The movie, Unplanned, opens in theaters this Friday, March 29th. As many of you know, it is a true story that boldly confronts every viewer with the raw realities of abortion. It is a rallying point for staunch pro-lifers and a call to action for those on the fence who have never taken up the mantel against abortion. If you’re not a movie goer, be one for this.
The movie is about Abby Johnson who had aborted two babies and was passionate about helping other women through the abortion process. She became the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic director in the nation and oversaw 22,000 abortions. She lobbied for legislation fostering women’s right to choose, the cause she so deeply believed in. Then, one day as she was assisting in an abortion of a 13-week-old baby, she surprisingly became overwhelmed with guilt and walked out. Since leaving, she has convinced nearly 500 former abortion workers, including seven doctors, to leave the abortion industry. She joined her former enemies at “40 Days for Life” and has become one of the most ardent pro-life speakers in America.
Abby Johnson is played by Ashley Bratcher (War Room). Other prominent stars include Robia Scott (CSI), Emma Elle Roberts (Hunger Games), Kaiser Johnson (Sleepy Hollow), and Jared Lotz (Thanksgiving). After Ashley Bratcher began filming the movie, her mother confessed to her that she almost aborted Ashley, deciding against it after she was already in the clinic prepped for the abortion. “I was shocked,” Bratcher said. “But, that means I was born for this role.”
The movie is written, produced, and directed by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman (God’s Not Dead, God’s Not Dead 2, Do You Believe) and produced by Daryl Lefever (I Can Only Imagine). With this star line-up and the successful producer and directer, I believe it will be an under-the-radar box office smash like I Can Only Imagine which caught the industry totally off guard. It will certainly cause many Americans to rethink their position on abortion.
A caution: it is rated R. It has no nudity, no foul language, no gratuitous sex, nothing that usually warrants the exclusion of children under 17 without parents. The Motion Picture Association of America, the rater of movies, claims the movie shows some “disturbing images.” Well, yeah. Abortions are definitely disturbing, so the rating actually advocates for pro-life. Motion picture industry conservatives (a rare find) have described the rating decision as purely political and seeking to scare away some in the Christian community.
Unplanned can be seen in many theaters. However, as expected, some theaters have chosen to not show it because of its controversial subject matter. These theaters will just stay with blatant sex, murder by the minute, incessant foul mouth, horror, and satanic obsession–you know, entertainment that has redeeming value. In my town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Unplanned is not on the schedule in either of the two theaters. It is playing in Little Rock and other nearby cities. However, I have contacted one of the local theaters, Behind the Mall Cinema, and they said they could offer it on short notice if enough interest was shown. I urge anyone and everyone around Hot Springs to contact Behind the Mall Cinema (cinema8@cswnet.com) and tell them that, if they show it, you will come. Everyone whose favorite theater is not showing the movie should hold them accountable for making it a part of next weekend’s line up. This movie could literally save many lives. Please share this post.