Still, the good intentions motivating screenwriter Michael C. Mergler and director Marc Leif are as obvious as they are honorable. And moviegoers used to being immersed in the loose morals of contemporary society will find the earnest ethics surrounding this love triangle a refreshing change.

In that light, at least some parents may consider "The Tribunal" acceptable for older teens, despite the elements listed below.

The film contains bedroom scenes, including a nongraphic premarital sexual encounter, some irreverent images, a mild oath and a few crass terms. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.

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CAPSULE REVIEW

"The Tribunal" (Freestyle)

Strong Catholic values are filtered through some faulty filmmaking in this romantic drama from screenwriter Michael C. Mergler and director Marc Leif. A divorced musician (Chris Petty) seeks an annulment so that he can wed his devout girlfriend (Laura Mock). But his case requires the testimony of his estranged former bandmate and best friend (Ryan Wesley Gilreath) who was also once the boyfriend of the bride-to-be, and still carries a torch for her. Though religious themes, including the countercultural message that sex before marriage is a damaging mistake as well as a sin, will resonate with viewers of faith, sometimes subpar acting and unlikely plot developments chip away at this small-scale project's credibility. Possibly acceptable for older teens. Bedroom scenes, including a nongraphic premarital sexual encounter, some irreverent images, a mild oath, a few crass terms. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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CLASSIFICATION

"The Tribunal" (Freestyle) -- Catholic News Service classification, A-III -- adults. Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.