Most parents recognize the arbitrariness and inconsistency of movie ratings for youth-oriented films. It's a stone in the shoe for those engaged in the (thankless, borderline impossible) job of policing their children's cultural diet and an annoyance for parents who are offended that mass destruction often gets a free pass while a few naughty words earn an instant R rating. That topic deserves a documentary of its own. Until then, MPAA-bashers will relish a film looking at the adult end of the spectrum. Read the full review
This documentary examines the MPAA film ratings system and questions whether its ratings are applied equally: Whether Hollywood movies and independent films are rated equally for comparable content; whether sexual content in gay-themed movies is given harsher ratings penalties than heterosexual films; whether sexuality should receive a harsher rating than violence; and whether the MPAA process should be an open one.
Director: Kirby Dick
Starring: John Waters, Kevin Smith, Matt Stone, Kimberly Peirce, Atom Egoyan
Run time: 97 minutes
Release date: Sept. 1, 2006
Rating: Unrated after receiving an NC-17 rating from the MPAA for some graphic sexual content.
On the web
Official movie site
Austin American-Statesman: 4 of 5 stars
"... frequently funny and sometimes unfair."
The Associated Press: B-
"... makes a good case for some all-American free enterprise to come up with an alternative."
Inside AJC.COM
Holiday shopping
Realtime shopping updates for gift bargains in Metro Atlanta. See a deal? Tell everyone!
Weekend Best Bets
International Cat Show, Chante Moore, Magical Night of Lights, chef cook-offs and more!
Obama Inauguration
Travelling to D.C. on Jan. 20? Here's everything you need to know for your planning.
Cheap Travel
No need to drop big bucks. Here are 25 offerings for cruise, hotel and fall travel packages.
Top 5 in Atlanta
Skip those drive-thrus. Here are five of best places in Atlanta for a juicy hamburger.
Christmas House
The 2008 edition, with its garlands and wreaths, benefits Alliance Children's Theater.
From the Blogs
-
Radio & TV Talk
-
Movie Talk
-
Atlanta Music Scene
-
ATL Arts
Table Talk
-
American Idol Buzz
11/21: Phil Stacey loses label deal, Kristy Lee Cook begging for recognition
-
Chatter
Best Bets: Indie Folk, Unusual Gifts and the Return of the "Santaland" Elf
-
Misadventures in Atlanta
-
Peach Buzz
-
Social Butterfly
-
Best of the Big A
-
The Newcomer
Best of the Big A
-
Current nominations
-
Current voting
-
Latest winner




