21 and Over

Last weekend, Rachel and I went out to see a new movie.  I was hoping for something with a little action; however, my hopes were dashed as soon as she said the name Nicholas Sparks.  So we arrived early for Safe Haven, and I got to do my favorite thing about going to the theater – watch the trailers.  After watching one of the trailers, I felt sick to my stomach. 

21 and over is a story of two men who feel that they have a “moral obligation” to take out their friend for a night of partying on the night of his 21st birthday.  Sometimes called “power hour,”  this is when on the eve of their 21st birthday at midnight, they consume 21 drinks  before the bar closes.  This type of drinking has resulted in the deaths of several emerging adults (http://www.nbcnews.com/id/7179876/ns/us_news/t/binge-drinking-reaches-deep-across-us/).

The preview of the film is approved for All audiences, and will open for many different types of movies.  Gleaning from the preview, the film is filled with nudity, streaking, defying the law, beer pong, and of course, drinking.  The move has an R rating, but as one movie critic stated that ironically most of those who watch this film will be under 21 (http://screenrant.com/21-over-movie-trailer/).

All these things are done in an attempt to make him “Become a Man.”  Since when does drinking make an individual a man or woman?  Who established that this practice is not just acceptable, but the norm.  I believe that we all do, if we do not speak up.

21 and over is the story of a loss of Rites of Passage in our society.  Our adolescents are no longer sure what it takes to be an adult, and some are not sure if they even want to be one.  Their opinions and those of an even younger generation are sure to become even more confused as we set up this movie as acceptable within our  families, or communities, and our culture.

There is a void within our culture that emerging adults are seeking to fill.  They want to told, empowered, and affirmed that they are an adult.  We need to show them with our words, and demonstrate by our actions that there is a healthier path to being an adult.

21 and Over opened on March 1, 2013.  I can hardly believe that this is the type of lifestyle that we will exalt and set as an example for the next generation.  This move is directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore who wrote the Hangover and Change-up.   Movies like the Hangover 1, Hangover 2, and Hangover 3 get produced because people pay to see them at the movie and by renting them.

I am not organizing a boycott, starting a petition, or staging a protest (although I will personally not be watching anything produced by this group).  I am calling you to be aware.  And then to talk to your friends, your adolescents, and emerging adults about the film, and about the true process of becoming a man.

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