By Tyson Morgan By Eric Carvalho,Lewiston High School Lewiston High School

This is one of those films for “Bad Movie Night.” If, on a Saturday night in the future, you and your friends find yourselves with nothing to do, and seek an intentionally bad movie to scorn in your viewing pleasure. Saved is perfect for the job.

The plot is not only ridiculous, but also completely predictable. The downfall of the movie is its seriousness in the face of such implausibility. A teen at an extremely religious high school is impregnated, but claims she only had sex with her gay boyfriend to turn him straight. This is where the movie lost me, and truthfully I can only vaguely recall the rest of it. Somehow the girl finds some new friends, “finds herself,” a new boyfriend, Jesus, and everyone is happy. The moral substance of the movie has something to do with Jesus loving different types of people, and that Jesus would not have made people so different if he intended for them all to be the same. Touching, I say.

Not really. This movie does not merit any kind of rating; this movie does not even merit a pat on the back.

Saved! is a comedy/drama about an extremely Baptist high school. Without spoiling too much of the plot, what occurs is that Mary, a student, becomes pregnant. Mary is ostracized by many of her former friends, but is able to make new ones and face her situation.

Saved! has a genuinely funny script throughout most of the film. It’s somewhat of a satire of devoutly religious high schools, but it is not derogatory or offensive. Brian Dannelly (director/writer) is able to tackle situations such as Mary’s with humor and honesty. He pokes lightly at the absurdity of many devoutly religious high schools. The humor in the film is not necessarily gut-busting, but it’s charming in its own way. There are many witty lines that will make you laugh, and smile at the same time. Through his humor and writing he also expresses what it generally feels like to be a student in high school. This is a message that is understandable whether you attend a private, public, religious, or other high school.

This movie also got a great, young cast that really defines the characters. Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, and Patrick Fugit are the four main actors, and they are all convincing in their parts. The movie benefits from its solid casting and unique characters.

Overall, I recommend Saved! It is a neat film that any high school student can relate to on one level or another.

I grade it: 3.5/5