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

Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (RA)

Summary:The Spy Kids are back for another thrilling adventure after rescuing their parents and proving their worth as young secret agents in the original film. This time, our two little heroes find themselves on a strange island where they are tasked with dealing with a mad scientist and his strange genetic creations. To thicken the plot a bit, the kids are also faced with a rival brother-sister spy team duo. Of course what would a Spy Kids movie be without making it a family affair? So when the kids run into a little trouble they are joined on their mission by both their parents and grandparents - it’s all in the family.

This sequel boasts a good number of A-list actors including Steve Buscemi, Antonio Banderas, and Bill Paxton. And of course Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara return as the Spy Kids themselves.

There is a fair amount of action in this film and one instance of brief rude humor. But overall, Spy Kids should be a decent film for parents and kids alike. However, as always, be vigilant.

XXX (RU-Adult)

Summary:Don’t be fooled by this film’s title - it’s not a porn flick. However, XXX is still a film that most discerning audiences will want to avoid.

Vin Diesel stars as “a new breed of secret agent” named Xander Cage. It is an understatement to say that Cage is an extreme sports enthusiast. His daredevil tastes are so over-the-top that law enforcement has him in their sights. But before they can get their hands on him, Cage is recruited by the CIA for a special mission. And if he can use his skills to win the day for America, the CIA will see to it that his legal troubles disappear.

XXXis not a film for children. There is non-stop action that includes a great deal of violence. Additionally there is some coarse language, some sensuality and romantic themes and some scenes of drug use. With an MPAA rating of PG-13, these elements will not be overly graphic, but for those whose standards outpace those of the MPAA, XXX is a no-go. See something else this weekend.

Blood Work (SA-Adult)

Summary:Clint Eastwood takes a licking and keeps on ticking; literally and figuratively. Most actors over 70 years of age would give up on playing demanding action-related roles. Not Eastwood. He returns to the screen in Blood Work, a film adapted from the novel by the same name by Michael Connelly.

Eastwood plays a retired FBI director who is hired privately to investigate a woman’s murder. The only problem is that Eastwood’s character has recently had a heart transplant is in no condition to deal with the stressful activities related to the case. But when he discovers that the suspect in the case is an old nemesis he tracked during his FBI years, he decides to press on. But will he catch his man before his ailing health overcomes him?

As would be expected from a Clint Eastwood film, Blood Work contains action violence as well as some foul language. Violence and language is, however, not the centerpiece of the film, rather it is the mystery of the murder that is in focus. Yet discerning audiences may still want to steer clear of this one.

The Good Girl (CU-Adult)

Summary:AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

Jennifer Ansiton (NBC’s Friends) stars in a film in which she plays a restless wife who becomes unhappy with her marriage, goes out and has an affair and gets pregnant from the encounter. There is sexuality in this film, foul language and any number of inappropriate thematic elements that make it unacceptable.

SKIP IT.