Susan Granger’s review of “Saved!” (United Artists/MGM)
Historically, religion has not been perceived as been a teen pop culture theme in Hollywood but perhaps Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” has changed that. Let’s see what happens with this satirical comedy about hypocrisy at an evangelical Christian high school. Just before her senior year begins, Mary’s (Jena Malone) boyfriend (Chad Faust) confides that he thinks he’s gay. Soon after, Jesus appears to her in a vision, telling her to “do everything she can to help him.” Unfortunately, her “cure” results in an unexpected pregnancy. Ostracized by her treacherous clique, the “Christian Jewels,” led by her holier-than-thou once-best-friend Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore) and insecure Tia (Heather Matarzarro), Mary’s befriended by three misfits: a sexy, rebellious Jewish girl (Eva Amurri), Hilary Faye’s droll wheelchair-bound brother (Macaulay Culkin), and the pastor’s hunky son (Patrick Fugit), who’s just returned from the World Skateboarding for Christianity tour. Meanwhile, Mary’s divorcee mother (Mary-Louise Parker) becomes involved in a conflicted affair with Pastor Skip (Martin Donovan). Screenwriter/director Brian Dannelly and his co-writer Michael Urban subversively skewer the divisive, messianic zealots while scoring points for tolerance, acceptance and spirituality. Yet at times, admittedly, they lack subtlety and are quite simplistic: “Why would God make us so different if He wanted us to be the same?” and “They can’t all be wrong and they can’t all be right.” The casting is on-target with particularly memorable performances from Mandy Moore and Eva Amurri (Susan Sarandon’s daughter). On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Saved!” is a hip, funny, delightfully irreverent 8. It’s a perceptive look at relationships, faith and love.
