ChildCare Action Project (CAP): Christian Analysis of American Culture
http://www.capalert.com/


CAPCon ALERT

Click on CAPCon Alert
image for explanation
Entertainment Media Analysis Report
A service to His little ones (which includes at-home teens) through you, their parents and grandparents, in His name by His Word

MAR23014
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), PG-13
Analysis Date: February 8, 2003
CAP Score: 39
CAP Influence Density: 1.35

MinMax: -100

Give your visitors clear access to ALL CAP movie analyses. Put the link above on your web page. FREE!




ALERT: To fully understand this report you should first visit the topics suggested by the CAP Site Map (Table of Contents). Further, if you do not want the plot, ending, or "secrets" of a movie spoiled for you, skip the Summary/Commentary. In any case, be sure to visit the Findings/Scoring section -- it is completely objective to His Word and is the heart of the CAP Entertainment Media Analysis Model applied to this movie.


NO service charges.
All donations are tax deductible.
To subscribe to (or unsubscribe from) our FREE text-only versions of our Entertainment Media Analysis Reports as they are calculated, visit our Mailman. If you experience difficulty with Mailman, send us your request. Your email address will NOT be given or sold to other parties.



SUMMARY / COMMENTARY:


If Scriptural references appear, the full text appears at the end of the Summary / Commentary likely using a mix of KJV and NIV.


HOW TO LOSE A GUY N 10 DAYS (PG-13) -- I wonder when filmmakers will finally get it...



Cast/Crew Details Courtesy imdb.com
Production: Lynda Obst Productions, Robert Evans Company
Distribution: Paramount Pictures
Director(s): Donald Petrie
Producer(s): Robert Evans, Christine Forsyth-Peters, Elizabeth Joan Hooper, Lynda Obst. Richard Vane
Written by/Screenplay: Book: Michele Alexander, Jeannie Long. Sccreenplay: Kristen Buckley, Brian Regan, Burr Steers
Cinematography/Camera: John Bailey
Music: David Newman
Film Editing: Debra Neil-Fisher
Casting: Andrew S. Brown, Robin D. Cook, Gail Levin
Production Design: Thérèse DePrez
Art Direction: James C. Feng, Brandt Gordon
Viewed At: Driftwood Theater 6, Granbury, Texas


There is shame in NOT practicing immoral sex with someone according to this, yet another "R-13" PG-13. Two days into a relationship seems to be adequate to "go for the gold." At the most, nine days. Never in marriage. One gets a distinct impression that anyone under 60 is shacking up with someone. And drinking? In How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days sexual purity is as honorable as a yawn and drinking is as routine as breathing It seems the new age equation to reach sexual intimacy does not include God, His Word, anything to do with morality or wholesomeness and definitely not marriage. Just the length of time into a relationship. Casual sex and using other people are the "rule of law." And the MPAA thinks your 13 year old is old enough for this in spite of what you say. Such dissonance! [Gal. 5:19, Rev. 22:15, Jude 7, Col. 3:5]

Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is a writer for Composure magazine, the fastest growing women's magazine in the country. By orders of the mag's editor and Andie's boss, Lana Jong (Bebe Neuwirth) topics Andie is to write about are feminine things such as cosmetics and wardrobe plus, of course, just like Seventeen, sex. But Andie, with her Masters degree in journalism is under-utilized and under-challenged. Andie wants to write about meaningful topics such as politics, government and religion. But Jong reminds Andie that she is boss and that Andie will do as she says. Jong, whose only apparent concept of religion was Dali Lama will take care of the "religious" writing.

Andie's first article under the rules of the editor is how to lose a guy in ten days by using such manipulations as jealousy, clinging, dim-witedness and planting of trappings which suggest of a long-term commitment. So, Andie is to find a Guinea pig, woo him into a "loving" relationship then convince him to leave her. All in ten days. A "loving" relationship? I wonder when filmmakers will finally get it that love does not equal sex and that sex does not equal love; that love is not a servant of sex but sex is a servant -- a tool -- of love. Casual, irresponsible, constant sex is the central theme of this teeney-bopper big city dating wars romance story. If this is the way modern life is, why do you think it is that way when our 13 year old kids are saturated with such lack of moral standards as acceptable in the popcorn flavored environment of entertainment? [1 Tim. 6:5] Unfortunately, such influences may last a lot longer than the popcorn.

Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) is a lead account executive for an ad agency which deals primarily in grunt-snort accounts with sports and alcohol-related complies. But he spies and tries to land a very lucrative diamond account which requires a complete paradigm shift from grunt-snort to "frosted." "Frosted" is the theme of his ad campaign, an idea innocently given to him by none other than Andie, referring to being decked out with diamonds. Ben really wants the account but his editor boss, Philip Warren (Robert Klein) is not so sure Ben should get it. Phillip is leaning toward two women account execs, Spears and Green (Michael Michele, Shalom Harlow) being better suited to the tried-n-true "diamonds are a girl's best friend" slogan. Over drinks (of course), to win the account Ben makes a bet with Phillip that he will be able to find, court and win the love of "any single, straight, available" woman he chooses in only ten days. Phillip agrees that if Ben wins the bet, he gets the lucrative account. If he loses, he is back to the grunt-snort accounts. Remember, this deeply scrutinized assignment of suitability for a highly valuable account is over drinks.

Conveniently, Ben spies Andie (in a bar, of course) and decides she is the one he will conquer in ten days (nothing is said about after ten days). Little does he know that Andie also has ulterior designs on a relationship with him. So, did he choose her or did she choose him? What difference does it make? His clock starts. Her clock starts. The sex games begin.

One of Andie's friends, Michelle admits to having intercourse with a guy only two days into a relationship that lasted a week and a half. Michelle confides her broken heart to Andie who tells Michelle that she was too easy from Ben's apartment bathroom. One of Ben's maneuvers was actually morally very nice ... except for one aspect. Ben took Andie to meet his parents and a solid, loving relationship was displayed between Ben and his family with none of the "I'm better than you" typical of offspring toward parents in movies nowadays. Too bad they had to show the good relationship built on things such as playing a card game with most of the foul language of the movie in it. And, of course, Ben's uncle's flatulence. Hey! Its's PG-13! Body fluids, functions, excrements and sex with foul language are a must. By the way, it is the ninth day when Ben "gets the gold" in his parents shower. With Andie.

There is much innuendo (both homosexual and heterosexual), talk and comments regarding sexual immorality in this movie. Ben's male member gets a female pet name from Andie. Both strip for sex in his parents' shower. Ben nuzzles Andie's breasts with his face after a punch in the eye (simulating the steak). She touches his crotch area. Sexual requests and invitations abound. Dressing to maximize the female form and/or skin exposure. And more.

And a l-o-t of exposure to alcoholic beverages and drinking with drunkenness [1 Cor. 15:33, Luke 17:2]. Yes, I have a finding on that, too. Though the finding includes tobacco abuse, I'll share it with you because of what it reveals about alcohol in and as entertainment. A recent study by the American College of Physicians revealed that adolescent exposure to drinking and smoking in entertainment leads to an undeniable increase in alcohol and tobacco abuse. The finding entitled Relation Between Parental Restrictions on Movies and Adolescent Use of Tobacco and Alcohol reports that of 4544 youths from grades 5 through 8 of fifteen Vermont and New Hampshire middle schools (90% were under fourteen years old) only 16% were completely restricted from viewing R-rated movies. The report further states the prevalence of having tried smoking without parental knowledge was 35% for those with no restrictions on viewing R-rated movies, 12% for those with partial restrictions, and two percent for those with complete restrictions. The prevalence of having tried alcohol without parental knowledge was 46% for those with no restrictions, 16% for those with partial restrictions and four percent for those with complete restrictions. Rather revealing of the influences of the entertainment industry wouldn't you say? Whether a movie is rated R or not, the focus is the effects of adolescent exposure to drinking and smoking in entertainment. Besides, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is PG-13 which will garner much less restriction on attendance than R. And How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is R-13.

In addition to these matters of inappropriate programming, there were 46 uses of the three/four letter word vocabulary, one use of the most foul of the foul words [Col. 3:8, Prov. 22:11, Titus 2:6-8] and 11 uses of God's name in vain, 2 with the four letter expletive [Deut. 5:11]. There is more. Please read the listing in the Findings/Scoring section before you decide whether *How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days* is fit for your kids (which includes at-home teens) OR yourself.


ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo


SCRIPTURAL APPLICATION(S)
If needed to focus or fortify, applicable text is underlined or bracketed [ ]. 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.

  • Gal. 5:19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ...
  • Rev. 22:15 Outside [of Heaven] are the dogs, those [unforgiven] who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
  • Jude 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
  • Col. 3:5 Put to death [mortify, deprive of power, destroy the strength of], therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
  • 1 Tim. 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
  • Col. 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
  • Prov. 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.
  • Titus 2:6-8 Similarly, encourage the young men [and women] to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
  • Deut. 5:11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain [shav' {shawv}: emptiness, nothingness, vanity]: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. [With or without the four letter expletive, the use of God's name in any way other than respect, reverence or thoughtful discussion is in vain. That includes the popular three syllable sentence with His name trailing it.]

    ***Selected Scriptures of Armour against the influence of the entertainment industry***
  • Ps. 12:8 The wicked freely strut about [e.g., create progressively vile/offensive entertainment with impunity and no consequences to younger and younger audiences every year] when what is vile is honored among men [when enough people continue to defend it, embrace it, pay for it, enjoy it, want it]. [I call attention to Ps. 12:8 to warn of the creeping desensitizing power of "entertainment."]
  • 1 Cor. 15:33 (KJV) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (NIV) Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.
  • Jude 4 For certain men* whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change [warp, distort, falsely represent] the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. [*men: anthropos {anth'-ro-pos}, generic, a human being, whether male or female]
  • Matt. 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto [or for] one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto [or for] me.
  • Luke 17:2 It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. [cause by teaching or example]
  • Ps. 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
  • John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
  • 1 Thess. 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.


    ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo


    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.

  • FINDINGS / SCORING:


    How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) CAP Thermometers

    Wanton Violence/Crime (W):
  • gambling, repeatedly, in several ways
  • reckless driving for love
  • willing to be killed for love

    Impudence/Hate (I)(1):
  • 46 uses of the three/four letter word vocabulary
  • one use of the most foul of the foul words
  • lies, repeatedly
  • dog urination, repeatedly
  • flatulence, repeatedly
  • falsification of profession to manipulate

    Sex/Homosexuality (S):
  • camera angle for force viewer on private parts
  • dressing to maximize the female form and/or skin exposure, repeatedly
  • sex talk, innuendo, comments, suggestions, repeatedly, both heterosexual and homosexual
  • admissions of of sexual immorality
  • using sex appeal to influence
  • man on woman on bed making out
  • inappropriate touching, man's face to woman's breasts and female hand to male crotch
  • woman attacking man sexually, stripping him, fondling him
  • sex play
  • sexual requests and invitations, repeatedly
  • stripping to nudity, both male and female, for sex
  • excessive cleavage, repeatedly
  • anatomical references, repeatedly
  • open face kissing

    Drugs/Alcohol (D):
  • drinking, repeatedly
  • smoking, repeatedly
  • booze, repeatedly
  • celebrating with drink
  • drunkenness

    Offense to God (O)(2):
  • two uses of God's name in vain with the four letter expletive and 9 without

    Murder/Suicide (M)(3):
  • none noted




  • Please help keep this free service free by making generous tax-deductible donations to the CAP ministry (TIN: 75-2607488) by visiting Network for Good to give a tax-deductible monthly gift of $5, $10 or even $25 or greater or to make generous one-time or semi-regular donations.

    WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! DONATE NOW THROUGH THE

    NO service charges!!!
    Donations to the CAP Ministry are Tax Deductible!!!

    Or feel free to send your gift(s) by check or money order in US dollars to:

    CAP Ministry, PO Box 177, Granbury, TX 76048-0177

    Thank you each for your support of this ministry. Please be in earnest prayer for funding that we may continue for many years and to keep this free service free.



    Please visit our sponsor:

    ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL SPONSORS AND SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP LOCATE 501(C)(3) FUNDING!




    And please visit also these reciprocal links.

    Comments?

    Christian Media News

    A Singles
    Christian Network



     Click Here for a Quality Christian Site






    NOTE: While the Summary/Commentary section of these reports is precisely that -- a summary in commentary format which can be and sometimes is subjective, the actual CAP Analysis Model (the Findings/Scoring section) makes no scoring allowances for trumped-up "messages" to excuse, for manufacture of justification for, or camouflaging of ignominious content or aberrant behavior or imagery with "redeeming" programming. Disguising sinful behavior in a theme/plot does not excuse the sinful behavior of either the one who is drawing pleasure or example of behavior or thought from the sinful display or of the practitioners demonstrating the sinful behavior. We make no attempt to quantify the "artistic" or "entertainment" value of a movie -- whether a movie has any positive value or "entertainment" value is up to mom/dad. The CAP analysis model is the only known set of tools available to parents and grandparents which give *them* the control they need, bypassing the opinion-based assessment of movies by others and defeating the deceit of those who would say anything to convince their parents otherwise. The model is completely objective to His Word. Our investigation standards are founded in the teachings and expectations of Jesus Christ. If a sinful behavior is portrayed, it is called sinful whether Hollywood tries to make it otherwise. That the sinful behavior is "justified" by some manufactured conditions does not soften nor erase the price of sin. Whether there is application of fantasy "justification" or "redemption" is up to mom/dad.


    "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.



    Join Christian Banner Exchange Network Today!






    (1) As noted in CAP Special Report-001, "Investigation Area and Scoring Trend," of the six CAP Investigation Areas, Impudence/Hate was the strongest presence in all four movie classifications. It has a strong revelation about the entertainment media.

    (2) The use of the three/four letter word vocabulary without God's name in vain is incorporated into the Impudence/Hate Investigation Area. The use of God's name with or without the four letter expletive is incorporated into the Offense to God Investigation Area. There is no duplication.

    (3) Only portrayal of successful murder or suicide are incorporated into Murder/Suicide. Portrayal of attempts to commit murder or suicide and deaths by police action or war are incorporated into Wanton Violence/Crime.



    The ChildCare Action Project (CAP) is a nonprofit Christian ministry. We rely on public support. If you wish to contribute to the CAP, please send your donations to
    ChildCare Action Project
    Post Office Box 177
    Granbury, TX 76048-0177

    Your gifts are tax deductible in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Tax Codes. Please feel free to write to us.



    You are welcome to go to the
    CAP Reports page
    or go to the
    Top of the CAP Home Page
    or the
    CAP Site Map (Table of Contents)
    or leave me an email message or comment at
    cap@capalert.com



    Thank you for visiting us and may God bless you. Prayerfully, we will provide you with some of the most revealing commentary and investigative reporting you have ever read.

    In the name of Jesus:
    Lord, Master, Teacher, Savior, God.

    ChildCare Action Project (CAP): Christian Analysis of American Culture

    Copyright ChildCare Action Project (CAP) Ministry



    Since December 5, 2000