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

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (SA-Adult)

Summary:There’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that Star Wars fans everywhere will get to see George Lucas’ latest installation of a truly classic American film series. Begun back in 1976, the Star Wars saga is hero mythology for the modern man. So influential has Lucas’ work been that Star Wars has even made it into classrooms at such eminent universities as Stanford where the saga is sometimes taught alongside works of Homer.

With such universal acclaim and appeal, it is no wonder that tickets for the first weekend’s showings of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones have been sold out for days. With timeless themes of heroism, self-sacrifice and steadfast opposition to oppression, there are indeed many reasons to see this film.

Now the bad news.

While one could write a thesis on the positive aspects of Star Wars, there is the inescapable fact that this installation of the series is basically a love story. So while there will be all the action, suspense and philosophical musings of the Jedi; there will also be lots of hand-holding, kissing, longing and other romantic expressions by young Anakin Skywalker and his object of desire, Padme.

Because of the romantic themes, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones cannot be recommended for Muslims outright. However, recognizing that Muslims will no doubt race out to see the film along with throngs of other fans, IslamOnline recommends that viewers be very careful and mindful of scenes that have romantic potential.

About A Boy (RU-Adult)

Summary: Based on the popular British novel of the same name, About A Boy tells a story of maturation. Will (Hugh Grant), is a rich Londoner who finds himself in his mid-30s and unmarried. Unhappy with his situation, he embarks on a quest to find his perfect mate. Scheming to accomplish his ultimate goal, Will cooks up a story about his being the single parent of a young boy, which he is not. He then uses this rouse to attract women.

As luck would have it though, Will does actually meet a young boy in desperate need of a male role model. Will fills this role and, in doing so, matures in ways that he never expected, thus leading him to the love he seeks through altruistic means rather than by subterfuge.

The theme of the film is generally positive, but it is a romantic comedy, so one can expect various elements throughout the film that are inconsistent with Muslims standards of male/female interaction. As such this film cannot be recommended outright, and anyone seeing the film should be wary.