Is this movie appropriate for my kid Thread

[MichellePeterson1970]

Hi, I'm Michelle and i just registered here at blu-ray.com. I need help with this issue and I thought I would create a thread where parents can ask other users if they think a movie is appropriate for their kids.
Because sometimes, an R rated movie can be appropriate but a PG-13 movie might not be. For example, I think the first Matrix movie is appropriate for my 13 year old son.
I understand every parent differs in their view of what is 'appropriate' but I thought this thread can be used for parents to get a general idea about a movie if they want to as it is impossible to watch every movie for ourselves and decide.
More importantly, ratings these days are off the charts. There are some PG-13 movies out there which should be R.

So, here's my question.

Recently my son started bought Rush Hour movies on blu-ray and later went to buy other Jackie Chan movies, like The Tuxedo which had Jennifer Love Hewitt. He later bought Garfield 1 & 2. He's apparently become a fan of Ms Hewitt and now insists that he wants to watch this movie called 'Heartbreakers'. Normally, I would have no problem but the premise is a bit in the 'grey area'.

It goes like (from the amazon description) - "Get ready to lose your heartand your bank accountto a couple of sirens in this "vastly enjoyable comedy" (People)! With a "first-rate cast" (The New York Times) that includesSigourney Weaver, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ray Liotta, Jason Lee and OscarÂ(r) winner* Gene Hackman, this hilarious laugh-riot is "smart and funny" (Joel Siegel, "Good Morning America")! When it comes to conning millionaires, Page Conners (Hewitt) and her mother Max (Weaver) are real pros. Max lures them to the altar, then Page leads them into temptation and a hefty divorce settlement! Now they're about to strike gold with the ultimate sting: a wealthy, wheezing tobacco tycoon (Hackman). But before they can seal the deal, Page breaks the cardinal rule of the con and falls in love! Now Max must convince Page to hold on to her heart and the tobacco fortune or lose the best partner in crime she'll ever have!"

I see that it is only PG-13. But sometimes even PG-13 movies can have stuff that should warrant an R. But it sounds like it's more of a normal comedy from the reviews on Amazon.
I told my son we could watch it together this coming weekend but he insists on watching it alone. He says he cannot wait till the next weekend and that it is too far away. I don't really have time to review it myself before then which is why I'm asking you guys for help.

This thread can be used by other parents wit the same queries to get a general opinion

[HyperRealist]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125022/parentalguide

[#Darren]

Heartbreakers has lots of strong sexual innuendo and sexually orientated scenes.

[Uncontrol]

He's 13. And it's just a movie, a PG-13 movie with Jennifer Love Hewitt no less.

Also, if you're that worried, imdb usually has a parental guide for each movie on the left hand side so you can view it's content.

[HyperRealist]

Heartbreakers isn't out on blu-ray....

[Uncontrol]

Originally Posted by HyperRealist

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125022/parentalguide

Hahaha

What in the world

[James78]

Michelle, it's good that you care about what your son watches, but I would follow the ratings system if I were you. Also, at thirteen and with a crush on Jennifer Love Hewitt, he is probably not going to want to watch that film with his mother! I think it's time you trusted his judgement too and let him make choices for himself (within the ratings guidelines).

[MichellePeterson1970]

Originally Posted by Uncontrol

Hahaha

What in the world

Exactly. I think that was blown out of proportion. This is why I'm asking. I read the parental guide for Alien (I didn't let my son watch it ofcoarse) but when the violence was actually listed line by line, it sounded a lot worse than what was in the movie.

EDIT:
I just read the Parental Guide for 'Garfield' and this is what it says:
'We briefly see a young woman in a short skirt dancing in a music video and then see her or another young woman doing the same in very small and tight shorts.

Liz is shown in a low cut shirt revealing cleavage in one scene."

In the movie, I didn't really think it was inappropriate (infact, I didn't even notice anything.) But it's blown out of proportion when written down.
A few months ago, we had watched Dinner for Schmucks and I turned it off after 25 mins as even though it is PG13, some of the humor is very inappropriate for a PG13. It borders on R.
So, that's basically my worry these days. It can go either way

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by MichellePeterson1970

Exactly. I think that was blown out of proportion. This is why I'm asking. I read the parental guide for Alien (I didn't let my son watch it ofcoarse) but when the violence was actually listed line by line, it sounded a lot worse than what was in the movie.

That is actually pretty accurate. She is trying to set him up to make him look like he is cheating on his wife in that scene. She does not actually perform fellatio but tries to make it look like it is happening.

[MichellePeterson1970]

Originally Posted by jmo78

Michelle, it's good that you care about what your son watches, but I would follow the ratings system if I were you. Also, at thirteen and with a crush on Jennifer Love Hewitt, he is probably not going to want to watch that film with his mother! I think it's time you trusted his judgement too and let him make choices for himself (within the ratings guidelines).

I know, but for me I keep thinking - "He's just 13!". I wanted to watch it with him so that I could forward/skip if there is anything inappropriate or at the very least monitor what he is watching but he insists on watching it alone. Normally, I wouldn't mind but I don't have time to watch it before next weekend unfortunately. I told him he could watch 'If Only' as that is also a Jennifer Love Hewitt movie, also a rom com and most importantly, I have already watched it and I know it's appropriate but he's pretty insistant on watching Heartbreakers.
Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

[#Darren]

Michelle, not sure how serious you are in your questions, as you seem to just want to be able to "feel good" about this film, but lets talk straight... this film has some classic 13 year old "jerk off" material. I know I would have loved it when I was 13 . Hope that helps.

[James78]

Originally Posted by MichellePeterson1970

I know, but for me I keep thinking - "He's just 13!". I wanted to watch it with him so that I could forward/skip if there is anything inappropriate or at the very least monitor what he is watching but he insists on watching it alone. Normally, I wouldn't mind but I don't have time to watch it before next weekend unfortunately. I told him he could watch 'If Only' as that is also a Jennifer Love Hewitt movie, also a rom com and most importantly, I have already watched it and I know it's appropriate but he's pretty insistant on watching Heartbreakers.
Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

I teach boys your son's age and it can be a very difficult time for mothers as they begin breaking away and wanting more independence. This is a compliment - it means you have done a good job! I think if you relax and let him watch films of his choice within the guidance ratings he will thank you in the long term.

[MichellePeterson1970]

Originally Posted by jmo78

I teach boys your son's age and it can be a very difficult time for mothers as they begin breaking away and wanting more independence. This is a compliment - it means you have done a good job! I think if you relax and let him watch films of his choice within the guidance ratings he will thank you in the long term.

Thanks jmo. I realize that too and I do want to start giving him independence but it would be bad parenting on my part to let him watch something like Dinner for Schmucks at his age. THis is why I'm kind of worried about this movie.

Originally Posted by #Darren

Michelle, not sure how serious you are in your questions, as you seem to just want to be able to "feel good" about this film, but lets talk straight... this film has some classic 13 year old "jerk off" material. I know I would have loved it when I was 13 . Hope that helps.

Firstly, it's insulting when certain people like you assume I'm doing this for kicks when I'm actually trying to get some information and advice from a movie site. The parental guide at imdb is out of order and the posters in those boards aren't exactly helpful.
Secondly, I know my son and he isn't getting this movie for 'that kind of stuff'.
Sometimes, really good movies can have some stuff that is inappropriate. This is exactly why I made this thread. IMDB guides and the stickers on the back of blu-rays aren't exactly as helpful as advice from other adults.

[James78]

Originally Posted by MichellePeterson1970

Thanks jmo. I realize that too and I do want to start giving him independence but it would be bad parenting on my part to let him watch something like Dinner for Schmucks at his age. THis is why I'm kind of worried about this movie.

I don't think it would be bad parenting to follow the guidance ratings. Part of growing up is being exposed to certain language and behaviour gradually. Films are a great way for children and young people to explore different parts of their personality in a safe way.

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by MichellePeterson1970

For example, I think the first Matrix movie is appropriate for my 13 year old son.

Uh, no offense, but why? There's a ton of language and some not-so-subtle imagery in those movies; I wouldn't want any 13-year-old exposed to that. The sequels get even worse, to the point that in the third film, lots of women are barely covering anything, there's rarely a minute or so without a curse, and people are getting skewed by robotic parts.

More importantly, ratings these days are off the charts. There are some PG-13 movies out there which should be R.

Sad, but all too true.

He's apparently become a fan of Ms Hewitt and now insists that he wants to watch this movie called 'Heartbreakers'. Normally, I would have no problem, but the premise is a bit in the 'grey area'...I see that it is only PG-13. But sometimes even PG-13 movies can have stuff that should warrant an R. But it sounds like it's more of a normal comedy from the reviews on Amazon.

There's quite a bit of sexual content in "Heartbreakers", and language to boot. The story is that of a woman and her daughter who con men out of their money, by the mother marrying him, and the daughter later seducing him.

I told my son we could watch it together this coming weekend but he insists on watching it alone.

Coming from a male standpoint, I bet I know why he wants to watch it alone, and you'd be wise not to let him. Jennifer Love Hewitt is a talented actress, but unfortunately, she's not that reserved about her body. There's lots of others who are far worse, but all the same, I'd steer your son clear.

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by MichellePeterson1970

Firstly, it's insulting when certain people like you assume I'm doing this for kicks when I'm actually trying to get some information and advice from a movie site. The parental guide at imdb is out of order and the posters in those boards aren't exactly helpful.
Secondly, I know my son and he isn't getting this movie for 'that kind of stuff'.
Sometimes, really good movies can have some stuff that is inappropriate. This is exactly why I made this thread. IMDB guides and the stickers on the back of blu-rays aren't exactly as helpful as advice from other adults.

I never said you were doing it for kicks. I said you seem to want to "feel good" about letting him watch it. IMO that film is CLEARLY aimed at an adult audience.

[nametag]

I think there's too big a gap between PG-13 and R in the US - the UK ratings system makes a bit more sense, with 12, 15 and 18. (Heartbreakers is rated 15 by the way, though I think I first saw it when I was about 13). In fact, for new movie releases, you can check out a full description at bbfc.co.uk where they give a very full breakdown on what is in the film and contributed to its rating. I realise you're in the US, but it might be useful for you.

I guess it's up to you really, but I was allowed to watch 15 rated movies when I was 13 and I'm sure your son hears a lot worse at school every day. A lot of it is down to context and tone, the actual 'material' could be identical in movies of various ratings, but the way in which they are used can be vastly different.

Secondly, I know my son and he isn't getting this movie for 'that kind of stuff'.

Whilst Heartbreakers isn't exactly American Pie, don't kid yourself - almost all 13 years old boys will be thinking about 'that kind of stuff' quite a lot. Or will be very soon.

[Moviefan2k4]

Oh, and I sent you a PM on this as well, Mrs. Peterson; check the upper right corner of the forum, right under your username.

[James78]

Originally Posted by nametag

I think there's too big a gap between PG-13 and R in the US - the UK ratings system makes a bit more sense, with 12, 15 and 18. In fact, for new movie releases, you can check out a full description at bbfc.co.uk where they give a very full breakdown on what is in the film and contributed to its rating. I realise you're in the US, but it might be useful for you.

I think this is an excellent idea. I didn't realise the American system was different.

[wormraper]

he's 13, and he wants to watch it alone. it's your house, your rules. let him know that, if you want to watch it before hand that's a good idea, if you don't think it's appropriate don't let him watch it. if he wants to watch it before you have a chance. tough petuties, it's not his rules. Personally I'd say 13 is kinda that borderline age where Heartbreakers is ok, but that's just my opinion. You sound honestly like someone who is concerned about your kids well being and I applaud you. if you don't feel comfortable it's your perogative to screen movies.

and as to

Secondly, I know my son and he isn't getting this movie for 'that kind of stuff'.

sorry, but having been a 13 year old boy, and knowing the male mind in general. a 13 year old boy thinks of only ONE thing more important that "that kinda stuff"..... if the room he's in is burning down. that's about it