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A ministry of the ChildCare Action Project: Christian Analysis of American Culture (CAP Ministry) A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Christian Ministry. www.capalert.com/ Entertainment Media Analysis Report A service to His little ones through you in His name by His Word MAR25007  (2005), PG [PG*]The #1 Christian entertainment media analysis service on the Internet. We give you OBJECTIVE tools NO ONE ELSE CAN to help YOU make an informed decision for yourself whether a film is fit for your family. More than 900 analyses for parents, grandparents, pastors, youth leaders and more. |
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(This section may be and sometimes is somewhat subjective.)
 Cast/Crew Details Courtesy Internet Movie Database Production (US): Revolution Studios, Cube Vision Distribution (US): Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Pictures Director(s): Brian Levant Producer(s): Matt Alvarez, Ice Cube, Derek Dauchy, Dan Kolsrud, Dan Kolsrud Story: Steven Gary Banks, Claudia Grazioso Screenplay: Steven Gary Banks, Claudia Grazioso, J. David Stem, David N. Weiss Cinematography/Camera: Thomas E. Ackerman Music: David Newman Film Editing: Lawrence Jordan Casting: Susan Taylor Brouse, Lynne Carrow, Jeanne McCarthy Production Design: Stephen J. Lineweaver Art Direction: Kelvin Humenny Viewed At: Driftwood Theater 6 With a final score of 70 Are We There Yet is barely a PG in accordance with the scoring range earned by PG movies (68 to 86 out of 100) in the comparative baseline database. The scoring loss is largely due to language, crude humor and sexually oriented programming. The slapstick violence was next in line for causing point loss. Small sports memorabilia business owner and single Nick Persons (Ice Cube) hates kids. Nick's feelings about kids were summed up rather succinctly with his comment "Kids are like cockroaches, but you can't squash 'em." If anyone has watched any of the old W. C. Fields shows, Nick reminded me of W. C. who had a trademark expression "Any man who hates dogs and children can't be all bad." Maybe that was when the Scriptural violations in general release films began. Jesus has a rather strong interest in children and we would do well not to hate them. [Matt. 25:40, Matt. 18:10, Luke 17:2, 1 Tim. 4:12] But Nick loves his fancy new SUV with spinning hubs, satellite locator and all the creature features of an expensive ride. I think it was a Lincoln Navigator. Soon Nick finds out how kids and new cars do not mix well. Not well at all. Forlorn and lonely, looking for Christmas time companionship, Nick spied Suzanne Kingston (Nia Long) and started to make his moves when what before his wondering eyes did appear but two, count 'em, two kids, Lindsey and Kevin (Aleisha Allen and Philip Bolden) latching on to his quarry, their mother Suzanne. As Nick spied the kids, the background music slowed to a stop like a tape player's batteries just went dead, just like Nick's hopes of getting to first base with Suzanne. Nick did an about face and scowled his gripes about the perfect-appearing woman having kids. "She's a breeder!" A note about the performances of Aleisha and Philip. I may be partial to kids but these two delightful kids might well have provided the best performances in the show. While Philip may have been a little "mechanical" a couple times, Aleisha was clearly able to ignore the camera and directors and really get into the part. With Aleisha nothing was forced. Both seemed to be enjoying themselves. Soon, Nick revealed his weakness and agreed to transport Lindsey and Kevin to their father, hoping to make points with their mother by doing so. The absent dad claimed he was ill and could not come the 300 miles to get the kids as promised. Mom was in a quandary. She had a special promotion she had to conduct or would lose her job and could not do it with the kids. I wonder if the gist of that situation is glowing for you. Two divorced parents, both fighting to get rid of the kids. God said He hates divorce. [Mal. 2:16] Now Nick has 300 miles to go with two kids with active biological systems that react as expected to junk foods and drinks. Through it all is Nick's alter-ego guiding his thoughts and deeds, a dashboard wobble head doll of Satchel Paige (John Witherspoon). Following is about 60 minutes of slapstick comedy tainted a little with new age morality. There is foul language in this film targeted at preadolescents. Six uses of the three/four letter word vocabulary. Maybe all kids their age have heard them all before, but that doesn't excuse the sin of the one speaking them nor the sin of emboldening the kids to do likewise by example. [Col. 3:8, Luke 17:2] The film was also obvious with crude sexual humor as well as toilet humor. [Eph. 5:4] Sexually oriented content is limited to "lesser" examples such as dressing to maximize the female form and/or skin exposure, sexual innuendo and drawing attention to the crotch. "Commander Uhura" (Nichelle Nichols) slapped Nick on the posterior once. Yes, homosexuality was brought up in the form of reference to homosexual practices and insult to the practitioner of them. And Aleisha performed R.E.S.P.E.C.T. by Aretha Franklin which has verses in it such as "What you want you know I got it" and displayed some rather suggestive body movements while performing it. SCRIPTURAL APPLICATION(S) If needed to focus or fortify, applicable text is underlined or bracketed [ ] or bold. If you wish to have full context available, the Blue Letter Bible is a convenient source. If you use the Blue Letter Bible, a new window will open. Close it to return here or use "Window" in your browser's menu bar to alternate between the CAP page and the Blue Letter Bible page. CHAPTER/VERSE ***Selected Scriptures of Armour against the influence of the entertainment industry*** As always, it is best to refer to the Findings/Scoring section -- the heart of the CAP analysis model -- for the most complete assessment possible of this movie. |
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(The heart of the CAP Analysis Model)  Wanton Violence/Crime (W) Impudence/Hate (I) Sexual Immorality (S) Drugs/Alcohol (D): Offense to God (O) Murder/Suicide (M) |
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| There are some in the entertainment industry who maintain that 1) violent programming is harmless because no studies exist that prove a connection between violent entertainment and aggressive behavior in children, and 2) young people know that television, movies, and video games are simply fantasy. Unfortunately, they are wrong on both accounts." And "Viewing violence may lead to real life violence." I applaud these associations for fortifying 1 Cor. 15:33. Read the rest of the story. From our more than eight years of study, I contend that other aberrant behaviors, attitudes, and expressions can be inserted in place of "violence" in that statement. Our Director - Child Psychology Support, a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist concurs. For example, "Viewing arrogance against fair authority may lead to your kids defying you in real life." Or "Viewing sex may lead to sex in real life." Likewise and especially with impudence, hate and foul language. I further contend that any positive behavior can be inserted in place of "violence" with the same chance or likelihood of being a behavior template for the observer; of being incorporated into the behavior mechanics and/or coping skills of the observer. In choosing your entertainment, please consider carefully the "rest of the story" and our findings. |
| In the name of Jesus: Lord, Master, Teacher, Savior, God. Tom Carder President ChildCare Action Project (CAP): Christian Analysis of American Culture 100% dependent on your tax-deductible financial support |  |
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