There are a lot of great movies coming out in theaters featuring your favorite actors and actresses like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robin Williams and Sandra Bullock. Problem is, some of these movies you aren't allowed to go see. Should you be?

The movie rating system is a voluntary system sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America and the National Association of Theatre Owners to provide parents in the United States with advance information on films. This is done to enable parents to make judgments on movies they want or do not want their children to see

What the Ratings Mean:

G General Audience. All ages admitted. This signifies that the film rated contains nothing most parents will consider offensive for even their youngest children to see or hear.

PG Parental Guidance Suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. This signifies that the film rated may contain some material parents might not like to expose to their young children - material that will clearly need to be examined or inquired about before children are allowed to attend the film.

PG-13 Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. This signifies that the film rated may be inappropriate for pre-teens. Parents should be especially careful about letting their younger children attend.

R Restricted-Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian (age varies in some locations). This signifies that the rating board has concluded that the film rated contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their children to see it.

NC-17 No One 17 and Under Admitted. This signifies that the rating board believes that most American parents would feel that the film is patently adult and that children age 17 and under should not be admitted to it.

What About What You Want?:
Do you think someone should be telling you what you can, or can't watch? Do your parents need advice on what movies they should let you watch -- or, are you a good judge of what's appropriate and what's not?

Most adults would say kids need guidance in this area and should not randomly be allowed to view any movie they like. The amount of sexually explicit content, violence and horror, coarse language or drug use is something parents should determine what they want their kids to see. Do you agree?

The ratings system is not law. Enforcing the rating system is purely voluntary, but the overwhelming majority of theaters follow the Classification and Rating Administration's guidelines and diligently attempt to enforce it.

Parents are encouraged to learn as much about a film as possible before they permit their children to attend. Reading reviews and feature articles or speaking with the theater manager or friends are good ways to gather information in addition to the ratings. Kids can do the same thing with parents.

If you want to see a certain movie -- search online for reviews and information on the movie with your parents. They can then make an informed decision about allowing you to see the movie. They may be more inclined to agree with your choice in movies if they participate with you.

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Topics | TV/Movies | Upcoming Video Release Dates