Review of Unplanned (2019) by Intellicritic — 29 Mar 2019

This is the first time a major film against abortion has hit the theaters. Since its central topic is a hot-button political issue today, review bias may ensue. Quality reviewers must put aside their political viewpoints in favor of unbiased reviewing. I write this review as a conservative Catholic against any kind of abortion.

The MPAA R rating is suitable here because of Unplanned's use of blood. Thus, if one has a fear of seeing blood, one should not see this film. Still, the movie simulates no partial-birth abortions and refrains from maximal gore. Something to consider is that abortions currently happen every day and are graphic. This is true regardless of one's viewpoint on whether that is a fetus or a person.

From an artistic standpoint, Unplanned is less than perfect. Someone else could have played Abby Johnson. Or Ashley Bratcher could have done a better acting job. Artistry is not the chief intent of this film, and it shows. That is no excuse for sub-par production. Still, Unplanned's production quality is two notches higher than most Christian movies today. Jared Lotz does a good job in his role of Shawn Carney, CEO of 40 Days for Life. Kaiser Johnson does an exceptional job in his role as Abby Johnson's lawyer.

The film's soundtrack is actually good. Several of the songs add depth and auditory beauty to its scenes. Matthew West tops it off with a well-placed song at the end credits.

In general, children under 14 years of age should not see Unplanned even with a parent. Everyone above that age should watch it once.