Unplanned (2019) Reviews

• Surprisingly Balanced; Not Just for Religious Viewers

  writetonight-12019-03-30

  Before I write this review, I want to explain a bit about my background. Unlike the target audience for this film, I am not a religious Christian. I am from a secular-Jewish family and consider myself an atheist. I've been pro-choice for most of my life, but I realized last year that I was only pro-choice by default. My opinion on the topic was based on only hearing one side of the story for my whole life. Everything I read and saw was pro-choice. Every person I knew was pro-choice. A couple of years ago, I met some pro-life women, and I was surprised that they were not the "ignorant" people I've always been told they were. These were competent, educated, professional women, some in medical fields. I was told that they were against women's rights, but they were mothers who had been through pregnancy and childbirth; they had daughters who could be affected by the abortion issue in their lifetime. They weren't "anti-woman" by any means. So, I decided to do more research and consider the other side of the story. I encourage other pro-choice people to do the same by viewing this film. You can not have an informed opinion on controversial issues without researching both pro and con points of view. I have not read the book "Unplanned," but I have viewed several of Abby's Johnson's speeches, and this film stayed true to her account of her experience working for Planned Parenthood. Although I expect, like all biopics, some artistic license must have been taken with the story. I'm a screenwriter who has had films optioned and I have worked in development as a full-time Story Analyst. Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman have crafted an engaging adaptation. Since I had prior knowledge of Mrs. Johnson's story, the film was predictable for me, but I was still emotionally involved in the main character's journey from start to finish. The dramatization puts you in Abby Johnson's shoes, in the way that listening to a speech can not. It's never easy to take someone's real life and put it into a three-act structure with a satisfying character arc. but Solomon and Konzelman were up to the task. At this point, I am not going to label myself either pro-life or pro-choice. Whether you think abortion should be legal or not, Abby Johnson's story reveals that Planned Parenthood is not perfect and needs improvement. Profits from abortion are a priority, so counselors are less medical professionals than salespersons. The counselors do not always give accurate information to the pregnant women who come in, and they mislead them, or withhold information about fetal development and the actual abortion procedure. I have spoken to women who had abortions as teenagers, who now regret it, and some of them have told me that they felt Planned Parenthood misled them and did not help them make an informed decision about their pregnancy. This film is important because it brings those issues to light. You don't have to be a religious person to appreciate that no woman should undergo a medical procedure without being fully informed about it.

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• Well-done Movie

  victor6152019-03-31

  Handles a difficult subject in a mature, balanced manner. It is worth watching. It's sad the major networks refused to allow the movie to advertise. Censorship is not the appropriate response to difficult subjects as it appears the censor is afraid of allowing a conflicting view to be heard.

• Vs. Hollywood & Planned Parenthood......wow!

  Yyclc2019-03-29

  You know this movie is going to take some heat and going to get some people upset by going against the industry, some serious money and funding. This is a true story of one who has been on both sides of the abortion issue. A story of compassion, humility and search for truth. In our world where abortion is a stance, here it becomes personal. Heart wrenching and a must see.

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• Everyone should see this at least once

  oglewe3172019-03-29

  I'm not sure why this movie was rated R, but it does contain about 3 sequences that will make you squeamish if you don't like the sight of blood. Pure Flix has come a long way and this movie is well produced, timely, and potent. It will make you laugh, cry, think, and maybe even squirm a little bit. Also, the content is incredibly timely. Abby's story is intense and the actress portraying her does a superb job. Very few cheesy moments in this film--it deserves to be taken seriously.

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• Powerful movie! Bring your teenagers!

  mountainmaloney2019-03-31

  This movie tells the true story of what goes on in a Planned Parenthood clinic. Not only did Abby work as a Director of a Planned Parenthood clinic, the doctor and nurse in the scenes have also worked for many years in clinics, and they re-enact exactly what goes on behind closed doors. This gripping movie is very impactful to viewers and brings this reality into light. I strongly recommend bringing your teenagers to see this movie so they understand the truth about Planned Parenthood. If they ever find themselves in a desperate situation, there are many organizations that are ready to lovingly help them through parenting, and people who would love to adopt their child and give them a happy home. I worked in the movie industry for over 13 years and the acting and the production quality is excellent. Unfortunately Hollywood is going to rate this as a 1 because they do not want this message out! There are many movies and shows on television that are far more bloody and disturbing, and the "R" rating for this movie is not justified.

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