Dove Review

“Milton’s Secret” is a film about a grandfather’s sound advice to his grandson to remember the importance of forgiveness. This movie features excellent acting, particularly that of Donald Sutherland as Milton’s grandfather and William Ainscough as Milton. A scene of forgiveness near the end of the film, of a father and husband, is touching and nicely done.

Carter’s father bullied him, so Carter takes his aggression out on Milton. Additionally, Milton has to deal with his workaholic father, his mother who constantly worries over money, and the tension he feels in his home.

Milton and Carter do reach an understanding by the film’s conclusion, and Milton helps Carter with a speech. We wish to make note that the film includes a scene of underage drinking and a few scenes of boys being disrespectful, but the theme of forgiveness is presented well. We are awarding this film our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for ages 12 and older.

Dove Rating Details

0

Faith

None

0

Integrity

Boys throw rocks at balloon, trying to destroy other people's property; one boy bullies another boy throughout film and puts apple juice down boy's shirt; boy threatens boy; boy gets hit in head with a soccer ball.

2

Sex

A girl makes a comment to a boy that rock music has the same beat as intercourse.

1

Language

OMG-1; Jerk-2; Idiot-1; Punk-1; Sucks-1; Freakin'-2; Boy uses slang for male genitalia a couple of times; Shut up-1; Holy Crap-4

2

Violence

Boys throw rocks at balloon, trying to destroy other people's property; one boy bullies another boy throughout film and puts apple juice down boy's shirt; boy threatens boy; boy gets hit in head with a soccer ball.

2

Drugs

Boys, about 12, drink wine; adult takes prescription medicine; adults drink wine with dinner.

2

Nudity

Shirtless boy; woman in short pajamas; woman takes bath, but only her shoulders are shown.

2

Other

Boy screams, "I hate you," to his mother; a boy talks about "projectile vomiting"; boy is heard vomiting; tension between characters, including husband and wife; a few kids raise their voices and disrespect parents without repercussion, and one boy leaves the house and refuses to obey his mom regarding returning home; a comment about "zen masters"; boy steals money from mom without any repercussions, and he steals a bottle of wine, too; a possible tattoo on back of character's neck; fire breaks out in house and causes damage.