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

Daredevil (SA-Adult)

Ben Afleck stars as Daredevil, a superhero with superhuman sight

Summary: On the heels of Spiderman’s resounding success last year, Daredevil, yet another comic book adaptation, hits screens this week. Although, Daredevil does not command the ubiquitous recognition of other hallmark superheroes such as Batman or Superman, it has a very loyal following nonetheless. But with Ben Afleck playing the title role, the film’s producers should not have to worry about attracting fans who may have never read the actual comic book.

Daredevil is the alter ego of Matt Murdock. As a boy, Murdock lost his sight in a freak accident involving a radioactive isotope. But far from leaving the young man an invalid, the accident somehow heightened his other senses allowing him to navigate through the sited world even better than the normal human being.

As a man, Murdock uses his sixth sense to fight crime in the big city; and there is plenty of that. As Daredevil, he battles such villains as Kingpin and Bullseye enroute to superhero stardom.

Kids will most definitely want to see this film. Unfortunately it really isn’t a movie for children. Along with action violence, there is also a fair amount of sensuality in the film with Daredevil dashing about in superhero body armor, flexing his muscles. Additionally, Jennifer Garner of ABC’s Alias stars as Elektra, Murdock’s love interest, and slinks around in tight, revealing outfits as well. So this film cannot really be recommended.

The Jungle Book 2 (RA)

Summary: Even in the world of animated films, there are some movies that simply should not be remade or followed up with a sequel. The Jungle Book is one such film. The original was such a classic, that it stood alone as a testament to Disney’s creative success. But Disney seems to be looking for the easy box office win with younger audiences and has seen fit to release The Jungle Book 2.

In this adventure, audiences find Rudyard Kipling’s character of Mowgli living in the land of humans in a village with his girlfriend. He soon tires of this life and longs to return to the jungle. That he does.

But upon his return, his old enemies are waiting for him, and the scheming tiger Sheer Khan sets out to finish off Mowgli. Thankfully the loveable Baloo along with Mowgli’s other friends are there to help the young boy.

For the most part, this film is decent for all audiences. There is the question of Mowgli having a “girlfriend” and those concerned about the more subtle messages films can send should be aware of that.

Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (CA-Adult)

Summary: Having already made the rounds at various stops along the independent film circuit, Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony has finally made it to the big screen, although in limited release.

A documentary, Amandla! chronicles Apartheid-era South Africa through the music that spurred protestors and revolutionaries in their fight for freedom. There are unique interviews with exiled artists and musicians as well as footage of actual protests. This is definitely a film well-worth seeing.

There are scenes of violence and some foul language, but nothing to detract from the documentary merit of the film.