Attention Word Slingers readers: Beginning December 11, 2019, all posts will be available at BaptistMessenger.com. Thank you for reading Word Slingers!

cloudy

I want to address this movie review (or non-movie review rather) specifically to professing Christians. Why do I call it a non-review? It is because I walked out of the movie less than halfway through.

While our family was not huge fans of the first installment, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, it was clever enough, as things go. The sequel had many problems I discuss below. But first, here is a summary of the plot:

“Flint Lockwood now works at The Live Corp Company for his idol Chester V. But he’s forced to leave his post when he learns that his most infamous machine is still operational and is churning out menacing food-animal hybrids.”

Within the first 15 minutes of the movie, there are numerous double entendres and subtle references to, among other things, cohabitation, animal dung, animal reproduction and yoga. The movie makers will tell you these references go over children’s heads, and perhaps they may. But these kind of tactics show you just what kind of scriptwriters we are dealing with.

Low brow references demonstrate a lack of creativity (bathroom humor is a short cut to getting laughs) and lack of propriety. While some may think me a movie Puritan here, I must say more and more filmmakers are using these kind of tactics (though not all) to entertain.

I think we often underestimate the power that films and media have on children (and adults). One theologian said, “we become what we behold.” Another old saying is, “monkey see, monkey do.” If all we see are silly or off-color comments and characters, do not be surprised when we raise up silly and off-color kids.

Judging from the previews, this movie had some clever food-become-animals that were sure to provide laughs and entertainment. It is just too bad that the filmmakers chose the low road before the movie could get to that point.

Overall: 1 star (out of 5)

 

Photo Copyright: Sony Entertainment