Why is it that every movie seems to be rated R in the states? Why are they not allowing teenagers to see intelligent films. The MPAA 'R' rating seems to be the equivalent of our '14A' here up north.
Thank you, oilgun! I have sons who are 11 and 12. The 12-year-old's movie comprehension is starting (in some cases) to surpass mine. What do you do with kids who love movies, have nearly adult-level intellects, think penguins are stupid (yes, I know, they're wrong about this, but still) but exhibit all the immature tastes of their developmental level?
What I've done is to decide is that the following are OK: Violence, as long as it isn't really gruesome or gratuitous. Sex, as long as it isn't graphic or full-frontal or obvious (and then I have to make them pay for their viewing by glaring meaningfully at them as they watch it, which they hate so much they're tempted to skip it altogether). Swearing -- fuck, they know I don't give a shit what they see in a movie, as long as I don't have to hear the words coming from their mouths.
So for example, last week I let them watch "The Departed." So far, they don't show any signs of being scarred for life, but it's still early ...
Anyone tempted to call the child-abuse hotline is invited to try to deal with my sons themselves for a week.