By Chris Kavan - 05/30/18 at 10:23 AM CT
It looks like the MPAA Ratings Board must have had a grand Memorial Day Weekend, because, once again, they're slacking off. Not much to talk about this week other than a sequel to an uplifting war/survival drama that eliminates the war part and instead focuses on what comes after. Also, Show Dogs is re-rated (still the same PG) after people got up-in-arms about a crass joke involving checking dog junk - hey, even for laugh that's pretty low even for kids. And, of course, you have the usual also-rans and limited releases.
I didn't mind the original Unbroken. Sure, I'm guessing they took a few liberties about what really went on, but the struggle to survive, as told through the eyes of Louis Zamperini was quite moving. But Zamperini's story didn't stop when he came home, and his story continues with Unbroken: Path to Redemption. While I didn't mind the original, something tells me this second part is going to lean too heavy on the whole faith part of the story and become simply another faith-based drama as opposed to heroic war story that touches on faith. Case in point, one of the main characters here is Billy Graham (played by his own grandson, Will). Also, the main characters have all been re-cast with Zamperini being played by Samuel Hunt (Jack O'Connell played him in the original) and anyone else as well. Sure, you could say they had to age-out the cast but, let's face it, I'm sure this film didn't have near the budget or means to get any big-name actors back. This movie isn't necessarily trying to cash-in, I mean it is still based on a true story, but for those looking for a film like the original Unbroken, this looks to be more like God's Not Dead - so viewer beware. Rated PG-13 for thematic content and related disturbing images.
That's all you get this time around, we'll see if the Ratings Board recovers enough to give a decent update next week.
BLINDSPOTTING
Rated R for language throughout, some brutal violence, sexual references and drug use.
NEVER GOIN' BACK
Rated R for crude sexual content and language throughout, drug use and brief nudity - all involving teens.
ON THE BASIS OF SEX
Rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive content.
SHOW DOGS
Rated PG for suggestive and rude humor, language and some action. (Re-rated from original bulletin #2509 (1/10/18) - no reason given but, c'mon, it was that joke about the dogs junk, right?
UNBROKEN: PATH TO REDEMPTION
Rated PG-13 for thematic content and related disturbing images.
WE THE ANIMALS
Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, language and some underage drug and alcohol use.
