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

Scooby-Doo (RA)

Summary: Kids and sentimental adults will be pleased as punch to know that one of their favorite Saturday morning cartoon characters has finally made it to the big screen. That’s right, Scooby-Doo is here. Along with Fred, Velma, Daphne and Shaggy, the world’s most famous Great Dane since Marmaduke will be up to his same old tricks – namely, helping the crew solve crimes, eating “Scooby snacks” and speaking in that unmistakable jibber-jabber that could only come from an anthropomorphized dog.

Following the cartoon series rather closely, Scooby-Doo will provide a clichéd caper for the team to solve. As can be expected, there will be both ghosts and villains to fight and in the end don’t be surprised if it’s Old Man Jenkins who’s the true culprit.

Geared towards a youth audience, this film is light on the unacceptable content. There is some crude humor, some language and some scary scenes. So parents would want to be discerning before sending their little ones off.  

Wind Talkers (SA-Adult)

Summary: Can Hollywood make a movie about Native Americans without being patronizing? Hopefully Wind Talkers fits the bill. This film deals with the true story of Navajo Native Americans who were used by the United States military during World War II as “code talkers”.

Because the Navajo language was largely unknown outside of the United States, it made the perfect template for the development of a secret coding system by which sensitive military plans could be transmitted. Instead of using complex machines and ciphers, the military relied upon individual Navajos to carry the code. In essence, each person was the code; thus making their safety a matter of national security.

Wind Talkers tells the tale of one Navajo code talker and the soldier assigned to protect him.

There is a great deal of war violence in this film to which some Muslims might object. But being a movie that deals with war in historical context, the violence is not out of place. Additionally there is some foul language, but overall, Wind Talkers has an overriding theme that may be of interest to Muslim moviegoers. As always, use vigilance.

The Bourne Identity (RU-Adult)

Summary: Robert Ludlum is a fine mystery writer and one of his best-selling books has finally been adapted for the silver screen. Although there was a 1988 movie adaptation of the Bourne Identity, it was done for television; thus the big screen version promises more in terms of quality and special effects. Acting is another story, as Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting) replaces Richard Chamberlain in the leading role.

The story is rather simple: A man awakens to find that he has been shot and that he doesn’t know who he is. He must therefore find out who he is.

It is during this process of discovery that the plot thickens. Our protagonist finds that he has some very specialized military skills, not dissimilar to those employed by spies and special ops agents.

Indeed he is spy, a rogue of sorts; and he is being chased. The question is, will he uncover the truth of his identity before time and his foes catch up with him?

The Bourne Identity carries an MPAA rating of PG-13 and therefore is not excessive in the questionable content it has. There is a noticeable amount of violence and violence-related intrigue. There is also some foul language along with some potential romantic themes. Because of these elements, this film cannot be recommended outright, and any Muslims going to see the movie should be careful as always.