Saved!
dir. Dannelly
Opens Fri June 11
Various Theaters
Though it wasn’t Mel Gibson’s intent, his film The Passion of the Christ probably put me off Christianity for life. While the sadistic, brutal flagellation depicted in the movie was sickening enough, the fact that many Christians are using a snuff film to boost their ranks is what really sent me over the edge. So if you’re one of the evangelical Christians who have been knocking on my door, that’s why I’ve been slamming it in your face. However, it should be noted that my hatred for these Passionate jerks has waned considerably in recent days, and once again, it was all because of a movie; one named, appropriately enough, Saved!
This light hearted flick is a teen comedy set, strangely enough, in a Southern Christian high school. And while one may assume these types of learning institutions are devoid of the standard public school cruelty, Saved! proves us wrong. After discovering her b-friend is G-A-Y, Mary (Jena Malone) turns to Jesus for help and decides that premarital sex is the answer to her prayers. However, not only does the boyfriend stay gay, Mary finds herself with a bun inside her oven. Her pregnancy creates a divide between her Christian ethics and best friend, bitchy class queen Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore), who, after learning Mary’s secret, sets out on a bitter path of destruction and revenge–all in the name of Christ, of course.
Though similar in tone to But I’m a Cheerleader (another ethically minded teen indie flick), Saved! is a less wacky, sharper critique of young Christianity (lovingly lampooning Christian rock and the “down with G-O-D” appropriation of hiphop slang). The acting by all involved (including Moore and Macaulay Culkin) is excellent and respectful. And though the ending may be preaching to the indie-movie choir, you can nevertheless breathe a sigh of relief, because this film is the work of some very funny, smart screenwriters who know you don’t win converts by blatantly pissing on someone’s religious beliefs. Saved! is a loving nudge towards Christianity to take a look inward, and even laugh at itself. Mel Gibson should give it a try sometime.
