Ratings
Posted by Reel Mountain Theater on Friday, November 20, 2009
Rated PG13 means.... What does it mean?
It is the toughest rating to predict, or describe to customers. A PG13 rating tells us that it can be a kind, gentle movie- or a radically offensive tirade... PG13 is the broadest of them all.
Last week, I had written 2012 off for some of our children to watch (we're pretty conservative about what they watch). After working the whole weekend, and not having a chance to see it myself- but I heard from every person how awesome it was, and how much I would love it- some of our staff got together Sunday night and watched it at 10pm (ah, the perks of being on staff).
It was great!
And, seeing it permitted me to allow our 3 oldest children to see the film as well. Yes, the elements that caused me to hesitate were there- but the context and presentation of those elements was palatable and would prove to be a reasonable balance of good versus bad, tough decision making and raw entertainment.
Moral of this story: The rating isn't always right. But err in favor of conservatism and you (and I) will be safe. Be prepared to make an exception to a blanket ratings rule for your kids and you'll occasionally find a surprise in the lineup that you can offer them, and gain respect for your ability to think on your feet and address things case by case. Teaching by example.
This week there's an opportunity. No educational benefit, but it's an exciting trip to the movies, without a major trash/corruption component. Tough critical reviews, smiling customers that are tired from the action when they leave.
It is the toughest rating to predict, or describe to customers. A PG13 rating tells us that it can be a kind, gentle movie- or a radically offensive tirade... PG13 is the broadest of them all.
Last week, I had written 2012 off for some of our children to watch (we're pretty conservative about what they watch). After working the whole weekend, and not having a chance to see it myself- but I heard from every person how awesome it was, and how much I would love it- some of our staff got together Sunday night and watched it at 10pm (ah, the perks of being on staff).
It was great!
And, seeing it permitted me to allow our 3 oldest children to see the film as well. Yes, the elements that caused me to hesitate were there- but the context and presentation of those elements was palatable and would prove to be a reasonable balance of good versus bad, tough decision making and raw entertainment.
Moral of this story: The rating isn't always right. But err in favor of conservatism and you (and I) will be safe. Be prepared to make an exception to a blanket ratings rule for your kids and you'll occasionally find a surprise in the lineup that you can offer them, and gain respect for your ability to think on your feet and address things case by case. Teaching by example.
This week there's an opportunity. No educational benefit, but it's an exciting trip to the movies, without a major trash/corruption component. Tough critical reviews, smiling customers that are tired from the action when they leave.
