The star rating reflects overall quality. At the start, she sits with friends lamenting "I just want a real boyfriend." Significantly, Rachel Joy Scott's writings reveal that she was a girl who had a premonition that she may not reach adulthood, and felt that she had the capacity to make a difference in the world because of her faith. I’m Not Ashamed has an epic ending that is sure to touch anyone’s heart; these writers have learned early on what many film companies never learn, how to end a film. Masey Renee Stanley (née McLain; born January 6, 1994) is an American actress who starred in I'm Not Ashamed, a 2016 film. We won't share this comment without your permission. Do you think times have changed since 1999, and that there is more attention paid to bullying and to kids who may be deeply troubled? An ungenerous way to describe I'm Not Ashamed, a painfully earnest TV-grade movie about Columbine High School victim Rachel Scott, is that it has turned one of the most horrific events in American history into a mere plot device, using it to add prefabricated gravitas to an otherwise ordinary story of a teen's struggle to live according to her Christian beliefs. In that sense, I’m Not Ashamed poignantly focuses on Rachel Joy Scott’s inspiring life. When she returns, Rachel tries to be more involved with a church youth group, where she winds up noticing a homeless young man (Ben Davies's Nathan), and essentially stalks him until he accepts her help. A 2000 book about her used that word in its title, and the movie runs with the idea, implying that Scott's murder was an act of religious persecution — which would come as news to the victims of this indiscriminate act of hatred, who simply happened to be at the wrong school on the wrong day. She becomes their victim, the first, along with 12 others who died, and the scores of injured that Harris and Kleban left behind before they killed themselves. I was going to church, regularly involved in children’s ministry, trying to lead a couple groups at school, playing soccer, running track, and not really worrying much about life. She was right; her brief life has had a long-lasting impact. age 14+ Based on our expert review. Many won't see it that way: Scott's life and tragic death (and the journal she left behind) were the springboard for an anti-violence nonprofit that has given school presentations to tens of millions of students, and presumably many of those have embraced the comparisons made between Scott and Anne Frank. Based on true events, a sense of foreboding and dread is present from the outset. Bloody aftermath. Drunkenness. I’m Not Ashamed Review. I'm Not Ashamed › Customer reviews; Customer reviews. A final sequence includes the beginning moments of a violent rampage in which the leading character is shot at close range. I encourage churches, youth groups, and the unchurched alike to see this film. The Columbine Massacre of April 20, 1999 completely redefined America's view of the lives of high school students. Stock No: WW706095. Meanwhile, one very angry and disturbed student has recruited a partner in crime. This movie shows that Columbine High School's faculty, administration, and policy had little or no impact on such behavior. Write a review. Based on Rachel’s honest and heartfelt journals, I'm Not Ashamed is a hope-filled reminder that when we put our lives in God’s hands, we can make a world of difference. $12.99 Retail: $14.99 Save 13% ($2.00) 4.5 Stars Out Of 5 12 Reviews. The Columbine School Shooting was horrific, but was it as bad as this movie about it?! Factual story of one Columbine victim, a devout Christian. Only for mature kids, and best for families who will appreciate a faith-based look at a true event. The two plan to take their revenge on the bullies, elites, and the entire social order of Columbine High School by plotting a massacre of innocents. Back at school, finding joy in drawing and writing in her journal, Rachel immediately begins attending meetings of a Christian teen group, where she connects with Nathan Ballard (an excellent Ben Davies), a homeless young man, who's barely surviving. He should probably become her boyfriend as well, but Rachel's hung up on a theater bro named Alex. Kids talk about sexual encounters. All rights reserved. Masey McLain is phenomenal as Rachel. Production companies: Visible Pictures, All Entertainment, Cast: Masey McLain, Ben Davies, Cameron McKendry, Terri Minton, Victoria Staley, Taylor Kalupa, Emma Elle Roberts, Sadie Robertson, David Errigo Jr., Cory Chapman, Mark Daugherty, Screenwriters: Bodie Thoene, Philipa A. Booyens, Robin Hanley, Kari Redmond, Producers: Brad Allen, Nise Davies, Chuck Howard, Martin Michael. Availability: In Stock. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. 4:05 PM PDT 10/21/2016 Terms of Use | It depicts the realness of life with its temptations, trials, and pitfalls. by Masey McLain. Write a review. 4.7 out of 5 stars. “I’m Not Ashamed” is a must see inspirational film. This movie was terrific at capturing the Christian spirit, but was disturbingly sub par on the historical accuracy. How are ratings calculated? © 2021 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Heroine discovers boy in passionate embrace with another girl. But as the movie cuts from time to time to its versions of the two teens who tried to kill hundreds of their classmates on April 20, 1999, the rest of us may have qualms, about both the shallowness of its depiction of mass shooters and about the use of this event to turn Rachel into a Christian martyr. The event depicted here sparked America's awareness of both bullying and antisocial behavior in schools. 4.7 Stars Out Of 5 4.7 out of 5. THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER is a registered trademark of The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. 4.7 out of 5. Parents: Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Video. Teased about being a "Jesus freak," Rachel remains stalwart, compassionate, and unashamed of her faith and, at the same time, much more maturely confronts the issues that challenged her before. Kids say . "Crap," "fart," Bullies menace other kids in high school hallways -- name-calling, physical intimidation. The main character went through many struggles (some of which might not be good for younger kids to see). 5 star 85% 4 star 9% 3 star 3% 2 star 1% 1 star 2% I'm Not Ashamed. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). As the two stories merge, Rachel finds herself directly in the path of the raging killers. The scene in which Rachel and Dave are shot by Harris and Klebold is … Parents say . Based on true events and entries from her personal journal, the movie tells of the days leading up to the horrific massacre that took place at Columbine on April 20, 1999. A true life story that will touch the hearts and lives of everyone who watches it. Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Written by: Kelly Meade (10/19/2016) I’m Not Ashamed documents the story of Rachel Joy Scott, a student at Columbine High School in the late 1990’s. She brings joy to the part, along with a serious-minded faith. But more picky viewers will admit that even taken solely as an exploration of the trials of being a Christian teen, it's awfully weak tea as a movie, instantly disposable if not for the tragic backdrop. Our ratings are based on child development best practices. I'm Not Ashamed › Customer reviews; Customer reviews. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Add your rating. And, while there is no overt sexual activity, there are references to sex, promiscuity, and some kissing and passionate embraces are shown. Join now. I’m Not Ashamed is the latest film from Christian films powerhouse PureFlix, and to some extent it serves as an extended infomercial for the nonprofit, but the title indicates the level of paranoia that production company/distributor routinely taps into. Still hurting from her parents' divorce years earlier, and crushing on a boy in her drama class, Rachel isn't above sneaking out at night to party with her long-time friends, and hoping that Alex Dickerson (Cameron McKendry) will finally notice her. The movie isn’t without flaws, with some dry … How does your school handle such issues? Still hurting from her parents' divorce years earlier, and crushing on a boy in her drama class, Rachel isn't above sneaking out at night to party with her long-time friends, and hoping that Alex Dickerson (Cameron McKendry) will finally notice her. Rachel Scott’s story is one of inspiration, conviction, struggle, and compassion. FACEBOOK That sounds like faint praise, and it undoubtably is, but it’s also a classic example of when the movie envisioned in your head is a lot worse than the movie you end up seeing. Many Christians yearning for faith-based entertainment will be moved by this film, and that crowd may well ensure a profit for the production. Boys just don't think of her that way, it seems, which is odd, because she's the prettiest one in her popular-girl pack, as well as the most approachable. Factual story of one Columbine victim, a devout Christian. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. Played by Masey McLain, Rachel wavers between assertive chipperness about the impact she can have on others and a dark fear that she'll never quite fit in. She gets caught at one point, and is sent to spend the summer with devout relatives in Louisiana; there, she has the first of multiple revivals of faith. Of what benefit is it to revisit this tragedy? © Common Sense Media. Common Sense says . Rachel Scott coped with doubts about her life and her future by turning to Christianity and devotion to Jesus, steps that brought her solace and peace, and gave her a sense of purpose and self-worth. This film, with its real-life heroine and violent resolution, is best for mature teens only. An ungenerous way to describe I'm Not Ashamed, a painfully earnest TV-grade movie about Columbine High School victim Rachel Scott, is that it … He becomes her surrogate big brother, embracing church in a big way. (Unlike so many contemporary movies that go out of their way to keep tobacco products offscreen, Ashamed has more conspicuous teen smoking than a Grease production underwritten by Philip Morris.) Insightful docu poses questions about faith, gun reform. Bleak film about disturbed teen is difficult to watch. Heroine is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and believes that she can "change the world" by doing good works. By societyreviews January 5, 2017 March 9, 2019. Unfortunately, the film goes astray with some less than stellar performances, its judgmental tone toward those who aren't religious, and in its depiction of Harris and Klebold. Parents are concerned, involved, and reliable. | California Privacy Rights A boy talks about his heroin-addicted mother. The film devotes a lot of energy to her budding maybe/maybe-not romance with Alex, who is giving her acting lessons with an eye to putting her in his upcoming school play. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Discover activities to get kids excited for a new year of possibilities from Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning, 5 Tips to Make Family Movie Night a Success. 5 Comments on I’m Not Ashamed Review. If I have to sacrifice everything, I will.". Masey McLain Interview – I’m Not Ashamed Richard Smith 16th February 2017 No Comments 4394 views With the DVD release of I’m Not Ashamed, the inspiring film based on the true life story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first student to be killed in the Columbine High School shooting, we chatted to actress Masey McLain who played the role of Rachel. I’m Not Ashamed (Movie Review) On April 19, 1999, I was going about my regular business as a 16-year-old student. Moving concert docu is ideal for Christian teens, families. Browse titles with similar subject matter. Find out only at Movieguide. 4.7 out of 5 stars. An earnest and sentimental religious pic that may offend some in the community of Columbine victims. 5 star 85% 4 star 8% 3 star 4% 2 star 1% 1 star 2% I'm Not Ashamed. How does telling Rachel Scott's story help illuminate the grief and catastrophe of all whose lives were shattered? 4.7 out of 5. age 13+ Based on 10 reviews. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Cómo hablar con los niños sobre la violencia en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos, Actividades de bienestar para el invierno, Which Side of History? This movie was really good and had a great story. Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 Matt Prigge Metro. See something that needs to be addressed? I’M NOT ASHAMED is a guaranteed tearjerker. Pure Flix Entertainment, LLC / 2017 / DVD. Thank you for your support. Strong Christian messages and a winning performance by newcomer Masey McLain will make this earnest effort a moving experience for audiences who respond to faith-based movies. This film isn't just bad because of its poor acting, directing, screenplay and editing. When I'M NOT ASHAMED opens, tenth grader Rachel Joy Scott (Masey McLain) isn't a perfect kid. Review of I'm Not Ashamed (2016) By Nicholas L (669) on 23 Jan 2017 The movie is moving and truly sincere providing a good look at the reality of the Columbine shootings and … When her hopes and … Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for I'm Not Ashamed [Blu-ray] at Amazon.com. We're updating our reviews to better highlight authentic stories and accurate, diverse representations. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Trying to make herself boy-worthy, Rachel sneaks out of the house, goes to parties, smokes and drinks. "Rachel's Challenge," a nonprofit (but nonreligious) organization established after her death, continues to advance messages about violence and safer schools with important programs conducted throughout the U.S. Loved it more than just about any movie I’ve EVER seen!!! When I'M NOT ASHAMED opens, tenth grader Rachel Joy Scott (Masey McLain) isn't a perfect kid. I'm Not Ashamed, based on the true life story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim killed in the 1999 Columbine High School shootings, is an inspiring, emotional, powerful, gripping and life changing must see film. 212 user reviews Based on the inspiring and powerful true story and journal entries of Rachel Joy Scott- the first student killed in the Columbine high school shooting in 1999. I'm Not Ashamed is one perspective of the terrible events at Columbine. Summary: I'm Not Ashamed tells the real-life story of Rachel Joy Scott at Columbine High School. I’m Not Ashamed (Review & Trailer) Official Movie Trailer (2016) I'm Not Ashamed Film | EU Privacy Preferences. I'm Not Ashamed is spiritual to the core, and there's nary a sermon in sight. In multiple scenes, high school students bully others, including a disabled boy. While the events in this movie are based upon Rachel Scott's journals and interviews with her family and peers, why is it important to be aware that actual conversations and events have to be imagined by the film's creative team? If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. This girl's story claims she was known... Well done! The two very disturbed teens are seen only as caricatures, and the filmmakers' attempts to connect the boys' over-the-top behavior to video games, teachings about Hitler, and evolution are thin. Teen drinking and smoking was clearly a staple of the Columbine kids' social life at that time.