The Genesis Code
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the primary goal of The Genesis Code is to advocate for the reconciliation of religion and science from a faith-based point of view. Though there are two personal stories, they serve only as a framework for the film's message. Much time is spent on scientific instruction, including one lecture sequence that is more than 30 minutes long. A few instances of mild sexual innuendo, some beer drinking, and a sprinkling of insults directed at religious students are the only questionable moments in what is a mild take on modern college life.
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What's the Story?
When journalist Kerry Wells (Kelsey Sanders) is assigned to do a story about hockey star Blake Truman (Logan Bartholomew) for their college newspaper, the two clash about the role of religion and faith in their lives. Kerry, unaware that Blake's mom is in a coma and near death from cancer, is very secure in her faith. Blake is a non-believer. Their growing friendship (with the seeds of romance) is tied to an in-depth examination of the possibility of reconciling current scientific knowledge with the words of the Bible. The stakes in THE GENESIS CODE heighten when Blake's grandparents opt to stop life support for his dying mom.
Is It Any Good?
There are some fine performances, particularly executive producer Jerry Zandstra as a passionate minister, but too much of the movie is amateurish and very talky. At well over two hours, this very predictable story with characters created as points-of-view rather than real people, and with an abundance of scientific theory offered to defend the accuracy of the Bible, doesn't go down easily.
The filmmakers make an effort to deliver the somewhat controversial information in an entertaining manner, but it's dense material, and will likely appeal only to a niche market with a motivated audience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the filmmakers' purpose: Is it to entertain, inform, or persuade? Why is it important to understand the intent?
What is the meaning of the statement: "The real sin is in criticizing the choices of others"?
Discuss Kerry's advisor. Did she have the right to try to change Kerry's religious beliefs? Were her threats real? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 25, 2010
- On DVD or streaming: May 17, 2012
- Cast: C.R. Lewis, Kelsey Sanders, Logan Bartholomew
- Directors: C.Thomas Howell, Patrick Read Johnson
- Studio: Entertainment One
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship, Science and Nature
- Run time: 138 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: thematic elements and some innuendo
- Last updated: December 7, 2022
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