They need to make a 6th rating, PG-16

[scrumptious]

and make parental guidance recommended for people under 16. This way movies that get watered down to a PG-13 make big money can now just get watered down to a PG-16 level.

The ratings seem to have gotten stricter over time for sex and nudity ... a long time ago movies with full nudity could still get a PG rating ... now any full nudity unless it's just for an instant, gets you an automatic R rating.

I also think people under 17 should be allowed in a an R rated movie without an adult. If need be, make a parent buy the ticket. Parents should decide what movies are appropriate for their children. When I was under 17, I could rent R-rated movies from Blockbuster with no problem -- they left the choice up to the adult on the account. I think they do the same thing at some libraries. It's inconsistent that theaters use a different system.

BTW, Blockbuster does not carry NC-17 movies and some theater franchises have that same policy too ... hopefully that will change. I noticed at my local theater they had an information card explaining the ratings and how NC-17 doesn't mean that the movie is bad. Maybe they should rename it "R+"

[OrlandoEastwood]

The US rating system is good as it. You know the saying; "If it ain't broken; don't fix it." I would hate if we went under the European rating system, but then again I am over 18 so it doesn't matter for me. In Germany the rating system is:

00 - All Ages
06 - You have to be over the age of 6 to see the film
12 - Over 12
16 - Over 16
18 - Over 18

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

The US rating system is good as it. You know the saying; "If it ain't broken; don't fix it." I would hate if we went under the European rating system, but then again I am over 18 so it doesn't matter for me. In Germany the rating system is:

00 - All Ages
06 - You have to be over the age of 6 to see the film
12 - Over 12
16 - Over 16
18 - Over 18

I was always able to get into whatever movie I wanted to see...on way or another.

[PH3AR]

I like that idea cause then Terminator Salvation could be more violent, and i was watching R movies since i was like 7, but not all of them some movies on "the high shelf" were basic instict and that was understandable

[scrumptious]

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

I am over 18 so it doesn't matter for me.

No, it does because how the ratings system works will affect how movies get made. As someone said, if we had a PG-16 rating, then Terminator Salvation would probably have gotten released with more violence or sex instead of getting fitted for a PG-13 rating. They try to make many movies PG-13 because then they make more money (b/c people under 17 have difficulty seeing it if it's rated R). Sometimes a studio will tell a director to make it PG-13 even when the director wants to make it a R.

[OrlandoEastwood]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

I was always able to get into whatever movie I wanted to see...on way or another.

Yeah, here in the US, you can get into anything. Germany and Europe is a completely different story.

Originally Posted by scrumptious

No, it does because how the ratings system works will affect how movies get made. As someone said, if we had a PG-16 rating, then Terminator Salvation would probably have gotten released with more violence or sex instead of getting fitted for a PG-13 rating. They try to make many movies PG-13 because then they make more money (b/c people under 17 have difficulty seeing it if it's rated R). Sometimes a studio will tell a director to make it PG-13 even when the director wants to make it a R.

No, it wouldn't matter because the Halcyon Company aimed Terminator Salvation to be PG-13 so they could draw in the younger crowd to make more $$$. And most likely in Europe, Terminator Salvation will get a 16 rating. If you don't the current rating system because you are under a certain age, tough, go with your parents and watch it like I did from ages 4 - 17. Yeah, I said it, my parents let me watch whatever I wanted because I knew from an early age that it was all make believe. Trust me, you don't like it; go to Europe and endure their ratings and how they handle everything. It'll be a nightmare for you as it was for me when I was dumb American when I first moved out of the country.

[KubrickFan]

At least the people in America can see a film if they want to, albeit with a parent or guardian. Here in The Netherlands, I went to a screening of 300 once, and you couldn't get in if you had ID with you. Also the film was stopped during the previews when they removed a kid who was watching the film. It's odd, but I have never seen them checking on everyone so extremely, before or since.

[OrlandoEastwood]

Yeah, in the US, the rating system is more aimed at parents and how they should moderate what their kids watch. In Europe it's more "Every man for themselves" type of system. Granted, some theaters will be very cautious towards certain "R" rated features, like Scary Movie or Borat. Also, Scrumptious, read up on your MPAA ratings:

Originally Posted by MPAA

A G-rated motion picture contains nothing in theme, language, nudity, sex, violence or other matters that, in the view of the Rating Board, would offend parents whose younger children view the motion picture. The G rating is not a “certificate of approval,” nor does it signify a “children’s” motion picture. Some snippets of language may go beyond polite conversation but they are common everyday expressions. No stronger words are present in G-rated motion pictures. Depictions of violence are minimal. No nudity, sex scenes or drug use are present in the motion picture.


A PG-rated motion picture should be investigated by parents before they let their younger children attend. The PG rating indicates, in the view of the Rating Board, that parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children, and parents should make that decision.

The more mature themes in some PG-rated motion pictures may call for parental guidance. There may be some profanity and some depictions of violence or brief nudity. But these elements are not deemed so intense as to require that parents be strongly cautioned beyond the suggestion of parental guidance. There is no drug use content in a PG-rated motion picture.


A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning by the Rating Board to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material might not be suited for them. A PG-13 motion picture may go beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities or other elements, but does not reach the restricted R category. The theme of the motion picture by itself will not result in a rating greater than PG-13, although depictions of activities related to a mature theme may result in a restricted rating for the motion picture. Any drug use will initially require at least a PG-13 rating. More than brief nudity will require at least a PG-13 rating, but such nudity in a PG-13 rated motion picture generally will not be sexually oriented. There may be depictions of violence in a PG-13 movie, but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence. A motion picture’s single use of one of the harsher sexually-derived words, though only as an expletive, initially requires at least a PG-13 rating. More than one such expletive requires an R rating, as must even one of those words used in a sexual context. The Rating Board nevertheless may rate such a motion picture PG-13 if, based on a special vote by a two-thirds majority, the Raters feel that most American parents would believe that a PG-13 rating is appropriate because of the context or manner in which the words are used or because the use of those words in the motion picture is inconspicuous.


An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the Rating Board, contains some adult material. An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Parents are strongly urged to find out more about R-rated motion pictures in determining their suitability for their children. Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures.


An NC-17 rated motion picture is one that, in the view of the Rating Board, most parents would consider patently too adult for their children 17 and under. No children will be admitted. NC-17 does not mean “obscene” or “pornographic” in the common or legal meaning of those words, and should not be construed as a negative judgment in any sense. The rating simply signals that the content is appropriate only for an adult audience. An NC-17 rating can be based on violence, sex, aberrational behavior, drug abuse or any other element that most parents would consider too strong and therefore off-limits for viewing by their children.

The "R" rating is for 17 and over. Also, as a starting filmmaker, when I start a project and do outlining and notes and the treatment; I go in with what rating I have in mind. I've written two scripts so far this year and I am working on two more right now. First script is Damien Frost, I wrote that with a hardcore NC-17 in mind because I wanted to make a bloody, violent film with lots of swearing. I then wrote Maze of Thought with a PG-13 rating in mind because I wanted to do a horror film that could deliver some scares to the youth. Granted, I might have to change the ending due to the violence but then again that's what these "Unrated" versions are for. Currently working on The Alpha Experiment and Untitled B&W Damien Frost Sequel and I am aiming for an "R" rating.

Jack Valenti, may he rest in peace,the original head of the MPAA stated that; "No rating could help you and no rating can save you." Even though I hate how the MPAA handles piracy, I strongly agree with that man's saying. That had to be the best advice for a filmmaker.

[Beefbowl]

Originally Posted by scrumptious

and make parental guidance recommended for people under 16. This way movies that get watered down to a PG-13 make big money can now just get watered down to a PG-16 level.

The ratings seem to have gotten stricter over time for sex and nudity ... a long time ago movies with full nudity could still get a PG rating ... now any full nudity unless it's just for an instant, gets you an automatic R rating.

I also think people under 17 should be allowed in a an R rated movie without an adult. If need be, make a parent buy the ticket. Parents should decide what movies are appropriate for their children. When I was under 17, I could rent R-rated movies from Blockbuster with no problem -- they left the choice up to the adult on the account. I think they do the same thing at some libraries. It's inconsistent that theaters use a different system.

BTW, Blockbuster does not carry NC-17 movies and some theater franchises have that same policy too ... hopefully that will change. I noticed at my local theater they had an information card explaining the ratings and how NC-17 doesn't mean that the movie is bad. Maybe they should rename it "R+"

How much difference would there be between a 16 & over movie and a 17 & over movie?

[OrlandoEastwood]

Originally Posted by Beefbowl

How much difference would there be between a 16 & over movie and a 17 & over movie?

Nothing, because a 16 in the US doesn't exist. Also, there are more videostores out there than Blockbuster and from the looks of it, BB is going to be history. There are numerous other videostores out there that carry pornography and NC-17 rated films.

[Beefbowl]

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

Nothing, because a 16 in the US doesn't exist. Also, there are more videostores out there than Blockbuster and from the looks of it, BB is going to be history. There are numerous other videostores out there that carry pornography and NC-17 rated films.

I know it doesn't exist but the OP wants a PG-16 rating which is why I asked the question.

[OrlandoEastwood]

Maybe the OP is 12 years old and lives in an area of the US where their movie theaters are strict on age restrictions and won't let him see Terminator Salvation. Or maybe the OP is an adult and is still whining for the fact the film got a PG-13 rating. If it's the second reason, then get over it, it's not like Halcyon is going to have a change of heart and have it "R" rated.

[Beefbowl]

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

Maybe the OP is 12 years old and lives in an area of the US where their movie theaters are strict on age restrictions and won't let him see Terminator Salvation. Or maybe the OP is an adult and is still whining for the fact the film got a PG-13 rating. If it's the second reason, then get over it, it's not like Halcyon is going to have a change of heart and have it "R" rated.

It would be great if they have a PG-13 version in the theatre and a rated R version on blu

[OrlandoEastwood]

Originally Posted by Beefbowl

It would be great if they have a PG-13 version in the theatre and a rated R version on blu

Most likely, it will be. Moon Bloodgood showed her twins. McG even made an audience cheer and applaud if they wanted to see them in the film and those suckers clapped and cheered for nothing.

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

Maybe the OP is 12 years old and lives in an area of the US where their movie theaters are strict on age restrictions and won't let him see Terminator Salvation. Or maybe the OP is an adult and is still whining for the fact the film got a PG-13 rating. If it's the second reason, then get over it, it's not like Halcyon is going to have a change of heart and have it "R" rated.

There is not (at least they're shouldn't officially be) any age restriction at PG-13. For example, an 8 year-old should be able to go purchase a ticket for a PG-13, and see the movie unaccompanied by anyone else.

[OrlandoEastwood]

I know, that's why I said, "Maybe". In Germany on the American bases at their movie theaters, they let the R ratings slide if you are 15 and you have a parent with you to buy the tickets and you showed both your IDs. Mom tried doing that for me when Silent Hill was playing on Schofield here in Hawaii and they were like, "No, sorry." And then they let me in because I was almost 17 and was like 3 months away from being 17.

[GreenScar]

Just make a really excellent script. Shoot the movie to the script. Try to stay under budget. Support the movie you made. Let the rating fall where it may. If you do this, you'll make money.

[madmojo]

I like Canada's home video rating system a little more than ours in the United States.

They have...

G - Suitable for All Audiences
PG - Parental Guidance Advised
14A - Suitable for 14 and up. Under 14 should view with an adult. Some provinces prohibit sale or rental for those under 14.
18A - Suitable for people 18 and up. No rental or purchase by those under 18.
R - Restricted to those 18 and up. No rental or purchase by under 18s.

R is different than 18A in that usually those or more disturbing or more bloody violent than 18A.

Now, each province has its own rating given for a movie, and they average these out to get the one video rating. They couldn't do that here in the US. But I do like the ratings in general, as I think they fit more than US ratings do. They don't grade as much for nudity and sex as they do for violence either.

Personally, and I know most people would disagree with me, I think we should go back to the way it was pre-1984. No PG-13 rating. If need be, create that hard R rating that they've been talking about above R. Don't be so anal about stopping teens from seeing regular R rated films. Heck, they just sneak in anyway.

[jadedeath]

Why do we need another rating?

Pretty soon it'll be PG-15 but only if you're over 15 and can do the hokey pokey.

Logan

[OrlandoEastwood]

Originally Posted by jasonbird

Just make a really excellent script. Shoot the movie to the script. Try to stay under budget. Support the movie you made. Let the rating fall where it may. If you do this, you'll make money.

That's the thing though with Terminator Salvation. McG said a lot things and ended up shafting us. I'm sure it's more the Halcyon Company's fault than McG's, but by the end of the day the crazed fanboys will be putting the blame on him for that. Like, I accept that McG shot probably one of the best sci-fi films and it will probably improve his street cred in Hollywood since this is his 4th film. A lot of people bash him for Charlie's Angels. I saw those and We Are Marshall and those are decent movies. I mean he could be on an Uwe Boll level but he's not and I'm sure there are numerous directors out there who could probably do a Terminator film better than him but you have to standby the company's decision. I'm sure the film will turn out fine even though it has a PG-13.

Like on my end and what I am doing with Maze of Thought, the script is pretty much the same after several re-writes that I did. I aimed for a PG-13 rating and I feel that the script is a PG-13. I stuck by what I know from previous films that got PG-13 ratings. I had the word "F***!" in the first draft of the script because you can say that once in a PG-13 film. But with how the ending played out, I was totally not sure if it would slide after I shoot it and edit and send it out to get rated. So, I cut it and replaced it with "Damn it!" It still gets the point across that the character is frustrated with his situation.