AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
September 2010 – The Jensen Project
When the world is hanging by a string, can one family pull it together?
Find out by watching The Jensen Project, the second film in Walmart’s Family Moments campaign. The campaign is the combined efforts of Walmart and Procter and Gamble to sponsor family-friendly TV.
The Jensen Project debuted in July on NBC and is now available on DVD.
It follows the Thompson family – former scientists Matt and Claire and their tech-savvy teenage son Brody – as they put their genius minds to work in an effort to make the world a better place.
After a 16-year absence, Matt and Claire are reunited with the Jensen Project, a secret community of masterminds conducting advanced underground research to solve the world’s most difficult problems. The whole family is suddenly thrown into a race against time as they try to keep potentially dangerous technology from falling into the wrong hands. In the process, they discover that sometimes the smartest thing a family can do is lean on each other in this high-pressure, high-tech world called life.
“Walmart and P&G are to be commended again for creating another movie that is family friendly,” AFA President Tim Wildmon said of The Jensen Project.
The film is free from language problems and adult content while offering viewers an action-packed, futuristic story with an exciting and redeeming ending. The Thompsons learn the important role communication plays in the health of a family, and Claire realizes the negative impact that holding a painful grudge can have on her loved ones. The Jensen Project also addresses some ethical issues that could be used as a springboard for discussion with older children.
In addition, the film brings some familiar faces to the screen including Kellie Martin of Christy, Patricia Richardson of Home Improvement, and LeVar Burton of Star Trek: The Next Generation. All give quality performances that compliment an already well-made film.
While The Jensen Project is a wholesome and entertaining film for the family, it is important to note that the movie does contain some mild violence as well as elements of deceit and disobedience that are sometimes, but not always, rebuked. However, the movie’s ending suggests that these problems have been resolved.
The Least Among You
From Lionsgate came the August 24 DVD release of The Least Among You, a provocative film about a young black man who is falsely arrested during the 1965 Watts riots and forced to serve probation at an all-white seminary where racism is rampant.
Richard Kelly becomes the first black student at the school where he is urged to be a leader of integration only to be rejected by classmates, faculty and eventually the seminary president. It’s through an elderly janitor named Samuel that Richard finds the support and guidance needed to overcome the trials of racism as well as his personal demons.
Starring Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. as Samuel, The Least Among You is a dramatic and compelling film that challenges the tenets of the Christian faith.
Although the film is inspired by a true story and likely to stir viewers, there are some language problems including, but not limited to, at least three uses of God’s name in vain and racial references such as negro, cracker and coon. The film also includes bloody violence, shootings, fights, sexual innuendoes, smoking, drug and alcohol content, a burning cross, and some strange spiritual content.
In addition, the Bible is said to be allegories that are only meant to inspire.
The Least Among You is rated PG-13 for violence, thematic elements and brief drug material.
Reviews by Rebecca Grace
