August 2004 Ratings System:
++ Christian - made specifically by Christians for Christians
+ Secular - but contains nothing offensive to most Christians, probably made by Christians trying to exert influence in secular media.
M Mature content. Not necessarily offensive, but parents should be careful before allowing exposure to children and pre-teens.
X Mature content. For mature teens, firm in their convictions and morals, who have received much parental guidance.
XX Contains very mature, problematic content. Parents should seriously consider restricting exposure to teens.
XXX Completely offensive. Not only should teens be restricted, but adults may want to question their own exposure.
WUGGIE'S MUSIC, MEDIA AND MORE!
Ratings System:
++ Christian - made specifically by Christians for Christians
+ Secular - but contains nothing offensive to most Christians, probably made by Christians trying to exert influence in secular media.
M Mature content. Not necessarily offensive, but parents should be careful before allowing exposure to children and pre-teens.
X Mature content. For mature teens, firm in their convictions and morals, who have received much parental guidance.
XX Contains very mature, problematic content. Parents should seriously consider restricting exposure to teens.
XXX Completely offensive. Not only should teens be restricted, but adults may want to question their own exposure.
Remember, my reviews are strictly my opinion, and no substitute for your good judgment
JoJo / JoJo / M
This CD is harmless. In fact, there are a number of very positive things. Jojo blasts materialism and MTV; sings encouragement for the oppressed; and exerts her independence over boys who would treat her as less than equal. Hurray for Jojo!
Soundtrack / Spiderman 2 / M
This is a great CD with great music and pretty harmless lyrics. The Spiderman character is one that is struggling with his identity, among other issues. Maybe this is why he is so popular with teens, as they also are struggling with their identity. The music on the soundtrack reflects this struggle, and could negatively affect a teen who is struggling more than his or her peers. For all others, it's a great CD.
Wilco / A Ghost is Born / M
Sorry I keep serving up good reviews. I know some people read this column just to hear me rip some body apart. (Check out the Dodgeball movie review below for that.) The fact is that Wilco is clean, and Wilco is selling.
Spiderman / Movie / X
Yea, there's a lot of violence, more than the first one. But the franchise is doing it's best to remain teen friendly. There's no envelope pushing, and it's a good action adventure flick. For more info, see my review of the first Spiderman movie online at www.RedeemerBirmingham.org. Click on Wuggie's Music, Media and More.
Saved / Movie / X
Mandy Moore plays a Christian girl at a parochial school who struggles with hypocrisy. The film has been berated for stereotyping and persecuting Christian teens. Critics have said that the film makes fun of church youth groups and evangelical teens who take Jesus seriously. Maybe so, but I think the film needed to be made, and I think that it might be important for Christian teens to see it. I plan on showing it to our youth group in the fall and discussing it.
If the film is an attempt at persecuting Christian teens who take Jesus seriously, then Christian teens have to see it. For in Matthew 5, Jesus says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." To shelter them from this persecution is not only to deny them the reality of Christian persecution in the world, it might also deny them the gifts that Christ has prepared for the persecuted.
If the filmmakers have some good points about Christian hypocrisy, then Christians of all ages need to see the movie. We need to know how the rest of the world sees us, and we need to take a good hard look at ourselves and rid our lives of all hypocrisy.
Dodgeball / Movie / XX
This movie is rated PG-13 for rude and sexual humor, and language. Yet another reason not to trust the MPAA's ratings. I'd give it at least an R, maybe an NC-17. The sexual humor includes a situation in which people wind up in oral and anal sex positions, albeit fully clothed. The lead female is a lesbian and a bi-sexual, and passionately kisses both men and woman in the film. When I talk with the students about rude movie content, I often ask: Would this be an appropriate joke or situation for me to use at youth group? If not, why? And then: Why is it any different once we leave the church?
Teen Alcohol and Drug Use
Question: Which Michigan community leads the state in per-capita high school drug and alcohol use? Detroit? Nope. Hint: It's in Oakland County. Oh, then it's Pontiac! No again. Answer: The Birmingham / Bloomfield community. According to the BBFA (Birmingham Bloomfield Families in Action) newsletter, "rates of youth substance abuse in our communities were found to be above the national average, surpassing rates found among lower income urban youth." The reasons are many, but they aren't too difficult to understand: Absent parents, teens with large amounts of disposable income, intense pressure from parents to over-achieve, and a general sentiment that our wealthy community is immune. For more information, visit the BBFA website at: www.bbcoalition.org By the way, according to the survey, 56% of graduating seniors consumed alcohol in the last month, while over 30% smoked marijuana.