June 2003 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.
X2: X-Men Unite! / Movie / M
Wow! Great movie! My favorite new mutant is Nightcrawler. Get this: Nightcrawler is a Christian. I'm not talking about the actor, who I don't know. I'm talking about the character. Hollywood has made yet another action adventure movie featuring a positive Christian character! Nightcrawler prays the Lord's prayer, recites the 23rd Psalm from memory, prays the Rosary, and witnesses, yes, I said witnesses to other characters!!!
Ok, I have to be upfront. I gave the movie an M rating for the violence. After all it is X-Men, and the violence is pretty intense at times. I had to turn my head when Wolverine and Striker's assistant fight. Pretty brutal. But if your kid wants to see this movie, and you think he or she can deal with the violence, then it's worth it for the positive Christian character. Hollywood has been putting more and more positive Christian content into secular releases, and I'm happy to support their efforts with my wallet. If you are too, then consider this a good place.
The movie contains no sexual immorality. Wolverine actually turns away a female mutant's advances. Ok, there is one scene in which the same female mutant seduces a security guard (no nudity, not graphic), but the consequences are pretty severe for him. Somehow I don't mind as much seeing sexual immorality in the media when it is followed by consequences. It's the lies that we are fed constantly when we see sexual immorality not followed by realistic consequences that really bothers me.
By the way, I did a Bible Study with the Sr. High centered around X-Men. It's about how we as Christians are like 'spiritual mutants'. I compare Professor Xavier to Jesus and Magneto to Christians who judge others. If you are interested, you can read it on the church's web site: www.RedeemerBirmingham.org. My Bible Study does not give away the movie.
Lizzie McGuire / Movie / M
Good clean fun! Nothing immoral, very safe for everyone. My only objection is the fact that several times characters take the name of The Lord in vain. Why? They didn't even do that in X-Men! The problem is that Disney is billing this as a 'clean' movie, suitable for families and children. And yet they apparently insist on using it as an opportunity to 'normalize' the abuse of the name of God! I'm not saying that you shouldn't take your kids. But I strongly suggest you have a conversation in the car either on the way to the theatre or on the way home about taking the name of The Lord in vain. Pass on your morals. Don't let Disney pass on theirs.
Lizzie McGuire / Soundtrack / +
Great CD for anyone. Nothing even remotely objectionable. I couldn't find any abuse of the name of The Lord.
Stacie Orrico / Stacie Orrico / +
For years I've listed Stacie as a Christian alternative to secular artists such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilara, etc. She sings danceable, upbeat pop music that is as good as any of the envelope pushing, stripping female stars on MTV. Now, the rest of the music business in catching up. Her label, Forefront records was purchased last year by EMI's Christian Music group. EMI wizened up, and is promoting her latest CD as a secular act to secular media outlets. The result is that her latest single, "Stuck" is climbing the charts. As of this writing, it is #10 on the play list of 93.1 here in Detroit, and occasionally cracks into the top ten on MTV's TRL program. How cool is that?!!? EMI and the rest of the music business understand one thing: Money. Go out and buy Stacie's CD. It's great music, and it encourages those record execs. to promote Christian artists in the secular media.
Sean Paul / Dusty Rock / X
Good reggae. Bad morals. Sean has limited interest in drugs, violence or money. He's a lover not a fighter. He'll 'love' any woman at any time it seems. His songs encourage the perception among teems that if they are not sexually active and sexually promiscuous, they are missing something and hopelessly backward. His lyrics are hard to make out because of his singing style, and not much easier to understand once you do make them out, so he's definitely not as 'in-your-face' or obvious as the 'envelope pushers'. I gave him only one X. You can make your own decision.
Godsmack / Faceless / XX
The CD carries a parental warning sticker, the lead singer is a devout Wiccan, and the band's name is Godsmack. Do I have to explain? I will anyway. I did a little research into how the band got its name. Apparently, the band believes in and promotes the Hindu concept of Karma, that 'bad' deeds are met with 'bad' consequences. Frontman Sully Erna, from an interview in NYRock magazine: "Wicca is often mistakenly associated with evil, but we believe in Karma and if we do something bad it comes back to haunt us, as a godsmack!" Of course, that means that if a particular action is not met with a negative consequence, it must not be wrong. The absolute Truth of God's Word whole heartedly contradicts that line of thinking. Unfortunately, the band's lyrics are loyal to their philosophies. A mature teen or adult who understands the concepts of moral relativism and absolute truth will not be corrupted by this CD. But since there are so many great Christian hard rock bands, why bother with this secular one? (Check out POD, Eternal Decision, PAX 217, Pillar, Beanbag)
Quote of the Month -
"A lot of moms come up to me and they're like, 'Thank you for not dressing like Britney. Thank you for being a good influence on my daughter.' I'm like, "Uh, … cool? … you're very welcome?'" -Avril Lavigne
Wish you had read these reviews 3 weeks ago? You could've! I have to submit this to the Lamp about 3 weeks before it arrives in your home. The day I write it, I also post it on the church's web site: www.RedeemerBirmingham.org. In about a week you'll be able to read next month's reviews. Plus you can search all back issues on line!