Why Focus is Reviewing “Fifty Shades”

The movie “Fifty Shades of Grey” premieres this weekend. It’s ironic the film is being marketed as a “love” story, because it’s anything but.

Real men don’t denigrate, exploit and abuse women.

After much soul searching, Focus on the Family’s media discernment arm, Plugged In, decided to review this film. Paul Asay explains why in a post on the Plugged In Blog. Here’s some of what he had to say:

Religion News Service reports that advance tickets are selling particularly briskly in “the Bible Belt and the Midwest,” statistically the two most heavily churched parts of the country…

I don’t believe our primary mission at Plugged In is to say nice things about nice movies: It’s to shine that light in a sometimes murky world. To examine the stories told in dark theaters and see what should be condemned and what might be redeemed. To encourage others sometimes, but to warn them as well.

Some have compared what we do at Plugged In to Isaiah’s “watchmen on the walls” (Isaiah 62:6). And it seems to me that watchmen aren’t needed when things are quiet outside their walls. It’s when things get hairy that they become pretty important.

And with “50 Shades,” things have gotten quickly out of hand:

Readers of the series are more likely to experience abusive relationships.
Things that once brought shame are now marketed in family stores.

That’s why if you are considering a trip to the theater to watch this movie, I hope you will read Plugged In’s review of “Fifty Shades” first.

You can also listen to our broadcast, “Exposing the Lure of Romance and Erotica” online.

Here’s a helpful resource for parents of teens: the “Parent Survival Guide to ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’” from sexuality expert Dr. Miriam Grossman. Her article series outlines the dangers the books and films hold for young men and women and will help moms and dads speak to their children about these topics.

Finally, if you’re looking for a good date night alternative to “Fifty Shades,” you might want to consider viewing “Old Fashioned.” Plugged In has reviewed this film and found it’s a movie couples can safely enjoy together.