The initial rating of Brokeback Mountain in 2005 was the final straw for me. The rating was changed to morally offensive (O) from limited adult audience (L) only after a big stink was made. I thought they should clean house back then and get people in there that truly understand Catholicism, and Catholic virtue. If it counters our faith, even from a virtue standpoint, it ought not be receiving a positive rating. There are few movies these days that should get any kind of favorable rating, yet the opposite is the norm. It's an example of just moving along with the world.
Relativism has reared it's ugly head once again from The United States Conference of Bishops Office for Film and Broadcasting. This time it involves the A-II (adults and adolesence) rating and review of The Golden Compass, which, sarcastically as sit sounds, should have just followed through by telling people to grab a bag of popcorn and enjoy the show! What were they thinking?!?! And, why should they continue to be paid by the USCCB for their disoriented reviews?
In US Bishops asked to Fire Chief Film Critic over Glowing Reviews for "Brokeback" and "Compass" (LifeSite News) are the following snippets:
Fr. Tom Euteneuer, the President of Human Life International, has called on the US Bishops to fire Forbes and his subordinate John Mulderig who co-authored the review of The Golden Compass. The HLI leader was incredulous that the USCCB review could recommend the film for children despite the fact that it admits the film has "occult elements" and carries a "sprit of rebellion".
"The fact that these gentlemen could recommend this movie to children is just abhorrent to me. I really do believe these guys should be fired," Fr. Eueneuer told LifeSiteNews.com. "Whatever happened to rejecting Satan and all his empty work and empty promises."
The USCCB review notes the great artistry of the film, but such is no reason to approve of it warned Fr. Euteneuer who has taken part in exorcisms. "St. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11 that the devil comes dressed as an angel of light. And this is very clearly what is happening. They have taken an atheistic work and dressed it up as something good for kids."
Noting Forbes' former scandalous positive review of Brokeback Mountain, Fr. Euteneuer said, "The fact (the USCCB) didn't fire him at that time is what leads to this kind of thing. When you don't rebuke irresponsibility in using an office to spread errors then it leads to more irresponsibility."
In addition, the same article reads:
Pete Vere, who has a written book on the author of The Golden Compass, spoke with LifeSiteNews.com about the USCCB review. "Several bishops have spoken to me about this review and they are horrified at what has been done in their name," Vere told LifeSiteNews.com. "Certainly the USCCB has to revisit its rules for issuing movie reviews." Vere's book co-authored by Sandra Miesel, Pied Piper of Atheism: Philip Pullman and Children's Fantasy, is to be released by Ignatius Press before Christmas.
Bill Donohue of the Catholic League did not waste any time going after the reviewers. Sentence by sentence, he challenges them (do read the entire article in the link for details).
New Line Cinema (or as Curt Jester called it - "New Lie Cinema") mad use of the "positive review" from the USCCB. With a little twisting and snipping/joining of words it appeared that the USCCB fully endorsed The Golden Compass (read Curt Jester's post for the original story and updates).
Oh, how the Father of Lies seems to be indulging all the way around in this one.
ADDITIONAL POSTS:
Te Deum: The Golden Compass: Agenda Unmasked
CNA: Golden Compass promoters trying to advertise in Catholic press
Lifesite News Update: Ad Agency Pitching 'Golden Compass' Ads to Catholic Diocesan Papers Halts Ads
AmP: Quick update on the Golden Compass controversy
Amy Welborn on New Line Cinema's attempt to advertise in Catholic publications
More from author Amy Welborn on The Golden Compass
Fr. Martin Fox: Golden Compass author - 'My books are about killing God'
Jimmy Akin: Philip Pullman is a Liar
Ignatius Scoop: Bishop Listecki warns against "The Golden Compass"