movies in
which Ice Cube brings the whimsical side of life in the ghettos of
South Central Los Angeles to the big screen. This time around, Craig
(Ice Cube) and Day-Day (Mike Epps) find themselves down and out
during the holidays after a thief disguised as Santa Claus
burglarizes their apartment. Needing to pay rent and scrape together
money for the holidays, the comedic pair takes jobs as security
guards where they encounter many a strange and quirky character
while trying to track down the thief.
Like
the other Friday movies, this one contains quite a bit of
unacceptable content. In addition to a great deal of foul language, Friday
After Next also contains scenes that glorify drug use and
instances of sexuality. Therefore, despite the comedic value the
film might have, it cannot be recommended.
The
Emperor’s Club (RU-Adult)
Summary:
The logical question with regard to this film is: Hasn’t this film
already been made. Indeed the similarities to past films such as The
Dead Poet’s Society cannot be avoided. Both take place in the
cushy confines of New England preparatory school life. Both feature
teachers trying their best to provide a positive impact and
influence in students’ lives.
To
be fair, though, The Emperor’s Club is a film that is
unique unto itself in many ways. It tells the story of a teacher,
played by Kevin Kline, who acts as a mentor to a student over the
course of 30 years. The student, played by Emile Hirsch, struggles
to step out of the shadow of his father, a U.S. Senator who has high
expectations for his son.
The
overall theme of this film – that teachers play an integral role
in the lives of our youth – is commendable. This is punctuated by
showing the long-term relationship that can develop between student
and teacher, transcending the mere educational environment.
There
is some sexual content in this film, however, which really works to
ruin an otherwise entirely worthwhile film. 
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