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 Life of David Gale (RU-Adult)

Summary: Capital punishment has long been a controversial issue in the United States, so much so that it often becomes an election year campaign issue both at the state and national level. It is the most impacting act a government can take against one of its citizens and one of the biggest moral questions of the day. The Life of David Gale takes a tangential look at this issue by examining the trials and travails of one anti death penalty activist.

In the film, David Gale, played by Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey, is a well-known professor who also happens to be a vocal opponent to the implementation of the death penalty. In a cruel twist of fate however, Gale is falsely accused of murdering one of his activist compatriots and is subsequently sentenced to death.

As he sits on death row, Gale struggles to get his side of the story out to the public. He does this with the aid of an impassioned reporter (Kate Winslet). But as she learns more about Gale and his case, she begins to question where the truth actually lies in the case.

Although this film provides an important commentary on the controversial issue of capital punishment, it does it in a context that is not entirely suitable for audiences. The Life of David Gale contains some nudity, scenes of sexuality, foul language and some scenes of violence.

Old School (CU-Adult)

Summary: The quest to recapture the magic and freedom of youth has long been a popular theme in television and film entertainment. Never has that quest, however, taken such a strange turn as it does in Old School, in which three men in their 30s (Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn and Luke Wilson) decide to relive college.

Feeling unhappy with how their lives are proceeding, the three men-children take up residence in a house close to their old college campus, start their own fraternity and then go about the business of engaging in every indulgence and act of debauchery they can think of.

This film is supposed to be a comedy, but there is nothing funny about the behavior this movie glorifies. There are scenes of strong sexual content along with nudity and foul language. This is one film that audiences should surely skip.

Gods and Generals (RA-Adult)

The American Civil War takes centerstage in ‘Gods and Generals’

Summary: The American Civil War was the most traumatic period in American history. It was a period in which the very future of the nation was in question. Its battles were some of the bloodiest; its stories some of the most heartbreaking. Gods and Generals tells the stories of a number of the key battles in the war, namely the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorville.

What makes Gods and Generals interesting and unique is that it tells its stories largely from the defeated Confederates’ viewpoints. Through the eyes of rebel generals Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee, audiences see the battles and politics behind them unfold.

This film is a sweeping epic war picture in the tradition of others that have come before it. There are persistent scenes of war violence of which moviegoers should be aware. But in general, it is a piece of historical fiction that should give adult audiences some insight into this important period of history.