The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising

Fantasy films have erupted since 2000. With our new technology for movie effects also comes a new idea to how realistic they can appear. “The Seeker” is no exception to this statistical fact. However, unlike MANY previous fantasy movies that are said to be “meant” for children audiences, this actually is.

The story starts out with a 14 year-old boy, Will Stanton. Will’s a typical teenage boy who has an extreme doubt in himself and his bravery. We see that he wants his family to love him very badly, but they act as if they never have time for him. Even despite this, he never stops helping and loving them.

When he finds out that he is the newest member of a group called “The Old Ones,” he gets more than he bargained for.

“The Old Ones” are powerful guardians and warriors who fight against darkness. They put their whole lives toward protecting the world from the Dark. The “Dark” is revealed to be an extremely evil and cruel demon of a sort, named “The Rider.” As it goes, the rider travels around spreading chaotic doing’s to the world with dark magic. When it comes to bad guys, I’ve got to admit, the rider was a very scary one. He posses Will’s brother in one scene, changes the weather, and creates dark monster. Through this story, Will starts to mature. He decides to save the ones he loves from their coming doom by searching for six magical items. These are called, “The Signs,” and he thinks that they will help him defeat the Dark Rider.

When the uncertain and caring Will finally has to fight the Dark Rider, he is willing to sacrifice his own life to do so.

So, what IS appropriate for our children these days? Is it those horror movies that teach our children it’s “okay” to show gore and violence. What about the romances that confuse kids on what love truly means, and makes an impression in their teen years? Oh, and we can’t forget all the “cool” reality movies, where girls only matter if they flirt with guys and are cheerleaders, and boys are only attractive if they wear name brand clothes and belong to a sports team. Many parents pretend it isn’t there; the gossip, the flirting, the violence, and the obvious disrespect shown for parents in movies today. And the worst part is, adults are the ones making these movies that make teens turn to material things.

Positive points

-If you look at this movie for it’s morals, then you won’t be disappointed. Will makes remarks like, “I’m no superhero!” Will exclaims. “I can’t even figure out how to talk to a girl.” He IS scared of failing. He isn’t perfect! He needs help like anyone else.

-Will loves his family. He risks everything for them, even when they don’t always return his love. We see strong sibling bonds with him and his brother and sister. His brother carries guilt with a shameful secret, and because of that, is possesed by the Dark Rider. When Will sees him, we hear him tell his brother, “You don’t have to deal with it alone. Your family loves you.” Even his not-so-perfect parents release their past guilt by the end and show a strong love for their children. (Alas, finally some respect for parents!)

-There is one message that stands above them all in this story; the one of good and evil. We constantly see the darkness taunt, bring destruction, and carry great temptation to the weak people, which is everyone. The Old Ones are always talking of peace, truth, justice, and light. A lady once comments to Will, “I believe in you, you will carry the power of light.” In the end Will, magic can’t help him, only his heart can fight against the darkness.

-This isn’t a Harry Potter type movie (I myself am against the Harry Potter movies). “We serve the Light,” the Old Ones tell Will. “The Rider serves the Dark.” Aka, good is good, and bad is bad. There is NO in between or gray lines.

Negative points

-I conted two exlamations of, 'Oh my God!'

-In one brief scene we see Will’s parents sipping what appears to be wine.

-This is a PG movie and therefore has suspense and action that would probably be frightening to younger children.

Overall, I say this is an exellent movie that teaches children lessons not taught in school. I recently learned that the director is David Cunningham, the founder of “Youth with a Mission,” the Christian ministry. Even if the director wasn’t christian I’m sure this movie would have delivered the same messages that it did when I just now saw it. We need to stop our children from watching the blurred lines of movies like “Harry Potter,” “Dungeons and Dragons,” and other dark fantasies. Some good fantasies for kids(that are actually appropraite AND have a few morals) are: “Eragon,” “Nanny McPhee,” “Chronicles of Narnia,” “Night at The Museum,” and “Peter Pan” (live action). If you like fantasy films, then I doubt you’ll regret taking your kids to see “The Seeker.”

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Minor / Sex/Nudity: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

• Positive
• Negative
• Young people