The Movie Ratings System-Helpful?

Parents nationwide rejoiced on this day in 1968, as the movie industry adopted a film ratings system for the very first time. The belief was that a simple code would allow parents to shield the kiddies from foul language and nudity.

So, how are we doing?

Well, for one thing, I think we have relaxed our threshold a bit over the years, Maybe kids are exposed to far worse today (see: Internet), but we’re still at the mercy of someone whose values WE DON’T KNOW to judge and rate movies for OUR kids.

The original ratings were:

G-General Audiences
M-Mature Audiences
R-Restricted (no one under 16 admitted without an adult)
X- No one under 16 admitted.

This meant that a 16 year old could have walked into “Last Tango In Paris”—with huge amounts of nudity. It was rated X when released, but would probably pass as an R flick nowadays.

The addition of PG (Parental Guidance)-replacing M-- and PG-13 have largely been helpful, but kids today are savvy to ratings, equating G & PG with “wimpy” movies. The movie industry itself knows that a G rating is the kiss of death unless the film is animated. Likewise, an X rating (or NC-17) is bad for sales, so editors shmooze the system to squeak in at a R.

Of course, it is all so laughable now. Unlike the sale of tobacco and alcohol, which are strictly prohibited and store owners risk their license if caught selling to a minor, where are the penalties for movie theatres?

Have you EVER seen a kid turned away? Hell, most of the pimple-faced employees of cinemas nationwide are ineligible to view the movies they are selling tickets to. With films getting more graphic, more emotionally intense and gore-laden, we need to revisit the whole ratings system—and maybe institute a little enforcement.

Check out the trailer for “The Uninvited” below. This film is not a classic horror flick, nor is it pornographic sex-romp. It is, however, disturbing—and it is rated PG-13. I wouldn’t let a 13 year old watch the TRAILER:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ-ptYjksxU



OK you say, but it is the PARENTS responsibility to monitor movie choices. This is true, but your pre-teen skipping off happily to a the local 30-screen theatre to see “Hannah Montana” (or so she says) may actually be viewing something far worse. And don’t tell me that a post-theatre quiz on the plot will solve a thing. She’s already thought of that-having seen the trailer online or viewed a web synopsis. She’s ready to answer your questions.

I’m not even VENTURING into the realm of movies seen by YOUR kids in some OTHER kid’s house! I am shocked at what parents of my children’s friends agree to as entertainment for my child.

As such, my wife and I have come across as “fuddy duddies” over the years, but I won’t apologize for any of it. Despite all the precautions, it’s a sure thing they have still seen some pretty shocking stuff.

Movie theatres would be well advised to REALLY screen their customers for age—and then WATCH the doors of adjoining theatres for those looking to movie-hop!

If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays (rated PG-13 most of the time), just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com