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LAKEVIEW TERRACE

"Bad Neighbor"

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What You Need To Know:

In LAKEVIEW TERRACE, a couple moves into their new home, only to discover that the African American policeman who lives next door disapproves of their interracial marriage. The policeman, Abel, is a widower who is stern to his children, bends the rules at work, and is the self-appointed watchman of the neighborhood. Chris and Lisa try to befriend Abel, but he is intent on driving them from the neighborhood.

LAKEVIEW TERRACE is a very intense drama. The intensity is in part because the backdrop is a typical suburban neighborhood. Abel is charming and a source of security for some neighbors, but a monster to Chris and Lisa. Samuel L. Jackson as Abel never slips into a typical villain. Though you’re scared of him, you do understand him. The movie is intense and filled with uneasiness and violence. Though the villain is depicted as a religious man who makes fun of Democrats, the depiction of his victims, Chris and Lisa, is pro-family. It is disturbing, however, that the same character who prays is also a racist intent on malevolence. The movie also contains too much foul language, which warrants strong caution.

Content:

(BB, PC, Ab, LLL, VV, S, N, AA, D, MM) Strong moral worldview with politically correct and anti-Christian overtones in the villain’s character; 36 obscenities, 16 profanities, one racial slur; attempted rape, two men shot dead, one man shot and wounded, man slaps teenage girl very hard, men fight with garden tools, men fist fight; married couple has implied relations while in pool, while a teenage girl and young boy next door watch, plus attempted rape; upper male nudity, man covers himself with small towel only, teenage girl in bikini; much drinking of alcohol; smoking; and, vandalism, racism, hatred, lying.

More Detail:

n LAKEVIEW TERRACE, a couple moves into their new home only to discover that the African American policeman next door disapproves of their interracial marriage. The policeman, Abel, is a widower who is stern to his children, bends the rules at work, and is the self-appointed watchman of the neighborhood. Chris and Lisa try to befriend Abel, but he is intent on driving them from the neighborhood.

At first, his actions are petty vandalism, breaking the couple’s air conditioning unit during a heat wave. However, when the couple is clear that they will not move, the attacks by Abel become more intense and more deadly.

Chris and Lisa have an emotional story of their own as they discover secrets about each other. He continues to smoke, though Lisa disapproves. In hopes of having a baby, she doesn’t take her birth control pills, unknown to Chris.

As the story unfolds, viewers learn the source of Abel’s rage, racism and hatred of interracial marriage. In the end, the situation is resolved, but in a tragic manner.

LAKEVIEW TERRACE is a very intense drama. The intensity is in part because the backdrop is a typical suburban neighborhood. Abel is charming and a source of security for some neighbors, but is a monster to Chris and Lisa. Samuel L. Jackson as Abel never slips into being a typical villain. Though you’re scared of him, you do understand him.

The story is unique and well told. The acting is solid and the direction excellent. The music is well done, in a horror movie style.

LAKEVIEW TERRACE is intense and filled with uneasiness and threats. There is an attempted rape, much gunplay, two people are shot dead onscreen, and there are fistfights. Foul language peppers most of the dialogue, especially when Abel is in a rage.

The movie also has a not-so-subtle stab at Christians and conservatives. At the open, before viewers know who Abel is, they see that he starts his day by kneeling and praying, comments that he doesn’t believe in global warming, and makes fun of Democrats. It is disturbing that the same character who prays is also a racist and intent on malevolence. The depiction of Abel’s victims, however, is pro-family.

LAKEVIEW TERRACE is a compelling drama, but MOVIEGUIDE® Magazine and Website advises strong caution because of the prevalent foul language and politically correct element.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.