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'Easy A'
Tuesday 9th November 2010 @ 12:00 am / arts - movies, books, theatre ...

Empire gave this movie 4 stars ... a friend of mine uses the Christian spotlight website to review films before he goes to see them ... it didn't like it so much.

 

As someone who enjoys a good narrative, excellent production, is probably a bit of a romantic, is not easily offended, and if I had my way would make every youth leader in Ireland take their youth group to see Easy A, I thought I'd compare the reviews:

Christian ...

As for whether or not I recommend this film, I wholeheartedly say to avoid it. Aside from its offensive content, the film has no worthy redemptive value, not because of its plot basis, but because of its execution and plot filler. "Easy A" does effectively show the destructive consequences of lies and gossip, and the ending is suitable, with Olive coming clean. However, the film had other agendas which permeated the film's dialogue and jokes from beginning to end, and Christians shouldn’t pay money to hear it.

 

Empire ...

Arguably the best teen comedy since Clueless, it's easy to give this one an A. Well, A-.

 ... it's deceptively light and breezy stuff, with its hilarious rat-a-tat dialogue masking perceptive social comment (it’s a movie which roots for the little guy without ever getting out the soapbox) ... It uses its source material well -- Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, which is directly referenced throughout ...  and it’s a movie that skilfully fleshes out its supporting cast, treating the adults, including Thomas Haden Church and Lisa Kudrow as married teachers going through some issues, as actual characters, while serving up a heck of a role for its leading lady.

 

Here's my sadness - the Christian review heard bad language, saw Christians being mocked and ran a mile. And in doing so missed the best form of satirical social commentary there is - a mirror. The Christian church should have it's eyes open - it should not be afraid of issues surrounding sexuality and it should take note when some actors give a sickeningly good portrayal of how we are viewed by the society we are called to transform.

The movie is not perfect, it's not the best thing since Casablanca, but it is honest. It does deal with self-image, malicious gossip, consequentialism, faith, judgment and fear in ample measure  - and as such should be applauded. Far from objectifying teenage girls it actually empowers them to make good - better - decisions.

 

And besides, even if you hate it, the entrance money is worth it to see Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson as the parents of the lead. They are gorgeous - you'll want them for your parents.

 

Often it makes uncomfortable viewing for Christians - but it should.


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