PHONE BOOTH
MPAA Rating:
 for pervasive language and some violence.
Starring: Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker, Keith Nobbs, Katie Holmes, Kiefer Sutherland | Directed by: Joel Schumacher | Produced by: David Zucker, Gil Netter, Jerry Zucker | Written by: Larry Cohen, Lawrence G Cohen | Distributor: 20th Century Fox Producer’s Synopsis: In this intense drama, which takes place in and around a single phone booth in New York City, a man who is being watched by a rooftop killer with a sniper rifle must use the phone to save his life or else risk the consequences of leaving the booth. Year of Release—2003
 
Negative - I really don't see how any true Christian could sit and enjoy this
movie. They take the Lord's name in vain many times and use the f-word
hundreds of times. I wouldn't recommend it to
anyone. Neutral — Keeps your atention and has good moral lessons in it.
The only problem though was the billion f-words througout the movie. I
didn't know that people could make full sentences with one foul word. Positive — I think this is the best film so far in 2003. It is an extremely engaging
thriller...and Kiefer Sutherland is just great in his thankless role as "The Caller." His voice is just brilliant, and I like the way director Joel Schumacher allowed it to resonate louder than all of the other
action and speech in the film. It is crisp, loud, and effective. Does Phone Booth have some bad language? Sure, but it is an R rated movie, too, so, there you go. And it's a thriller, so it has a bit of
violence, not much though. It is definitely worth going to see. And at 80 minutes, it never runs out of steam, and it is always fresh and continually intoxicating and engrossing. A great movie. Neutral — If you can put up with the worst language since Training Day, then you may want to see this suspense filled movie. The
story was good but drug on a bit even though it is a short movie. Many
parts were unacceptable, but if you do see it, try to take a Christian
perspective in that someone is always watching you. In our case it is
not a sniper; it is our Lord God. We should be aware of the smallest
things because HE certainly is. Positive — Phone Booth is an extremely intriguing movie, but beware: this is
not for younger viewers. This film is very explicit;
there is an atmosphere of evil throughout in its language,
setting, and overall attitude. But it is somewhat appropriate
as it fits so well with the main character's dishonest, evil
lifestyle. Negative — I saw this movie with a couple friends, and we all had the same
opinion of it. It had a great plot and it was very exciting to watch
...but there was too much swearing. It was only about an hour and 15
minutes, but they managed to put 100+ f-words in it. I had the feeling
that the script was too short so they had to fill it with worthless crap
like that. I would not recommend Christians see this movie…wait
a couple years until they play it on TBS Superstation...then they will
bleep out all the swearing. Positive — The previous reviewers were right in saying that this movie
contains a lot of swearing. I think it would have been a great movie if
it was made in the 50s when filmmakers still avoided such language.
However, I liked how the movie emphasized that daily choices do have
consequences. When confronted with the outcomes of these decisions, many
people's masks will come off like the main character in this film.
This film made me think more deeply about my faith, which is why I
give it a positive rating. Negative — My husband and I were offended through the entire movie by the
continual foul language and the prostitutes that are in your face for a
while, but the theme was intriguing. I don't recommend seeing the movie
because of the offenses, however, the lesson to be learned is certainly
the need for honesty in every aspect of life.
I appreciated how even though the main actor was attempting to cheat on
his wife, he was called on it and forced to make it right with his wife in
the end. I certainly don't recommend the movie for any children or
teenagers, but if you go with facts, already knowing what is offensive,
you may be surprised by it a Negative — This movie is centered on a moral idea: that goodness (honesty,
fidelity) is good. The protaginist enforces the goodness using murder.
It's twisted. I am glad God does not kill people around me to make me
repent. Movie Critics
"…In addition to being gripping and artfully done, the film makes moral statements that reflect Scriptural truth: Your sin will find you out (Num. 32:23). What a man sows he shall reap (Gal. 6:7). Marital fidelity means being faithful in thought as well as deed (Matt. 5:27-28)...[However] violence, non-stop obscenities and other crass dialogue make seeing Phone Booth a bad call. …" "…In the end, there's only so much one can do with this sort of material and setup...While intriguing and even engaging for a while, the effort runs out of gas and real estate far too soon…" "…This is a thrilling drama for adults who can handle the mature subject matter...[and] a good story for married couples to see because it emphasizes the importance of truth and true love in a relationship.…" |
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