FOR GREATER GLORY | FAMILY MOVIE REVIEW INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND KIDS

"FOR GREATER GLORY"
(2012) (Andy Garcia, Oscar Isaac) (R)

QUICK TAKE:: Drama: A retired general agrees to lead a rebellion against the President of Mexico after that leader enacts anti-religious provisions mainly targeting Catholics.

PLOT:

It's 1926, and Mexican President Plutarco Calles (RUBEN BLADES), fearing the influence of foreigners in his land, has enacted various anti-religious provisions in the Mexican Constitution, mainly targeting Catholics. As a result, some Church officials are deported, while religious free speech and wearing of religious attire are outlawed.

With a petition to reverse the law failing in Congress, a revolutionary uprising against the Mexican government springs up, initially encouraged by Mayor Picazo (NESTOR CARBONELL) and with the help of rebels such as Anacleto Gonzalez Flores (EDUARDO VERASTEGUI) and Adriana (CATALINA SANDINO MORENO). The so-called Cristeros are unofficially headed by Mexican priest Father Vega (SANTIAGO CABRERA) and the "follow no rules" gunslinger Victoriano 'El Catorce' Ramirez (OSCAR ISAAC).

But they realize they need a true military leader and thus hire retired General Enrique Velarde (ANDY GARCIA), despite the fact that he's not devout and notwithstanding the worry of his Catholic wife, Tulita (EVA LONGORIA). As American Ambassador Morrow (BRUCE GREENWOOD) tries to convince Calles to put an end to the actions while also hopping for greater oil concessions from the leader, Enrique decides to take the post, mainly to defend his belief in freedom of religion.

And he gets an unlikely ally in a young boy, José Luis Sánchez del Rio (MAURICIO KURI) who witnessed soldiers murder a kind and elderly priest, Father Christopher (PETER O'TOOLE), and now wants to join the rebellion. Enrique then sets out to use his military strategy prowess to defeat the government soldiers, even as Calles turns up the level of atrocities committed against the rebels.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: Unless they're interested in the subject matter, the real-life historical events and/or are fans of anyone in the cast, it doesn't seem too likely.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: R: For war violence and some disturbing images.

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