Title: Acts of Worship Director: Rosemary Rodriguez
ISBN: 8-29567-01862-0
Rating: R
Suitable for Ages: 18 and Older
Production Company: Manifesto Films
Media Type: DVD
Copyright: 2001
Genre: Drama
Reader's Annotation: Alix appeared to have a loving family with a secure home. Now, she lives on the streets and her life is spinning out of control.
Plot Summary: Acts of Worship centers around the life of the female protagonist, Alix. Alix, a young woman who appears to be in her mid to late twenties, is a drug addict and is living on the streets of New York City. Most of Alix’s time is spent chasing money for drugs by stealing or when completely desperate, prostituting herself. When Alix’s addict friend pushes her out into the hallway of his apartment after he fears she has overdosed on day, another tenet finds her, calls the paramedics, and later takes her in. The tenet, Digna, is a recovering addict and can relate to Alix’s life. Dinga makes every effort to clean Alix up and the movie documents the affect that the two women’s lives have on each other and the power drugs have on people, in general.
Evaluation: (C) The content of this movie is very convincing and highlights the control drugs can have on peoples’ minds. The plot was slightly scattered and the writing was random, however. For example, there is a subplot about Digna’s life in recovery with her boyfriend which didn’t make much sense as to how it related to or added to the story. As Digna plays an integral role in the story, I believe it was the writer’s attempt to humanize the woman, but her story felt forced and not well thought out. Overall, the message of the story is clear and that is to stay away from drugs. With an R rating, this movie is only appropriate for young adults 18 years of age and older. While it would make a good supplement to a library collection with its serious content, this movie should not be incorporated specifically into young adult materials.
Check This Out: Lesson Plans, Book Lists, and More...
