March 2004
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.
Wuggie's Inbox:
Wuggie,
I have been looking for some fun Christian music for my kids Trevor (6) and Kelsey (4). Any ideas? Thanks.
M'Liz Malven
M'Liz-
Yea! Thanks for asking!
I know I mostly review titles geared at older kids and teens. But here are some suggestions for kids: Plus One is a band they would definitely like. The band has 2 CDs. Both are great. Jump 5 is another Christian band geared to their age. Newsboys is one of my favorites. Teenagers and adults get into the Newsboys mostly, but kids love them too. Reliant K is a little harder music, but still really kid friendly. When you talk about fun, that's probably Reliant K more than any. They have very singable lyrics! You should be able to get any of these at a music store that's worth it's salt. Media Play has a good selection of Christian titles. Family Christian bookstore has the best selection, plus you can listen to them before buying. Have fun listening!
The Perfect Score / Movie / XX
Cavaet of the day: Don't pay attention to the PG-13 rating this movie or any other movie is given. I would've rated this movie R. Actually, I would've suggested the filmmakers remove the dozen or so F-words and other unnecessary cuss words. I also would've suggested they cut the camera angle that shoots a web-cam girl up her skirt so you can see her underwear. Unnecessary and completely gratuitous. What do you expect from a film produced by MTV? I guess it could've been worse, because if you took out the swearing and that one camera shot, you'd have a really fun, campy, good-time movie. I was even surprised at the end result- Even though they (sort of) got away with stealing the SAT, they realized that the means didn't justify the ends, and took the test without using the answers. What a refreshing outcome! Too bad it's probably not a movie you want your 13 year old to see without you. I'll be honest, I took 15-18 year old high school students, and then we sat down and talked about it. I passed on my morals and values, and we had a really good discussion about the difference between right and wrong.
The Passion / Movie / +
I am writing this 2 weeks before the film is released, so make no mistake, I haven't seen The Passion. The film is rated R for violence. Be forewarned that Director Mel Gibson's vision was to recreate the suffering and death of Jesus in it's full horror. From what I have read from people who have seen it, Gibson accomplished his objective. It would be advisable to see this film yourself before deciding whether or not your teens are ready to see this. Pre-teens are almost certainly not ready.
Gibson has said, "The point of the film is that my sins nailed Jesus to the cross". Gibson does not play Jesus, he is the Director. Only Gibson's hand is seen in the film, as the hand of the roman soldier that actually drives the nails through Jesus' hands. You may have heard the controversy that some people have accused the film of being anti-Semitic. Since I have not seen the film, for the purposes of this review, let us assume that the film is completely faithful to the New Testament. I have never heard legitimate criticism of the New Testament as being anti-Semitic. Yet the critics maintain that because the film shows Jews as sinful, evil, and responsible for Jesus' death that therefore the film is anti-Semitic. According to the New Testament, it is the sins of the whole world, Mine, Mel Gibson's, and the Jews, that bear responsibility for Jesus' death. According to the New Testament, it is all people who are sinful and evil (Romans 3:23). Of course, the film takes place in Israel, so the characters in the film, as well as the Gospels, who condemn Jesus are Jewish. In the context of the New Testament, we understand that the Jews in the story of Jesus' passion are representative of ALL people (Romans 2:28-29). The Passion is not anti-Semitic, it is anti-human sin. And why is the film so gory and realistic? And why did Jesus have to suffer and die? Because Romans 6:23 says," For the wages of sin is death." Everyone understands that wrong deeds must be punished. Jesus took on the punishment we deserve so that we may receive salvation. Why did He do this? Out of love for us: John 3:16. Amazing, intense, overwhelming, crazy, passionate, ridiculous, incomprehensible, unconditional love: for YOU. Quite possibly you will find yourself engaged in conversation with friends, or coworkers about the film. What a wonderful opportunity to share these simple truths about the Bible and God's plan for our salvation.
Clay Aiken / Measure of a Man / M
Part of American Idol runner up heartthrob Clay Aiken's appeal is his clean-cut image. Of course, Justin Timberlake started with a clean-cut image too, so who knows what will happen in 3 years. If I were Miss Jackson I'd stay away from both of them. For the time being, however, Clay Aiken is about as safe as you get. There are no foul words, innuendo or problematic lyrics. And you know that I read between the lines to find problems even in 'clean' lyrics, but I found none here. Have at it!
Mercy Me / Spoken For / +
I just want to use up a little ink and tell you about my new favorite band, Mercy Me. They are a Christian praise and worship band. Nothing secular about them - all their songs are in praise of God. Musically, they are a cross between John Mayer and Coldplay. The band appeals more to my college students than high school students, so don't expect your kids to love it right out of the box. I'm writing to recommend that YOU buy it. It's great music and good food for your soul. Their debut disc, Almost There is every bit as good as their new one: Spoken For. It's in high rotation on the Wugg CD player.