By Chris Kavan - 08/29/18 at 11:57 AM CT
Well, here we are again loyal followers, The Ratings Board has deigned to provide us with yet another update and lo, it is a bit light. Still, I guess two films to discuss is better than none - even if one is a stretch. I usually don't talk about the limited release films, but Assassination Nation looks so incredibly crazy, I just can't help myself. Otherwise, we have Indivisible, which, sadly, looks to be a faith-based, feel good drama. Hey, if that's your thing, more power to you but I'm a bit leery.
Sometimes a film drops that is so insane, you aren't sure whether to praise its brilliance or scratch your head in sheer terror. That is the feeling I have about Assassination Nation. After making a splash at Sundance, and dropping an absolutely bonkers (in a good way!) trailer, the film is getting a late-September limited release with possible expansion. So this is the setup, the town of Salem, Massachusets goes crazy. All due to social media, guns, sexting and all matter of modern teenage angst. Oh, there will be blood, because, well I kind of think that's point director Sam Levinson is trying to make. It's truly an all-American film - with our complete fascination with trends, guns and trying to live up to an impossible ideal. All in all, this satire looks all too familiar, even if it pushes things way over-the-top. The cast includes Bella Thorne, Anika Noni Rose, Joel McHale, Bill Skarsgård, Colman Domingo, Suki Waterhouse, Odessa Young, Abra, Hari Nef and Maude Apatow among others. Rated R for disturbing bloody violence, strong sexual material including menace, pervasive language, and for drug and alcohol use - all involving teens.
While Assassination Nation is pushing the envelope (and pushing buttons), those looking for a safer, comfortable film can relax in the embrace of Indivisible. The film is based on the true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner (played by Justin Bruening) and his wife, Heather (Sarah Drew). War leaves a scar on everyone, and the Turner's are no different. But fighting the enemy is very different from the fight at home, and when this battle threatens to end their marriage, the couple will have to work to keep their sacred relationship intact. Trials and tribulations are sure to follow but, and I'm just going to throw this out there, I have a pretty good feeling they're going to find love in the end and stay together. The film certainly is going to play up both family and faith - which I'm sure will appeal to a certain segment of the audience, but not me. Couples, feel free to attend - it could help things out, provided it doesn't go entirely saccharine. Faith-based films can go really high or fall really low and I don't know which way this one is going. Rated Rated PG-13 for some thematic material and war violence.
Those are the two films I feel like talking about this week, but feel free to check out the full MPAA Ratings Bulletin below:
ASSASSINATION NATION
Rated R for disturbing bloody violence, strong sexual material including menace, pervasive language, and for drug and alcohol use - all involving teens.
BELONG TO US
Rated PG-13 for some violence, a rude gesture, and brief drug material.
AN EVENING WITH BEVERLY LUFF LINN
Rated R for language throughout, and for some sexuality/nudity.
THE HUSTLE
Rated PG-13 on appeal for crude sexual content and language. (Original R Rating Given On Bulletin No. 2535 Changed On Appeal)
INDIVISIBLE
Rated PG-13 for some thematic material and war violence.
THE LONG DUMB ROAD
Rated R for pervasive language, sexual content and some drug use.
OH IT'S NOTHING
Rated PG for brief violence and language. (Short)
SEVEN IN HEAVEN
Rated PG-13 for crude sexual content, violence, language and teen partying.
SILENCIO
Rated R for some violence.
