|
 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
Treasure
Planet (RA)
|
|
|
The classic tale of 'Treasure Island' gets a 21st century makeover as an outer space adventure |
Summary:
What would author Robert Louis Stevenson say if he were alive to see
his classic tale, Treasure Island, remade into a fanciful
animated space adventure? Considering the huge sums of money paid to
authors for the rights to develop their works into films, Stevenson
would probably opt for a big payday. But one has to wonder just how
many derivatives of classic movies and books can be made before the
public tires of the monotony.
All
grumbling aside though, Treasure Planet will no doubt
captivate young audiences as so many Disney films have done over the
years.
In
this animated feature, audiences are re-introduced to young Jim
Hawkins who has set off on an adventure to find the buried treasure
of Captain Flint. Instead of sailing the high seas, however, Hawkins
books passage on an intergalactic galleon that heads off across the
stars towards fame and fortune. During the journey, Hawkins becomes
friendly with an interesting cast of characters, including a cyborg
named Long John Silver. Unfortunately for the young adventurer, his
compatriots are not all that they appear to be. Silver turns out to
be a pirate in the employ of Captain Flint; and he along with his
band of brigands, turn on Hawkins. Will young Jim escape the
clutches of Silver? Will he ever find the treasure?
The
1934 film adaptation of Treasure Island was far and away
better than this remake; and for those purists who want an
unadulterated film experience, it truly captures the spirit of the
book. As always, however, reading the novel is best. But for those
parents who want to take the kiddies for a fun afternoon at the
theater, Treasure Planet isn’t a bad choice.
There
is some action violence and scenes of peril; but for the most part,
this film does not provide much, if any, truly objectionable
material.
Solaris
(RU-Adult)
Summary:
Second on this week’s list of remakes is Solaris. The
original 1972 Russian film, Solyaris, was based on Stanislaw
Lem’s short story of the same title. A true cinematic classic, Solyaris
has been hailed as one of the more important philosophical cinematic
treatises of the 20th century. The 2002 update lacks in
this department.
The
original story deals with reality and perceptions thereof and which
is preferable to humans. It explores mankind’s desire to slip into
subconscious bliss and uses various thematic elements as metaphors
for the mind altering techniques and substances we use to achieve a
state of mental bliss. For many, this subject matter – not too
mention the fact that the film was a product of Soviet Russia –
proved too deep and dark.
Solaris
in its 2002 form shouldn’t be too weighty for audiences. With
George Clooney in the starring role, Solaris is more of a
space romance than anything. Clooney’s character, Dr. Chris
Kelvin, is sent on a mission to investigate a deep space station
that has somehow lost communication with Earth. When he arrives,
Kelvin finds the station’s commander dead and the remaining crew
members mad with psychotic visions that developed after visiting the
planet Solaris, which they have been orbiting. Kelvin
predictably travels to the planet where he finds his dead wife very
much alive. But is she really alive or has he succumbed to the same
madness experienced by the other astronauts?
This
film is largely a romance and therefore is thematically shaped
around the relationship between Kelvin and his wife. There are
scenes of sexuality and partial nudity. Additionally there is some
foul language. Considering these elements, Solaris cannot be
recommended.
Adam
Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights (RU-Adult)
Summary:
Former Saturday Night Live standout, Adam Sandler, appears in
animated form in this rather warped holiday tale.
Sandler,
drawn as himself, plays the character of Davey Stone, an early
30-something wayward party boy who runs afoul of the law just before
the holiday season. Instead of being sent to jail, however, Stone is
ordered by the court to perform community service by serving as a
referee for a local youth basketball league.
Far
from being the walk in the park Stone anticipates, the job becomes a
true chore as he has to deal with a quirky head referee and the
throngs of kids in the league. Through it all, however, Stone learns
a valuable lesson about life and responsibility.
Unfortunately,
this film is riddled with typical Adam Sandler humor, which is most
often foul, rude, crude and tinged with sexual innuendo. So despite
being an animated feature that kids would naturally be attracted to,
Eight Crazy Nights isn’t a film that could be recommended
for most any audiences. 
|
