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  

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (SA-Adult)

Sir Ian McKellan reprises his role as Gandalf the wizard in the latest Lord of the Rings Sequel

Summary: J.R.R. Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings saga continues with the much anticipated release of the The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. When we last left our Middle Earth heroes, their fellowship of adventurers had been split up as they trekked towards Mount Doom in an effort to dispose of the Ring of Power. Now pursued by the minions of the evil wizard Saruman and his master Lord Sauron, the hobbits, elves, humans and other noble creatures of Middle Earth fight for their very existence. But just when things are beginning to look bleak, the good wizard Gandalf reemerges to help our heroes along. 

As was the case with the first Lord of the Rings film, The Two Towers is filled with action violence and fantasy world content. Moviegoers concerned with references to the use of magic and wizardry would want to steer clear of this film. Additionally, there is a small romantic subplot that develops, which is unfortunate because the Tolkein novel from which the film was adapted did not include such an element.  

The Gangs of New York (RU-Adult)

Summary: Before New York became one of the largest and most important cities in the world, it was, by most accounts, one vast slum filled with immigrants living in truly squalid conditions. Sewage ran in the streets, work was long and hard and in order to survive one often had to turn to a life a crime. In this world, where police existed only to keep rich citizens from being harassed by the poor, the gangs of 19th century New York reigned supreme. 

Irish gangs, xenophobic nationalist gangs; all sorts of gangs existed. They were the precursors to the mafia. They ruled politics and commerce. And their influence was felt all the way into the mid-20th century.

The Gangs of New York tells the true story of these early gangs and the personages that featured prominently in this time period. It is a gritty film that sheds light on the dark past of American urban life. As such there is strong violent content, pervasive foul language and some scenes of sexuality and nudity. Therefore it cannot be recommended for general consumption, although it has some value for the historical issues it sheds light on.  

The Wild Thornberrys Movie (RA)

Summary: The cable television kids channel Nickelodeon strikes again with yet another feature film adapted from one of its popular children’s shows. This time it’s the animated Wild Thornberrys, a family of naturalists who trek across the world making nature films. Eliza, one of the daughters, is endowed with the useful extra-sensory power of being able to speak to animals, much like the famous Dr. Doolittle. In the film, Eliza uses her power to rescue a cheetah cub that has been stolen from its home in Africa by poachers specializing in the trade of rare and exotic animals. 

For the most part, this film should be fun for the whole family. There are some scenes of action peril, but nothing truly offensive. 

Antwone Fisher (RA-Adult)

Summary: Denzel Washington, who won last year’s Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of a crooked cop in Training Day, directs and stars in the true life story of a young African American naval officer named Antwone Fisher. Haunted by an abusive home as a child, Fisher joins the Navy where he finds it difficult to fit in. On the verge of being expelled from the military because of his attitude and often violent conduct, Fisher turns to a Navy psychologist played by Washington. Together, the two piece Fisher’s life back together and lead him on a quest for his family who abandoned him as an infant. 

The themes this film tackles are wholly worthwhile. Antwone Fisher explores issues related to family, child abuse and interpersonal relationships. As such it is a film adults might want to see. Because of the mature content, this is not a film for kids. There is some violence and coarse language but nothing of a gratuitous nature.