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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 MAR28016  (2007), PG-13 [PG-13*] (1hr 32min) 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. Over 1200 analyses for parents, grandparents, pastors, youth leaders and more. |
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(While the Scriptural references are certainly not subjective, my commentary may be and sometimes is somewhat subjective.)
 Cast/Crew Details Courtesy Internet Movie Database Production (US): Storyline Entertainment, Two Ton Films, Zadan/Meron Distribution (US): Warner Bros. Pictures (2007) Director(s): Rob Reiner Producer(s): Frank Capra III, Alan Greisman, Travis Knox, ,Neil Meron, Rob Reiner, Jeffrey Stott, Justin Zackham, Craig Zadan Written by: Justin Zackham Cinematography/Camera: John Schwartzman Music: Marc Shaiman Film Editing: Robert Leighton Casting: Janet Hirshenson, Jane Jenkins, Michelle Lewitt Production Design: Bill Brzeski Art Direction: Jay Pelissier Viewed on Warner Brothers Home Video DVD It may be just me but it seemed that Morgan Freeman was just tolerating Jack Nicholson's mouth. Nicholson spewed so many uses of the three/four letter word vocabulary that it tended to mask Freeman's few uses. But it is probably just me since I enjoy Freeman's performances so much more than Nicholson's. Indeed, if it were not for the tons of foul language and a few of the "lesser" examples of assault on morality and decency, this would have been an enjoyable film (see CAP Rule of 1000 for more information about "lesser" examples). Life throws aging self-made billionaire Edward Perriman Cole (Jack Nicholson) and likewise aging genius auto mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan freeman) together in the same hospital room. They are both victims of cancer. Told they have but a few months to live, the pair decide to "live it up" and see the world. In his hospital bed, Carter wrote what his sociological professor suggested years ago -- a bucket list. A bucket list is a list of all the things you want to do before you die ... before you "kick the bucket." Carter had been told he had cancer but not that it was malignant. He wrote the list before he knew he was going to die of the cancer. Once Carter was told he wadded up the list and threw it on the floor. Later Edward picked up the list, made a few derogatory remarks about it then invited Carter to let him take Carter on trips to live his bucket list. Ed even added a few items to the list for himself. Reluctantly Cater decided to humor Ed and the two embarked on a world-wide fling. That is what most of the story is about. It is a story of bonding of unlikely friends. The writers came up with one of the most touching lines I have ever heard in a film. In their travels Carter had shared with Ed whether Ed had joy in his life and whether Ed had brought joy to someone else's life. At carter's funeral, Ed spoke to those assembled saying "The last months of his life were the best months of my life." That line connected the entire film into one warm moment. Another successfully moving line by the writers was one of Edward's bucket list items -- to kiss the most beautiful girl in the world. He figured he would achieve that goal by volume kissing. But it didn't happen. After years of bickering and hatred between his daughter and he, Edward had never met his granddaughter. Shortly after his return from world travels with Carter, Ed found the courage to visit his daughter ... and kissed the most beautiful girl in the world, his granddaughter. There is little more to be said for The Bucket List. If one feeds it through a curse-free filter it would be a lot more enjoyable. Wanton Violence/Crime (W) - 100 out of 100 There were no examples of typical Hollywood violence in the entire 92 minutes of film ... Impudence/Hate (I) - Zero out of 100 ... but the same cannot be said of profanity. Twenty-nine uses of the three/four letter word vocabulary made ugly much of the story. This is one of two areas the film is rather ugly. [Col. 3:8] A discussion of suicide, tattoos and facial piercing plus a lie and an episode of hateful dialogue made up the content applicable to the Impudence/Hate investigation area. These latter issues of assault on morality and decency are contrary to the examples set for us by Paul for Jesus in 1Cor. 11:1 and Titus 2:7 and by Jesus Himself in John 13:15. Sexual Immorality (S) - 75 out of 100 The sexually immoral matters consist of a few issues of anatomical references, vulgar gestures, one instance of implied (off screen) intercourse and a prostitute inviting Carter to participate in adultery in her hotel room. [Mark 7:18 - 23] Drugs/Alcohol (D) - 86 out of 100 One case of smoking, one case of drinking plus a scene with alcoholic beverages were the only matters found to cause loss of points in Drugs/Alcohol content. Offense to God (O) - Zero out of 100 Here is the second of the two major areas the film gets ugly. God's name is abused 12 times without the four letter expletive and five times with it. Whether people believe that such use of God's name is offensive it Him, it is. So much so that He will not hold guiltless s/he who uses his name in vain. [Deut. 5:11] Murder/Suicide (M) - 100 out of 100 No cases of murder or suicide were noted. 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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 Wanton Violence/Crime (W) - 100 out of 100 Impudence/Hate (I) - 0 out of 100 Sexual Immorality (S) - 75 out of 100 Drugs/Alcohol (D) - 86 out of 100 Offense to God (O) - Zero out of 100 Murder/Suicide (M) - 100 out of 100 |
| 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 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. |
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