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3. Do you think people would behave differently if they knew that there might be a perfect record somewhere of what other people have seen and heard them do? Or if they knew there might be a perfect record of their own experiences, seen from their own point of view?
   
   
4. Of course, those who believe in God know that someone is "recording" our every move. Do we act like we believe God sees everything we do? Do you think your secret experiences will stay between you and God, or do you think others will see them, in the afterlife?

The Family Corner

The Final Cut is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, some violence, sexuality and language. There are references to wife-beating, adultery, child abuse and the like in some of the memories Hakman edits, but nothing explicit.

Photos © Copyright Lions Gate Films

Writer/director Omar Naim is earning compliments for providing some thought-provoking science fiction along the lines of Minority Report, but most critics agree that The Final Cut is too flawed to earn raves.

Robin Williams plays Alan Hackman, who works as a "cutter," editing the recorded histories of people in a future world where all memories are recorded and archived. Hackman "cuts" undesirable memories in order to honor the dead and liberate them from the darker parts of their lives. But as he prepares "Re-memories"—presentations that amount to 'highlight reels' of a person's life for their loved ones to enjoy after they are gone—he runs into trouble from an activist (Jim Caviezel) who views the group's work as unethical.

Peter T. Chattaway (Christianity Today Movies) says it's "the latest in a series of intriguing, if flawed, films that explore where our technology might take us in the not-so-distant future. Most significantly, the film underscores the fact that the meaning of our lives ultimately comes from somewhere outside of ourselves."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) says, "Naim makes an auspicious debut with this intriguing film that works as both a thriller and a springboard for the discussion of moral or ethical questions. Perhaps a more experienced filmmaker might have handled some of the philosophical issues with a bit more flair or finesse but Naim strikes a nice balance in keeping the film both thought-provoking and entertaining."

Mainstream critics would like to see a different cut.

David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) says, "The Final Cut raises intriguing ethical questions but is weighed down by its cheerless performances and slumberous pacing."

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