SAVED . . . no, not the sequel to The Passion

[javanut]

Great trailer and for that matter, great timing:

LINK (http://movies.yahoo.com/movies/feature/saved.html)

[DodgingCars]

hmmm.. so it's a movie that makes fun of Christians and especially Christian teens?

[fumanstan]

Originally posted by DodgingCars
hmmm.. so it's a movie that makes fun of Christians and especially Christian teens?

If so, count me in! :)

[javanut]

Parodying may be a better term for it . . .

"You made me run over Jesus!" Now that's funny.

[SFranke]

And it has the Culkinator.

[DodgingCars]

Originally posted by javanut
Parodying may be a better term for it . . .

"You made me run over Jesus!" Now that's funny.

The film seemed mean spirited to me. The characters in the film who hold on to traditional Christian beliefs are portrayed as wackos while those who characters who question those beliefs are portrayed as "normal."

[conscience]

Hopefully Macaulay Culkin does better in this film than Party Monster....but judging by his performance in the trailer I am not counting on it. "Are you playing footsies with me?" "Wheelies."

The others look to be pretty good. I like Jena Malone for some reason.

[theneobez]

I'm not sure if I want to gauge my eyes out. . .or. . .shoot them. . .or be excited. I'm confused. So is this movie going to appeal to non-christains?

[darkman226]

hmmm, reminds me of my highschool days,
i choose not to run with that crowd and they labled as a child of darkness, dawm stop calling me!leave me alone.

[DonnachaOne]

Originally posted by DodgingCars
The film seemed mean spirited to me. The characters in the film who hold on to traditional Christian beliefs are portrayed as wackos... I think it's not that, so much as wackos with Christian beliefs.

I'm a practicing Catholic, but good Lord, so many teenagers have such weird ways of expression and acceptance... and extreme religion is one of them.

Yes, I meant EXTREME religion. Not in the "far from moderate" sense, but in the "COOL! AWESOME! BUZZ WORD!" sense.

Many religious-zealot teens really put the "mental" in "fundamentalism". It's no different than if they chose to be punks, or goths, or whatever. Nothing wrong with any of the teen cliques... there's just some WEIRD ones in each clique.

More power to them, if it makes them happy. Though, I expect they're all going to hell for making Christian rock sell...

[bodomnet]

Crazy christians.

[DonnachaOne]

Originally posted by bodomnet
Crazy christians. Hey now... not all of them are crazy.

Though after the overzealous crowds for The Passion, I had to laugh at the following statement:

"Man, all these christians packed into an auditorium... in wiser times, they'd have released lions..."

[DodgingCars]

Originally posted by DonnachaOne
I think it's not that, so much as wackos with Christian beliefs.

I'm a practicing Catholic, but good Lord, so many teenagers have such weird ways of expression and acceptance... and extreme religion is one of them.

Yes, I meant EXTREME religion. Not in the "far from moderate" sense, but in the "COOL! AWESOME! BUZZ WORD!" sense.

Many religious-zealot teens really put the "mental" in "fundamentalism". It's no different than if they chose to be punks, or goths, or whatever. Nothing wrong with any of the teen cliques... there's just some WEIRD ones in each clique.

More power to them, if it makes them happy. Though, I expect they're all going to hell for making Christian rock sell...

Well.. there are some wacko adult Christians too. Trust me, I've met them. Ones that think that people who watch the Simpsons are going to Hell, etc... except they wouldn't say Hell, because that's a bad word.

In all honesty, I probably shouldn't judge the movie too harshly by just its trailer.

[bodomnet]

Originally posted by DonnachaOne
Hey now... not all of them are crazy.

Though after the overzealous crowds for The Passion, I had to laugh at the following statement:

"Man, all these christians packed into an auditorium... in wiser times, they'd have released lions..." hmm reminds me of a song 'Feed Christians to the Lions'
I know they arent all crazy.. just so many I see are over the top and major hypocrits

[Trigger]

I have a feeling that this will end up appealing to more mainstream and having a 'message' at the end rather than being unapologetic for their making fun of that culture.

[Suprmallet]

Originally posted by Trigger
I have a feeling that this will end up appealing to more mainstream and having a 'message' at the end rather than being unapologetic for their making fun of that culture.


That, my friend, would be quite a shame.

Perhaps it will end with Chris Rock saying, "And remember, it doesn't matter what you believe in...as long as you have a good idea." And then he will wink to the camera.

[Jackskeleton]

Reminds me of:

The Dangerous Lives of Alter Boys

Hell it even has Jena. <3 <3

In any case, as a former Catholic school kid, I'm sold. Anything that seems to be joking about it, I'm all for it.

[troystiffler]

Originally posted by DodgingCars
I probably shouldn't judge the movie too harshly by just its trailer.

I think you should leave that up to GOD. ;)

I am Christian, and proud of being 'narrow' about many things (drugs, sex, language, etc.).

The trailer makes the movie look funny. Too bad that it probably will not be.

Oh, and "The Simpsons" was a forbidden show until around '95. Looking back, it is pretty silly that my parents didn't want me watching it. I don't hold it against them. But did they ever watch the show before judging it?

What are the Christian ideas behind being so strict when it comes to media (books, movies, music, television)? I never really understood that.

[Jackskeleton]

It's the very idea of religion. to control it's followers into doing/acting the way they want them to act. Why strict on media? Because that's the purpose of religion. :p

[funkyryno]

The trailer had some funny moments, but it looks like the movie could be a little harsher. I'm sure they didn't want to piss off every christian out there.

[talemyn]

Now I truely am not trying to sound condescending or argumentative or anything like that, but I honestly have to wonder if you really understand Christianity when you make comments like these:Originally posted by bodomnet
. . . just so many I see are over the top and major hypocrits . . . . . . and . . . Originally posted by Jackskeleton
It's the very idea of religion. to control it's followers into doing/acting the way they want them to act. Why strict on media? Because that's the purpose of religion. :p Point 1: Hypocrisy - Let me start out by saying, yes, there are some hypocrits out there . . . I'd never be so crazy as to claim that that is not true, but you also need to understand that the ideals that Christians strive towards are just that . . . ideals. But, like everybody else, they are human too and are just as likely to trip and fall during their attempt to live up to an ideal as anyone . . . even to the point of messing up repetatively or even habitually.

Supporting certain rules and standards of living , but giving into temptation in the process is very different from pretending to support ideals, but actively practicing otherwise. Unfortunately, those two "lifestyles" can look very much alike.

Point 2: "Control" - The idea of religion is not to control its believers. When certain types, genres, etc. of media are "black listed" (so to speak) by religious groups, it is merely in an attempt to reduce temptation. Ideally, people should be able to resist on their own when they encounter temptation, but, in reality, that is far easier said than done. As such, parents, religious leaders, etc. try to remove what they consider to be negative influences in an effort to reduce that temptation.

While I personally believe that getting burned is a more effective/meaning lesson in the dangers of fire than trying to warn and reduce interaction with that fire, you certainly can't blame adults from wanting to protect kids from what they perceive as danger. Additionaly, as you get older, the consequences of of "getting burned" get far more severe (pregnancy and STD's, drug addiction, drunk driving, etc.) In those cases, it is better not to learn the hard way.

[Jackskeleton]

oh great, this turns into PASSIONS discussion part 2.

but I honestly have to wonder if you really understand Christianity when you make comments like these

lets just put it that I have my views and you have yours. There is no need to wonder about me. Mind your own business about your beliefs and I will do the same. ;)

[devilshalo]

How can this be any more funny than Dogma was? I think this'll be a hoot. :)

Jena Malone :up:

[Jackskeleton]

Damn_straight!

[ArchibaldTuttle]

looks like it will be funny, and piss a lot of people off that take life and religion too seriously, sounds good to me

[Giantrobo]

Originally posted by Jackskeleton
It's the very idea of religion. to control it's followers into doing/acting the way they want them to act. Why strict on media? Because that's the purpose of religion. :p


spoken like a true Catholic ;)

[Giantrobo]

Originally posted by devilshalo
How can this be any more funny than Dogma was? I think this'll be a hoot. :)

Jena Malone :up:

Probably :)

I think the girls in the van will steal the movie :lol:

[B.A.]

Originally posted by DonnachaOne
Though, I expect they're all going to hell for making Christian rock sell... :lol:

[Suprmallet]

Originally posted by devilshalo
How can this be any more funny than Dogma was? I think this'll be a hoot. :)


Just about anything would be funnier than Dogma.

As for religion being used a means of control, well, it has. Once religions become organized, they exert a level of control over their followers. In Christianity, it's fairly lax (due to their method of salvation). In Orthodox Judaism and Islam, it's quite strict. And while there's a supposed separation of church and state in the U.S., that's not true in many countries. For example, Ireland only legalized divorce a few years ago. Religion is a method of control, there are no two ways about it.

[Trigger]

Originally posted by troystiffler
What are the Christian ideas behind being so strict when it comes to media (books, movies, music, television)? I never really understood that. My personal theory is that this is so christians don't become un-brainwashed.

[AGuyNamedMike]

Originally posted by Suprmallet
Just about anything would be funnier than Dogma.


True dat.


As for religion being used a means of control, well, it has. Once religions become organized, they exert a level of control over their followers. In Christianity, it's fairly lax (due to their method of salvation). In Orthodox Judaism and Islam, it's quite strict. And while there's a supposed separation of church and state in the U.S., that's not true in many countries. For example, Ireland only legalized divorce a few years ago. Religion is a method of control, there are no two ways about it.

Yes, one major aspect of organized religion is control over the membership. Just like being a member of the Moose Lodge imposes certain guidelines on you, or living in a civilized society imposes the rule of law. I was able to reconcile my faith in Christ and my dislike of church (I was raised Southern Baptist, but I got better) by realizing that anything that people get their hands on can and will eventually be twisted and corrupted somehow. So I worship alone or in very small, relaxed groups where polite discussion and agreement to disagree is most often the case. If I were given to flights of fancy, I might conjecture that the whole church thing was invented by Lucifer to sabotage God's plan.

[Cellar Door]

I was kind of surprised to see Mandy Moore in this. I haven't seen A Walk To Remember, but I've heard that her character's christianity was an important part of that movie. Interesting to see her twist her image a bit here.

[Jackskeleton]

money talks.

[Giles]

the film is fun but flawed. Jena, Macauley, Patrick Fugit, and Heather Matarazzo bring a freshness to the characters they portray and Mandy Moore does a complete 360, and plays a utter be-otch. The film's portrayel of Christinanity is conveyed as a tad of a mockery and Martin Donovan's Pastor Skip doesn't add to the film's tone and comes across as less credible character and one-dimensional.
Will be very curious to see how this film does both critically and how it is marketed.

[xfilekr]

This must have gone over my head....or it's just not interesting. Unless they're saving the funny parts (what trailer actually does that?) it wasn't really offensive or funny......heh....Macauley- that is kinda funny :)

[talemyn]

Originally posted by Jackskeleton
Mind your own business about your beliefs and I will do the same. ;) That is how I generally like to keep things . . . unless the conversation warrants it or if people ask for my beliefs, I tend to keep them to myself. However, in this case, some disparaging and, at least in my mind, inaccurate remarks were being made about my beliefs, so I felt compelled to respond.Originally posted by Suprmallet
Religion is a method of control, there are no two ways about it. Religion is a method of control? Absolutely.

The purpose of of religion is control? Absolutely not.


As for Dogma, I love that movie . . . I think it is Smith's best movie to date. It's funny (I love the whole "Mooby Boardroom" scene) and it gives you a lot of ideas to chew on. I can't imagine Saved even being considered in the same league as Dogma, but I guess we'll find out soon enough.

[Josh H]

Originally posted by DodgingCars
The film seemed mean spirited to me. The characters in the film who hold on to traditional Christian beliefs are portrayed as wackos while those who characters who question those beliefs are portrayed as "normal."

Sounds like a must see to me. :D

[RichC2]

Likely meaningless but thought I'd add - Ebert and Roeper is doing an early review of this flick next week. What does that mean?

Ebert liked it.

But then, he's been a Mandy Moore fan for years now.

[wm lopez]

With the unexpected huge success of THE PASSION, and many teens having seen it.
It's only natural that the dark forces put out a movie that would make fun of teen christains.
Can't have all those converted teens go thru life without any doubts, not in these times we live today.

[Jackskeleton]

Jena Malone is in it, So I'm watching no matter what. :)

[conscience]

Originally posted by Giles
and Mandy Moore does a complete 360, and plays a utter be-otch.

360?

:lol:

--------

Does Macauly Culkin have the same acting range as he did in Party Monster? (non-existent?)

I love Jena Malone and Heather Matarazzo...so I will see this (but I will probably have to wait until video 'cause it doesn't look like it will come here.

[scrimshaw]

Saw the film, wasn't impressed at all. The main problem with the movie is that it's trying to be a dark social satire and a John Hughes teen melodrama. It's like oil and water. What little relevant social commentary there is in the film, is overshadowed by dumb, generic characters that are merely acting out stereotypes and a "message" ending that feels like it was pulled from an after school special.

[Verbal Gorilla]

Originally posted by conscience
360?

:lol:


I agree.

Take that Mandy Moore!

[Artman]

I care about what the media and you guys are saying, but at the same time I dont. My faith isn't hinged on what others say about it.

I understand the film's a parody, and thats fine. Many christians seem hellbent on shoving our beliefs down others throats, and that certainly isn't the way to do things. (and not above criticism)

I do have to add that when something is close to your heart and the priority in your life - of course your going to take it seriously.

Also about the hands-off approach to the arts and media that many believers have. Thats just how some people are, I would never criticize someone for being too cautious. I dont think that way, I enjoy looking at other works even if I dont agree with it. And some people won't see what I see - thats the great thing about art!

End of sermon. Tapes available in the lobby for $3. :)

[Artman]

Originally posted by troystiffler
What are the Christian ideas behind being so strict when it comes to media (books, movies, music, television)? I never really understood that.

Usually the old standby is the "whatever is pure, good, true...meditate on these things." While I agree with that, I think many people confuse 'seeing and hearing' with 'meditation.'

Also I tend to see things in the arts that many of my fellow believers dont, so what might not seem good to them I see as great and worth spending my time on.

The apostle Paul sums it up great - whatever we do lets do it for God's glory. I think hanging out with my non-believing co-workers at the local pub and having a good time is very much giving glory to God.

[RichC2]

Yeah, uh. Two Thumbs Up from E&R.

[Seantn]

http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808429908&cf=trailer

The first 3 and half minutes are online.

I really am looking forward to this film.

And I must say, I like what Ebert and Roeper said in their reviews. They said that this movie is NOT making fun of the christian religion, it is making fun of the people who use the christian religion to hide behind and use as an excuse for their hateful attitude towards others.

[clemente]

Originally posted by Seantn
They said that this movie is NOT making fun of the christian religion, it is making fun of the people who use the christian religion to hide behind and use as an excuse for their hateful attitude towards others.

Those very people often lack the ability to see the difference.....sad, but true.

[Panda Phil]

I try not to sterotype religeous people, I really do. But then some local church mom will pop up in the media, railing about prayer in school, or wanting a book banned, Pat Robertson or Falwell will make some assinine comment and just destorys any open-mindedness I may have had for the, or worse, some real nutjob like Fred Phelps will get his name in the paper and just completely destroy any positive feelings I may have for these people.

OTOH, maybe it's just fundementalists we need to be making fun of, rather than Christians in general.

[wm lopez]

To many liberals "open mindedness" means taking a bite of the apple in the Garden of Eden.
Many church people know that not following the 10 Commandments is fun, but if we did all of the worlds problems that we have today wouldn't exist.
That's why they try to push it on our culture.
Where the Hollywood, liberal media pushes the oppisite view and that's where we are at today.

[Matthew Chmiel]

Many church people know that not following the 10 Commandments is fun, but if we did all of the worlds problems that we have today wouldn't exist.
Well I would say that if it wasn't for organized religion, then most of the worlds problems today wouldn't exist. ;)

I was watching Hot Ticket at the bowling alley and saw a few clips of Saved! as Leonard and the female critic who I could honestly not give two shits about talked about it and I can't wait for it to open in Vegas. It looks like it could be a lot of fun or could be very awful.

[Hokeyboy]

Originally posted by Matthew Chmiel
I was watching Hot Ticket at the bowling alley and saw a few clips of Saved! as Leonard and the female critic who I could honestly not give two shits about talked about it and I can't wait for it to open in Vegas. Aw man, Joyce Kulhawik is not only a total milf hottie, she's also extremely well versed in film history and quite the eloquent speaker. Ebert had her on as one of the "revolving weekly critics" after Siskel's death, and she was wonderful. Glad to see she's on TV, though, even if I really can't stand "Hot Ticket"'s format.

[DodgingCars]

Originally posted by Seantn
And I must say, I like what Ebert and Roeper said in their reviews. They said that this movie is NOT making fun of the christian religion, it is making fun of the people who use the christian religion to hide behind and use as an excuse for their hateful attitude towards others.

Maybe they're right and I can't say either way until I see it for myself, but some critics disagree:

"This is a shallow, anti-Christian film that relies on tired stereotypes and familiar situations to tar (and feather) everything with the same brush."
-- James Berardinelli, REELVIEWS

"Guilty of every single sin for which it skewers its cardboard Christian villains."
-- Walter Chaw, FILM FREAK CENTRAL

"This is a film that sees only in black-and-white."
-- Ed Gonzalez, SLANT MAGAZINE

"[Dannelly] has an obvious axe to grind regarding institutional Christianity and the actors are hamstrung into stereotypical behavior as a result."
-- Michael Elliott, MOVIE PARABLES

I picked up this quote from Beradinelli's review:

"Saved! treats religion as a disease, not a life choice. It's something people need to be cured of in order to live a meaningful life. (Maybe they don't have to give it up altogether, but the fundamentalist aspect needs to go.) In order to refine this point, Mary is made increasingly sympathetic the further she drifts from her beliefs. Most of the "true believers," like Pastor Skip, Mary's mother, and Hilary Faye, are shown to be hypocrites. And the sympathetic supporters are non-believers Roland and Cassandra. It doesn't take long before it's apparent that Dannelly's objective with this film is not just to lampoon fundamentalism, but to express contempt for it. In this world, the path to salvation comes through renouncing Jesus, not embracing him."

[Jackskeleton]

There's slant again. who the hell are they? Still going to watch for Malone. I'm sure it will be decent. If not decent eye candy with Malone. :drool:

[Matthew Chmiel]

Originally posted by Matt Millheiser
Aw man, Joyce Kulhawik is not only a total milf hottie, she's also extremely well versed in film history and quite the eloquent speaker. Ebert had her on as one of the "revolving weekly critics" after Siskel's death, and she was wonderful. Glad to see she's on TV, though, even if I really can't stand "Hot Ticket"'s format.
In no way shape or form is she a total milf hottie. I almost lost all respect I had for you Matt when I saw total milf hottie in that post of yours. ;)

That and she gave both Eternal Sunshine... and The Girl Next Door both "nots" (which I thought the two are some of the best films of the year) and gave films like The Prince and Me a "hot." She lost all respect from me with that.

[Hokeyboy]

Originally posted by Matthew Chmiel
In no way shape or form is she a total milf hottie. I almost lost all respect I had for you Matt when I saw total milf hottie in that post of yours. ;)
Now now, the world don't move to the beat of just one drum. Different strokes and all that. :) I think I got a good 10-15 years on you, so I'm at the age where attractive women in their late 40s totally rock my mojo. We're talking the whole proverbial bacon-trampoline.That and she gave both Eternal Sunshine... and The Girl Next Door both "nots" (which I thought the two are some of the best films of the year) and gave films like The Prince and Me a "hot." She lost all respect from me with that. I agree with you on "Sunshine", disagree on "Girl Next Door", and never saw "The Prince and Me". But I will say this: when I was in college in Boston in the late 80s/early 90s, Joyce did the movie reviews for the local NBC affiliate. Her passion and enthusiasm for cinema was what got me into foreign and independent films. Plus thinking she was smokin' hot didn't hurt. :blush:

[Matthew Chmiel]

I think I got a good 10-15 years on you, so I'm at the age where attractive women in their late 40s totally rock my mojo. We're talking the whole proverbial bacon-trampoline.
And when you start finding Bea Arthur, Betty White, and Estelle Getty to be attractive is when I will ignore every post by you. ;)

I agree with you on "Sunshine", disagree on "Girl Next Door", and never saw "The Prince and Me". But I will say this: when I was in college in Boston in the late 80s/early 90s, Joyce did the movie reviews for the local NBC affiliate. Her passion and enthusiasm for cinema was what got me into foreign and independent films. Plus thinking she was smokin' hot didn't hurt.
Okay, I don't care if you disagree with me on The Girl Next Door, but I paid $5.50 to see The Prince and Me and in no shape, way, or form is it better than Eternal Sunshine. Just for the fact that I paid to see The Prince and Me makes me cry on the inside. :) And maybe 10-15 years ago, I might've found Joyce attractive, but not now. :)

[Hokeyboy]

Originally posted by Matthew Chmiel
And when you start finding Bea Arthur, Betty White, and Estelle Getty to be attractive is when I will ignore every post by you. ;)

Okay, I just have two words for you: Golden Sandwich.... :drool:
And maybe 10-15 years ago, I might've found Joyce attractive, but not now. :) What do you think of Connie Chung?

[Giles]

Originally posted by DodgingCars


I picked up this quote from Beradinelli's review:

"Saved! treats religion as a disease, not a life choice. It's something people need to be cured of in order to live a meaningful life. (Maybe they don't have to give it up altogether, but the fundamentalist aspect needs to go.) In order to refine this point, Mary is made increasingly sympathetic the further she drifts from her beliefs. Most of the "true believers," like Pastor Skip, Mary's mother, and Hilary Faye, are shown to be hypocrites. And the sympathetic supporters are non-believers Roland and Cassandra. It doesn't take long before it's apparent that Dannelly's objective with this film is not just to lampoon fundamentalism, but to express contempt for it. In this world, the path to salvation comes through renouncing Jesus, not embracing him."

as I noted before, I think Berandinelli's review restates my problem with the film in that it mocks Christianity. All the humour does is mask the one-sided depiction of extemist religion-based schooling. The cookie cutter stereotypical characters further embelish and add gross cynisism (sp) to the already OTT story structure and plot.

[scott shelton]

Originally posted by DodgingCars
"Guilty of every single sin for which it skewers its cardboard Christian villains."
-- Walter Chaw, FILM FREAK CENTRAL

"This is a film that sees only in black-and-white."
-- Ed Gonzalez, SLANT MAGAZINE


These are the last two critics anybody should be reading.

These guys are real morons.

From Chaw's SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD review...

"Where Tarantino will recreate the actual texture of the film that he repositions, Maddin recreates the dupes and bastard formats that represent the films that he harvests. One represents the true fana, the other--archly--the ravages of time and tide."

Now there's intelligent writing, and then there's masturbatory, failed-novelist critiquing. Chaw is in the latter category.

[Giles]

Originally posted by scott shelton


From Chaw's SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD review...

"Where Tarantino will recreate the actual texture of the film that he repositions, Maddin recreates the dupes and bastard formats that represent the films that he harvests. One represents the true fana, the other--archly--the ravages of time and tide."


these types of reviews make me simply cringe. Vague, yes. Does he like or dislike the film, I have no idea?

[Geofferson]

Ebert's 3 1/2 star review here (http://www.suntimes.com/output/ebert1/wkp-news-saved28f.html).

I'm really looking forward to seeing this one.

[Daytripper]

Originally posted by scott shelton

From Chaw's SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD review...

"Where Tarantino will recreate the actual texture of the film that he repositions, Maddin recreates the dupes and bastard formats that represent the films that he harvests. One represents the true fana, the other--archly--the ravages of time and tide."



O.K., I have absolutely no idea what this guy Chaw said. I know this much. I went to go see "Saddest Music in the World" last weekend, first show of the day, and there were about twelve people in the theater. Of those twelve, ten walked out. No lie. The movie was terrible. One of the worst I have ever seen.

And oh yeah, I'm going to go see "Saved!" ;)

[Groucho]

There are some for whom any criticism of any aspect of Christianity or Christians constitutes "Christian-bashing." Nothing you can do about that, since they'll take offense no matter what.

I haven't seen Saved yet, but when Ebert and Roeper say that it's not a Christian-bashing film I tend to take them at their word since both raved about The Passion of the Christ (especially Ebert).

Funny clip they played on E&R over the weekend, paraphrased from memory:"There's only one reason a good Christian girl would go to Planned Parenthood"

"To firebomb it?"

"Okay, there's only TWO reasons..."

[The Nature Boy]

I'm a fairly devout Catholic, and I haven't seen the film yet, but I look very much forward to seeing it. I think religious parody can be very cathartic and necessary. However, on the surface of what I've read, and not seen, it seems disengenous for the distributors and makers of this film to somehow say it's PRO-Jesus, as the material they've circulated suggests. As a Christian, that puts me off. Call it what it is, there's nothing wrong with being anti-Jesus, just don't cowtow and try to reflect your product in way contrary to what it MAY be(again, I haven't seen it yet). That said, the film is the final say, right now it's being projected by studio flacks and religious zealots, I'll judge when it's projected on the wall.

[Groucho]

Hmm...I don't think I've ever heard the filmmakers claim that this was a "Pro-Jesus" film, just that it wasn't "Anti-Christian."

[clemente]

Damn, Pipers Alley or River East.

Chicago's a big city, can't we get a screening where parking isn't such a bitch and/or expensive!

[Frank TJ Mackey]

regardless of reviews, which are about 50/50 right now, this is one of my top 10 to see this summer.

Mandy Moore actually seems to be a good actress in the few scenes i've seen.

[talemyn]

Here's an interesting review from a Christian reviewer (Walt Mueller). Obviously, this is being done from a Christian viewpoint, but, even so, it seems to be a fairly objective review.

http://www.cpyu.org/pageview.asp?pageid=8394

Unfortunately, because it's from a blog, there are no paragraph breaks. :(I've been thinking...

5/24/04

http://files.intellisite.com/2/9/4/6/0.jpg

Are you ready for Saved?

I received a package from MGM a few months ago. Inside was a video tape and a short letter asking me to review the tape. The tape contained a pre-release copy of the movie Saved, starring Mandy Moore. I erroneously assumed the film was another feeble and less-than-excellent attempt by well-meaning Christians to put out a film that would capture a mainstream audience - but of course, never does. As a result, I put the tape in my gym bag while planning to get around to watching it during a free moment. And there it sat. . . . for almost three months until I screened it last Thursday. I had heard enough rumblings about the film that I thought I should give it a look before its scheduled upcoming release on Friday, May 28. Before I tell you about the film's content and what I think about it, let me tell you something about the film and its intended audience. This is a typical film about teens that's designed to be watched by teens. Consequently, it's a rather simple story written to get laughs while communicating some simple messages. But don't for a minute believe that it's going to be ineffective at communicating its message. What about the story? Simply stated, the film follows Mandy Moore's character Hilary Faye, as she aggressively attempts to be the unstoppable spiritual leader and evangelist at her Christian high school. The film follows the tension between those who follow Hilary, and those portrayed as being outside the Kingdom of God because of their choices and life circumstances. Classmate Mary - caught in the tension - finds out that her boyfriend is gay. She thinks she has a "vision" from Jesus telling her to sleep with him in order to fix and save him. Their encounter leads to her pregnancy and need to deal with a host of difficult and confusing issues. So I began to watch the film. My initial expectation from others who had negatively criticized the film for "stereotyping Christians" was that maybe they were overreacting in typical defensive Christian posture. Instead, I expected this film would do the church a favor by satirizing our often-times ridiculous, shallow, and un-biblical understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we need to see ourselves the way the world sees us to see how lame and off-base we really are. To be honest, we deserve it. The first third of the movie seemed to fulfill that expectation. I found myself laughing several times as the film mocked our lack of depth, our cookie-cutter faith and attempts to evangelize and disciple according to formulas, our dualistic and un-biblical division of the world into sacred and secular arenas, and our dis-integration of faith into all of life. I was also chuckling at the portrayal of our sometimes absolutely ridiculous attempts to be relevant to the world. My emotions changed during the second third of the film as the story began to unfold at a deeper level. The film seemed to be moving from well-deserved critique of the church to promoting an agenda that was anti-biblical. While I think it's fair to blast Christians when we fail to represent our Lord because we've failed to understand what it means to represent our Lord (again, something that needs to happen if it's based on fact), I'm troubled when the critique shifts from addressing the blatant inconsistencies of those who call themselves Christians, to questioning critique of the authority of the incarnate Word and God's written revelation of himself. It was clear the film was moving in that direction. I can't argue with the facts as presented in this middle section of the film, that is, that oftentimes those who don't follow Christ are more compassionate, kind, understanding, and even Christ-like than those who say they follow Christ. But beneath this portrayal there was an underlying questioning that began to rise to the surface. These portrayals of pagan as hero and Christian as villain revealed that the film was masterfully questioning (for its intended young and impressionable teenage and pre-teen audience) the validity of biblical authority and God's design and order for the world. The last third of the film confirmed these suspicions as a pro-relativism message came through loud and clear. All life-styles are legitimate, all choices are legitimate, and the only sin is to believe there is such a thing as sin. As the film comes to a close, true redemption is portrayed as release from the rigid constraints of Christianity as it is not "the truth," but relativism that sets the captives free. While I believe this film could do us a favor by challenging many of the un-biblical constraints and prescriptive formulas of fundamentalism gone crazy, it goes much farther by questioning what the Scriptures have proclaimed for millennia to be good, true, honorable, and right. In the end, my understanding of the film's intended audience, their developmental stage, their impressionability, and the film's message left me with a pit in my stomach. Any young viewer who wants to know what a Christian is will get a horribly twisted and discouraging message. Believers are portrayed as fools, not for Christ, but simply narrow-minded fools who desperately need to be released from the constraints of their misunderstandings. At the film's conclusion, the eyes of the blind Christians - young and old alike - are opened as they are "saved" from thinking homosexuality is sinful behavior. My guess is that the film will have the power to communicate the same message to its young viewing audience with great effectiveness. Young believers will be challenged to get with the program. Young non-Christian viewers will be challenged to tell young Christians to get with the program. However, the film does us a favor by showing the ridiculousness - sadly - of what some Christians think a Christian is. If that's what we're showing the world, then we've really blown it and we must be called to task. This is a film that will redefine Jesus, redefine the message of the Gospel, and redefine Christian ethics as a boundless arena to do whatever feels right to you. The film promotes and validates all lifestyle choices, particularly in the area of sexuality. Perhaps it's not the least bit surprising that the film's website - www.savedmovie.com - reveals that "the cast and filmmakers are quick to point out that the main message of the film is one of love, one of inclusion and acceptance of all religions and beliefs." Young viewers will get the message as the film serves as a powerful "evangelistic tool" for reinventing Christian faith in the image of the postmodern worldview. You should go the site and read more on your own. In the end, Saved deconstructs Jesus and the Gospel when it should have only challenged Christians to look in the mirror and correct the errors of their ways. The latter is needed and necessary. The former provides us with an irrefutable example of the results of postmodernizing the faith. If you're a parent or a youthworker, I would suggest you see this film. Chances are, you're going to have numerous opportunities to discuss Saved and its message with the students you know and love. Be ready.

[Jackskeleton]

Forget that blog crap. Saw it yesterday and I enjoyed it a great deal.

Background on my history. Born catholic, went to catholic school and went to church, recently just stopped caring about religion (well a while ago). I'm an atheist now. The film doesn't bash religion or christians. I doesn't also sound to preachy. It's a nice blend of the two which comes off from the characters own belief.

I can see why some may get uppity about some of the ways religion is shown, but really it's nothing big. The acting was good all around and Mandy moore pulled off the bad girl well. Malone was excellent and well. Over all a good flick with plenty of laughs in it. Well worth the price and I'll pick it up on dvd.

[GizmoDVD]

Do the christians run fast or slow? We know jack hates the fast ones! ;)

[Jackskeleton]

they are in wheel chairs! :p

I liked the film. simple as that

[Daytripper]

Originally posted by Jackskeleton
Forget that blog crap. Saw it yesterday and I enjoyed it a great deal.

Background on my history. Born catholic, went to catholic school and went to church, recently just stopped caring about religion (well a while ago). I'm an atheist now. The film doesn't bash religion or christians. I doesn't also sound to preachy. It's a nice blend of the two which comes off from the characters own belief.

I can see why some may get uppity about some of the ways religion is shown, but really it's nothing big. The acting was good all around and Mandy moore pulled off the bad girl well. Malone was excellent and well. Over all a good flick with plenty of laughs in it. Well worth the price and I'll pick it up on dvd.

Completely agree. It's not preachy at all nor does it bash religion. It merely pokes fun at the people who go overboard with it. I saw this at a sold out matinee (HUGE theater) and everyone seemed to enjoy it. So many times the laughter even drowned out the dialogue. Moore was great. But Malone shined.

[FunkDaddy J]

Saw this last night and laughed my ass off. Really have to disagree with Beradinelli on this one:

"In this world, the path to salvation comes through renouncing Jesus, not embracing him."

The movie has nothing to do with renouncing Jesus but rather renouncing fanaticism and hypocricy.

There are MANY laughs in this thing, so many that you forgive a little heavy-handed moralising at the end. Culkin nearly steals the show.

[Frank TJ Mackey]

Originally posted by Matthew Chmiel
Well I would say that if it wasn't for organized religion, then most of the worlds problems today wouldn't exist. ;)



Completely agree with you about "organized" religion.


checked out SAVED and saw that some critics loved and some said it didn't go far enough.

I haven't laughed so hard consistently at a movie all year. A wonderfully written dark comedy that perfectly takes advantage of its PG-13 rating and runs along the edge.

Mandy Moore is surprisingly very good as the do-gooder Jesus freak of the film, and Macauley Culkin is subtle and witty as a crippled, non-Christian attending the American Eagle Christian school.

Jena Malone, Patrick Fugit, Heather Matarazzo, Mary-Louise Parker, Martin Donovan and especially Eva Amurri (the bad girl Jewish transfer student) are all right at home in this movie.

obviously, if you truly believe that God elected George W. Bush then SAVED probably would seriously offend you.

Anyhow, it was extremely funny and well-written.

The entire theatre i was in laughed constantly throughout. Hopefully more people will get a chance to see this as it goes wider. I don't understand any of the critics that didn't like this one.

To each his/her own.

[DonnachaOne]

Originally posted by clemente
Damn, Pipers Alley or River East.

Chicago's a big city, can't we get a screening where parking isn't such a bitch and/or expensive! Crestwood, Illinois. About a half hour drive south. I'd get tickets in advance, though; it's in a smaller auditorium and we're selling the shows out.

This good Catholic boy liked it. There's a whole lot more that could have been done with the concept, the ending is very preachy and maudlin, and some of the humor is very easy, but much of the film is very effective, and it's one that I'll reccommend to others.

As for Macauley Culin - way to knock it out of the park. The guy's a genius, playing Roland with a wit and cynicism that makes him not only the best character in this film, but one of the best I've seen all year. Dancing? Rollerskate? Pipebomb? Three nuggets of gold in one goldmine of a performance.

Thanks you Jesus!

[MahatmaPetey]

I saw this last night and enjoyed it quite a bit. I wonder if the people who were offended by it actually sat through the whole movie or if they only saw the first 20 minutes.

[movielib]

Loved it. Great satire without being downright cruel. Very, very funny. My ex-Catholic wife was laughing even more than I was. A slightly too-nice copout at the end but not that bad.

***½ / ****

Bonus: probably the only movie to thank Prometheus Books and George H. Smith in the credits for the use of his book Atheism: The Case Against God. I must admit I didn't catch it and I have to see it again just for that (I do want to see it again anyway).

[LiquidSky]

Originally posted by Seantn
And I must say, I like what Ebert and Roeper said in their reviews. They said that this movie is NOT making fun of the christian religion, it is making fun of the people who use the christian religion to hide behind and use as an excuse for their hateful attitude towards others.

Completely agree and I thought Patrick Fugit's character was a very positive Christian character. I thought the film was good. My rating: ***/****.

Eva Amurri (tough gal Cassandra) is Susan Sarandon's daughter.

[steebo777]

I saw this at the Water Front Film Festival (http://www.waterfrontfilm.org/) this past weekend. The director and one of the producers were there for a Q&A afterwards as well.

The film itself was extremely funny and fairly well done for a first-time director (well, of a major release film at least). All the characters were well handled and very believable, especially Patrick Fugit's character. I couldn't stop laughing at Macauly Culkin's character being named Roland. Mandy Moore played a great part, and unfortuantely, too true of a part for some christians. The story itself I felt was well written, but the ending was a bit too much over the top for a happy Hollywood ending. All in all, a good time and well worth seeing.

FYI, the director is a hilarious guy. Maybe something to take to the movie when you see it to see what he is saying, he went Catholic Elementary School, Jewish summer camp and Baptist High School. Kind of explains some scenarios, views and opinions brought up in the movie.

***/****

[MrX]

I saw it today and loved it.

All around strong performances by the entire cast.

The pipe bomb line had he rollingrotfl

[FuzzyBallz]

Is it just me, or is Susan Sarandon's daughter Eva Amurri hot in this movie? I might just watch this along w/ 3 other movies tomorrow.

[Patman]

Eva Amurri's got a smokin' bod, that's for sure. I don't blame Roland for checking out her bum either.

Quick thought on the film:

Instead of a special effects extravanganza, this film is all about characters starting in one place and ending up in a more tolerant place. Definitely a nice change of pace from the summer "blockbusters" which short-change the focus on characters for spectacle.

This film is all about characters, and growth through social/religious adversity, and thinking outside their comfort zone. This film could have de-railed at many points along the way, but it did keep its focus on the central theme of tolerance through and through.

I couldn't believe I didn't find Macauley Culkin muggingly annoying in his role. I did enjoy the work of Susan Sarandon's daughter (Eva Amurri) in this film as well.

The satire on using religion-based motivations to build up one's cachet of self-importance was deftly realized in the Hilary Faye character, painfully so. Mandy Moore was actually pretty good in her portrayal of this religiously myopic teenager.

Mary, Mary, Mary, through amazingly ignorant life blinders derived from a worldview that discounted cause-and-effect of the real world for a fantastical naive mindset born from trusting too much into ideas that don't quite mesh with real world consequences of actions, she finds herself on the outside looking in, but finding that looking outwards is a better place to embrace community based on tolerance and love.

I give it 3 stars, or a grade of B.

[QuikSilver]

This movie is finally playing in my town. Can't wait to see it this weekend. From everyones reviews so far, it should be great.

[Dr. DVD]

Going to see this tonight. Will post my thoughts later.

[ruddiger_718]

I thought it was funny, and saw it with my political, over-analizing friend, and expected to hear an earful from him, but enjoyed it as much as I did.

[Dr. DVD]

Saw it. Thought it was a solid comedy, but it could have pushed the envelope a little more IMO. I give it three out of four stars or a grade of B. Kudos to Mandy Moore and Macauly Culkin, they both did exceptional jobs. Moore is an okay actress when she plays good people, but when she plays a protagonist/bad guy, she's a great actress. While it's a long shot, I hope she gets remembered in the supporting category come awards time. Not necessarily worth an Oscar, but maybe a nom.
Also, whoever wrote that movie must have either been a student at a Christian school at some point or part of a strong campus ministry; the way they portrayed the behavior of the people at times was eerily reminiscent for someone like me, who used to be in such a place.

[MFRONE]

Originally posted by steebo777 FYI, the director is a hilarious guy. Maybe something to take to the movie when you see it to see what he is saying, he went Catholic Elementary School, Jewish summer camp and Baptist High School. Kind of explains some scenarios, views and opinions brought up in the movie.

Originally posted by Dr. DVD
Also, whoever wrote that movie must have either been a student at a Christian school at some point or part of a strong campus ministry; the way they portrayed the behavior of the people at times was eerily reminiscent for someone like me, who used to be in such a place.

[bsktballDude1]

I loved it. The film actually had characters you got to know and care about. There was dark comedy, and touching moments all sumed up with a very casted movie. I was surprised how much I liked the actors in the film and Jena Malone and Mandy Moore are the most noteworthy performances of the film. Culkin, Eva Amurri and Patrick Fugit, who is nice see him in something since Almost Famous, also gave solid performances.

It was a very funny comedy that had something to say about the silliness of intolerance, and it says without trying to cover it up and it works amazingly well. It's too bad the film is not being seen by many, but oh well I at least I enjoyed it.

***1/2/****

[Kal-El]

Just saw it. And being a devout Catholic, I loved it. Can't believe I missed this in theaters. :up: performances all around. Eva Amurri is H-O-T. I think the Culkinator should make more movies. And Jena Malone's always golden.

[calhoun07]

Originally posted by Kal-El
Just saw it. And being a devout Catholic, I loved it. Can't believe I missed this in theaters. :up: performances all around. Eva Amurri is H-O-T. I think the Culkinator should make more movies. And Jena Malone's always golden.

I also saw this recently as well. I rented and plan on buying it sometime soon. And just a side note, the bonus features are excellent, and there is an interesting easter egg with Michael Stipe on there.

The movie made me think of the RM and Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, but the RM more so. RM, however, is a Mormon movie, but very funny, and not bashing at all. I didn't feel this movie bashed, it just called out attention to one hypocrite among a school full of decent people. Nothing wrong with that.

[The Nature Boy]

I can't believe this drew the ire that it did. But then again, I can't believe "The Passion of the Christ" drew what it did. At the end of the day, both are dopey movies, extensions of vaudville that we are convinced have some kind of impact. Great diversions to life but not life itself.

On the movie, I thought MacCauley Culkin was tremendous. He's a real easy guy to root for though, considering his "slumber parties" that his parents allowed him to attend, I hope the guy lands on his feet. He seemed strong in this movie, as did Patrick Fugit. The usual critiques apply, cardboard characters, sunshiney ending, but as a Christian, I can say I take zero offense to this movie. Big suprise, gay producers and people may have a bone to pick with Christianity considerng what it's preached to them. Nothing too notable and the producers should be thrilled it got the dander of the anti-Christans up, because I think it probably tripled the take of a largely mediocre and forgetable movie going experience.

[Cornholio]

it was a decent movie.

[Officer Cartman]

I must be in the minority here, but I rented it over the weekend and just HATED it. And now thanks to this movie, I hate Mandy Moore too. Ugh.

[Kal-El]

Originally posted by Officer Cartman
I must be in the minority here, but I rented it over the weekend and just HATED it. And now thanks to this movie, I hate Mandy Moore too. Ugh.

I guess the obvious question here is why/what did you hate about it, and why it extended to Mandy Moore who-- one can surmise from your post--you used to like?

[Trigger]

Well, I thought it was pretty bad... but it may just be attributable to the fact that I am not religious. More likely though it's because I felt the movie failed to push any limits or challenge me as a viewer. I was kinda expecting it to mock religion more rather than just take some extreme christians and make them less extreme. *yawn* Oh, that and most of the acting was pretty poor for a movie that relied on the performances of the actors.

[Josh-da-man]

Rented this a couple of weeks ago.

It's flawed, but still a pretty decent film with a number of good ideas running through it. It should've been rated R, though, since most of the funniest bits seem to have been trimmed to get a PG-13, as seen in the deleted/extended scenes.

Two scenes stood out for me.

The first was when Hilary Faye threw the Bible at Mary, and Mary picked it up and said "This in not a weapon." A bit heavy-handed in its symbolism, but it illustrates one of my major gripes against American Christianity, in that it seems to have become politicized and lost any of its spirituality. Christian faith has ceased to be something to uplift people, but a weapon to punish the sinners or those who are different.

And the other scene, which is the flipside of the above scene, is at the end when, during Hilary Faye's crisis of faith, Cassandra actually goes to help Hilary Faye, her enemy, and offer her at least a form of forgiveness or absolution. It's not something the audience is necessarily hit over the head with, but it's probably the one of the most truly "Christian" acts put on screen.

All in all, I found the writing to be good, if a bit heavy-handed and unsubtle at times, and strong performances from the leads. Jena Malone, Mandy Moore (better actor than a singer, IMO), Mac, and Eva Amurri (great find, did anyone know she's Susan Sarandon's daughter?) were all great and proved to be a good ensemble.

[chess]

...reviving an old thread since I just finally rented Saved!

This movie: simply. fucking. rocked.

I don't know if I was just in the "right" mood for it or what, but I haven't laughed this much at a movie since Shaun of the Dead, and there are just tons of hilarious quotes. If you like dark comedy and have a sense of humor about religion, I highly recommend this flick.

Just awesome. :up: :up: