Unplanned

In this world, there are many topics deemed controversial and Hollywood has covered a vast majority--sometimes multiple times, such as homosexuality, religion, politics, civil rights movement, women's right for voting and equal pay, and even molestation, but the arena involving the abortion issue seems to have been swept under the carpet. Not sure why, but now it is being dealt with in the form of "Unplanned".

As one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the nation, Abby Johnson (Ashley Bratcher) was involved in upwards of 22,000 abortions and counseled and coerced countless women on their reproductive choices and ultimately convinced them to have an abortion due to her own pressure from her boss Cheryl (Robia Scott). Her passion surrounding a woman's right to choose led her to become a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood, fighting to enact legislation for the cause she so deeply believed in--until the day she saw something shocking that changed everything. Through a loving husband Doug (Brooks Ryan), parents, Kathleen (Robin DeMarco) and Mike (Robert Thomason) and pro-life advocates, Shawn (Jared Lotz) and Marilisa (Emma Elle Roberts), she realized they were there to support her when she started questioning her position, especially when Cheryl became intolerant because she thought Abby was getting 'soft' in her position.

Others to round out the cast are Tina Toner as Renee, Sara Hernandez as Elena, Maura Corsini as Megan, Lezl Gonzales as Taylor, Kaiser Johnson as Jeff and Andee Grace Burton as Grace, Abby and Doug's daughter.

This was directed by writing team Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon ("The Insatiable" '06) plus a short. Considering these filmmakers are new to the director's chair, they were able to extract the right amount of emotion out of their respective actors, especially considering the controversial subject matter--the actors seemed so real in their performances. Although they written many films which means they would be around many actors, this surely is why their direction was delineated well. It was intensely and rivetingly written by Konzelman and Solomon ("T.N.T." '97, "Point Blank" '98, "The Survivor" '98, "The Insatiable" '06, "What If..." '10, "The Book of Daniel" '13, "God's Not Dead" '14, "Do You Believe?" '15, "God's Not Dead 2" '16) plus TV movies and shorts. Like other films, this is filmed as a flashback. However, unlike others films that involve flashbacks, this starts with an abortion that goes awry and needs Abby's assistance. Then, from that point, her story about how she arrived to where she was at started ensuing. This form of writing certainly gets ones' attention considering how controversial the abortion or right to choose is. The flashback technique is compelling as it is descript, so as to add to the passion of the topic whichever side of the issue one lies. This screenplay is concise, tight, cohesive and obviously emotional, again hence the subject. These writers are definitely kings at the inspirational films and make no bones about it. They are not apologetic about whatever inspiration or subject matter they are conveying to their audience, and I can, at least, respect the fact that they aren't wishy washy. Their next film, "Tokyo Ghost Story", should be compelling as their other films and has been announced. If you get anything out of this, it should be the fact that as many aspects the pro-choice side comes up with, there is far more reaching evidence the pro-life stance can come up with that simply makes far more sense. This will speak to all, but certainly to those that either are on the fence or are staunch believers of the pro-choice stance. And what is also encouraging is that those who are pro-life are portrayed as loving, compassionate Christians as opposed to other films that portray them as bible thumping loud and boisterous jerks. Love can change a lot of people whereas treating people in a punitive way doesn't work and never will.

This is rated R for a reason. Because of certain scenes in order to send a clear message about abortion and what actually transpires out of them, this film is definitely not for kids or the feint of heart. Otherwise, I would truly recommend this film for everyone else, whether they be pro-choice or pro-life. I will leave all that life is precious and for someone to dictate when a fetus becomes a life is gambling, and gambling with life.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                           Rated: R                                          109mins.