Weekly Movie Ratings

(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.