RENAISSANCE MAN
An entertaining military comedy with strong language and thoughtful themes.
Should You Watch It?
RENAISSANCE MAN is an entertaining comedy with a surprisingly thoughtful center. An out-of-work advertising executive teaches English to Army recruits, and the class gradually gains the confidence needed to become diligent students and soldiers. Along the way, the teacher rediscovers passion in his own life.
The film also carries rich biblical themes, even though it does not recognize them as such. Its central weakness is the belief that knowledge is the greatest power in life, rather than recognizing that true knowledge and wisdom cannot be separated from God.
The content is the deciding factor for families. Frequent obscenities and profanity, two obscene gestures, and alcohol use make this better suited to teenagers and adults. If that fits your household's boundaries, it is WORTH THE TRIP — AGES 13 AND UP.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESBill is an out-of-work advertising executive recruited to “serve his country” by teaching English to a group of Army recruits. His unusual method centers on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but it does not exactly fit military regulations.
As the class progresses, the recruits gain confidence for basic training. Bill, meanwhile, learns valuable lessons and begins putting passion back into his own life.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means a genuinely entertaining film with meaningful strengths, though its flaws are hard to ignore. Danny DeVito does an excellent job, making Bill both hilarious and caring. The transformation of the recruits gives the comedy a warm, human center.
The movie is plagued by numerous obscenities and profanities, along with alcohol use and two obscene gestures. Those choices keep an otherwise engaging and thoughtful comedy from being an easy recommendation for every family.
The Worldview
RENAISSANCE MAN contains rich biblical themes, although the movie does not identify them as biblical. One recruit directly references the Bible after quoting it, saying, “Even Shakespeare has his superior.” The film also values transformation, perseverance, confidence, and the rediscovery of purpose.
Its humanist weakness appears in Bill’s belief that knowledge is the greatest power in life. The film comes close to biblical wisdom when it celebrates learning and personal growth, but it removes God from the center. True knowledge and wisdom cannot be obtained apart from God, who is the greatest power in life.
The movie’s central longing is for people to discover purpose and wisdom through learning. Scripture gives that longing its proper foundation: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Humanist worldview; 54 obscenities, 9 profanities & 2 obscene gestures; alcohol use; and, implied biblical principles & one direct reference to the Bible.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Bill believes knowledge is the greatest power in life. What does the Bible say is the beginning of knowledge?
Proverbs 1:7 · James 1:5The recruits gain the self-confidence to face basic training. Where should our confidence ultimately come from?
Philippians 4:13 · 2 Corinthians 3:4–5Bill rediscovers passion and purpose in his life. How can work and learning become ways of serving God?
Colossians 3:23–24 · Ephesians 2:10The film includes a direct reference to the Bible. Why is it important to compare every source of wisdom with God’s Word?
Psalm 119:105 · 2 Timothy 3:16–17The Final Word
RENAISSANCE MAN is a funny, caring comedy with biblical themes hiding beneath its humanist outlook. Frequent obscenities, profanity, alcohol use, and obscene gestures make it best for mature teens and adults. For families who can navigate those concerns, WORTH THE TRIP — AGES 13 AND UP.
