Alleged (11/8/2011)

Rating: Not Rated

Starring Brian Dennehy, Colm Meaney and Fred Thompson

Directed by Tom Hines

A Christian film about the infamous Scopes “Monkey Trial.”

Love and faith are put to the ultimate test in this stirring romantic drama set against the landmark Scopes “Monkey Trial” of 1925. Charles Anderson (Nathan West, Miracle) is a talented young reporter engaged to Rose (Ashley Johnson, The Help), who works with him at the Tennessee small town newspaper his late father founded. The “Trial of the Century” brings brilliant adversaries William Jennings Bryan (Fred Thompson) and Clarence Darrow (Brian Dennehy) to Charles’ hometown. But as the trial unfolds, Charles is caught up in the media circus and becomes torn between his journalistic integrity and impressing his mentor, the colorful Baltimore Sun editor H. L. Menken (Colm Meaney), who presses him to “make a story” instead of report one.

Unlike Inherit the Wind, Alleged is more about the people around the infamous “Scopes Trial” than the trial itself. Unfortunately, there was nothing in the story or cast that ever made me care about the characters. Although there are a few Hollywood heavy-hitters like Brian Dennehy, Colm Meaney and Fred Thompson, the performances were pretty weak from the entire cast.

Then there is Director Tom Hines who has only directed one other film (2008’s Chronic Town) and his lack of experience shows. The cuts are too sharp and there were a few scenes that make little to no sense – makes me wonder if there were any deleted scenes.

I think this will find an audience with those who love the Sherwood Baptist films (Facing the Giant, Fireproof and Courageous). The Pro-Creation message and morality will surely win over some fans. And while I fully appreciate its message, I was hoping for more quality in the other areas. It’s worth seeing “if it’s free.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Kids can see it; there is nothing offensive in the film.

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: One of the more interesting things is watching the transformation of Charles. All he wants is to be a reporter for a “big-time” newspaper. When he meets Menken, he starts to act like him, dress like him and even smoke cigars like him. He seems to be willing to do just about anything to win the approval of Menken and to land the job with The Baltimore Sun. He even goes as far as to write some pretty awful things about his friends and neighbors.

Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: Have you ever done something just to impress someone else? Be prepared to share a personal story, you may want to start with a funny one.

We’ve all faced peer pressure. So the real question is how do we overcome peer pressure?

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom, understanding and instruction. So read these verses in the book of Proverbs and discuss why we shouldn’t hang out with the type of people it mentions.

Proverbs 22:24-25: “Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.”

Proverbs 22:10: “Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.”

Proverbs 20:19: “A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.”

Proverbs 24:21: “My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels”

Proverbs 14:7: “Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.”

Proverbs 4:14-17: “Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving. For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble. They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence!”

Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: We need to seek friends who value good sportsmanship, and who strive to improve themselves in whatever field of endeavor in which they participate, such as academics, music, sports, etc. Associate with those who are striving to grow in knowledge—who uphold a high level of morals and recognize the existence of God. Strive to find peers who, as much as possible, fit this profile.

And always remember 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for bad company corrupts good character.”