  
GracieMPAA Rating:
 for brief sexual contentReviewed by: Maggie Hays Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Teens
Genre:
Sports, Drama
Length:
1 hr. 35 min.
Year of Release:
2007
USA Release:
June 1, 2007
          Relevant Issues
 
“The rules of the game are about to change.” “GRACIE” is a disappointment, and I want to caution parents about this very flawed film. It’s supposed to look like it’s a family-friendly movie that parents can take their little, soccer-loving girls to, but GRACIE is a very bad example for those little girls. This movie is obviously supposed to be inspiring, but it is not. It’s based on the true story of a girl who wants to play on the boy’s soccer team and “against all odds” makes it. Carly Schroeder plays Gracie, and she’s about as inspiring and likeable as Lindsay Lohan. I regretted that her name in the film is Grace, since that beautiful word carries such a deeply moving spiritual connotation. A more apt name would have been Lola, from the song “whatever Lola wants, Lola gets.” Let’s look at this film from a Christian perspective:
This film teaches kids that…
Even if your child loves soccer, taking him or her to this movie would be unwise. A bad role model is not worth them seeing some cool soccer moves. Violence: Mild / Profanity: Minor / Sex/Nudity: Minor  Positive - This movie presented a nice overall tone, and a strong message: Never give up. In the film, Gracie’s brother passes away from a car accident, and she is left to mourn with her family. But her attitude soon changes. She realizes that SHE can make a difference also. I believe that the movie should have been rated PG, but it did have some slightly objectionable content. There are a few instances where the curse words “S” and “A” are used, but nothing more severe than that. Also, in a scene where Gracie begins to turn her back on her best friend, the friend reminds her that some people think that when girls play tough sports, that makes them a lesbian. The friend rudely says, “You know what? Maybe you are a lesbo,” and walks away. Other than those few minor things, the film is clean, and everyone who enjoys a good drama should go view it. Positive - …I thought Gracie was an excellent movie and properly rated. This movie was based on the true story of the family of Elizabeth Shue who plays the mother in the film. It depicts the struggles of that family dealing with the death of a son, and from Gracie’s perspective, her brother and best friend. I pray that my family never has to endure such a tragedy, I also pray that if I had some struggles I wan’t be criticized as strongly as the reviewer criticizes Gracie. The acting is good, there is some moderate foul language as described and a rebellious attitude. Parents should consider this and base whether to take their children on their level of maturity. In my opinion, it would give a good opportunity for a parent to discuss how their faith in God would help a Christian family through difficult times. Negative - The reviewer did an excellent job reviewing this film and rightly gave it an “extremely offensive” rating. It is a sad state to see general christian morals decline to the point that some of them would give this film a positive rating or even recommend seeing it! If you are a person of worldly values don't leave comments on this site. Those of us who care about the preservation of righteousness and purity should not infect our minds with garbage like this film. I would be depressed if my daughter behaved like Gracie did in this movie. It is unacceptable! Although you may dismiss this as just entertainment, you should question what it is inside you that would be entertained by such offensive material. This film is fit for the trash. My solution: If you can’t find a film rated “Above average” to go and see, don’t go to the movies. Read a good book instead or go outside for a walk. Negative - I decided to see this movie after reading the other reviews posted on this site saying it was positive. I deeply regret spending my time seeing this poorly scripted, predictable, spiritually degrading excuse for a movie. I felt spiritually slimed after watching it. My husband and I both agreed it was terrible. I agree with the other “negative” viewer, go outside, take a walk. Almost anything would be a better and more uplifting way to spend what precious little time we have left on earth. Comments from young people
Positive - I rented this movie, and I expected a film that was inspiring to girls that wanted to chase their dreams by playing sports just as well as anyone else (mostly referring to males). It definitely was a film that inspired me. I play sports, specifically softball, and everyday I see that girls are taking shortly for thier ability to perform in sports just as well as boys. Yes, “Gracie” was filled with some inappropriate scenes and lanuage barriers, but it still leaves girls with the message that they can do whatever boys can do if they put their minds to it. It also teaches that the only person who can put you down in yourself. I will use this movie as an example to believe in yourself and never let others put you down. God Bless! Movie Critics
…though it boasts an undeniably uplifting message, the movie is flawed. Gracie’s luminous grit is clouded by rebellion and backtalk, and the story’s moral message—‘don’t limit yourself’—is carried too far by Gracie flouting family, school and state law.… …Sex/Nudity: Moderate… Profanity: Mild… Violence: Mild… …‘Gracie’ does hold you, in its oversimplified and sentimental way, and it deals with a real issue in semi-real fashion—half-Hollywood, half-actual life, or something like it.… …an engaging sports drama about a girl, a soccer ball and a family lost in grief… 3 stars out of 5 |
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