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Don't be deceived--this movie isn't funny

And "sermonizing" is most assuredly not too strong of a word; the once-great Dan Aykroyd—playing the fire chief and reduced mostly to making jokes about his prostate—has his time to shine in the film's climactic scene, where he delivers what is surely supposed to be a stirring diatribe about how sexual orientation has nothing whatsoever to do with a person's character or morality. Somehow, the filmmakers think they can spend half a movie mocking homosexuality and then suddenly make a meaningful statement about its dignity.

Make no mistake: To say that the movie is both unfunny and sometimes nonsensical is to be generous. This so-called comedy doesn't bother trying to hide its ethical and political platforms under anything resembling humor. Thus, this isn't just a film that represents anti-biblical views on marriage and homosexuality; it aggressively forces these views upon us, and paints anyone who disagrees as an ignorant bigot. Devoid not only of truth but of any kind of craft, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry is the kind of pure-and-simple propaganda that doesn't lead to any kind of compassion or understanding; it only leads to anger and divisiveness. Of course, the movie's star power—the ads bill it as Sandler's long-awaited return to blockbuster comedy—ensures that it will make big bucks at the office, but responsible Christians would do well to simply pronounce this the most despicable marriage to ever be seen on the big screen.

Talk About It

1. What conclusions does the film reach about homosexuality? About marriage? How do these views compare with that of the Bible?
2. Is Captain Tucker right when he says that sexual orientation has nothing to do with "who a person is"?
3. Do you think the evangelical Christians portrayed in the film are viewed fairly or unfairly? Do you think their actions are appropriate or inappropriate?
4. Is the movie's message about marriage and homosexuality compromised by the kinds of humor it employs? Do you think it embraces or perpetuates stereotypes about homosexuality?

The Family Corner

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry is rated PG-13 after appealing the initial R rating. The R rating was probably more appropriate; there is lewd sexual humor throughout the film, scantily clad females, nude males, profanity, blasphemous uses of the Lord's name—not to mention blatant endorsement of homosexuality as well as broad swipes at evangelical Christianity and a mockery of traditional marriage.

Photos © Copyright Universal

© Josh Hurst subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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