Movies, 'Tweens, Teens or Adults?

I missed yesterday's post be caught up in the the day's troubles, but when I was able to read through the posts, I was surprized by how much seeming agreement there was on movies and attitudes towards/surprise about adolescent viewing.

As we know, two of "them" live here and surprisingly we can usually all agree on a movie. The adults, of course, have the heavy hand as far as censorship, but we have seen movies like "8 Mile", "Crash", "Dear Frankie", "Black Hawk Down" and "Hotel Rwanda". We have also reached back to see "Boys In The Hood", the original "Manchurian Candidate" and all of the Budd Abbott and Lou Costello pictues. They particularly liked "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (mom is a Depp fan).Amongst us we have far reaching tastes, but I've always been pleased with my kids' willingness to view most anything. Recently we saw a French film, subtitled of course about boys in an orphanage (it's name escapes me). The dialogue, besides being in French, was rapid fire but I heard little laughs and other acknowledgement that showed they were engrossed.

My children are not allowed to watch "R" rated movies without us either being present or having screen them. Our local video joint (well stocked by the way) will not allow them to rent and "R" rated film, period. I like that little safety net, because they are allowed to rent on their own at 13 and 14. Have they made dumb or probably inappropriate choices, absolutely and "40 Year Old Virgin" comes immediately to mind, but we have educated them about film and continue to do so and frankly I would rather have them watch some "R" rated films that have content to discuss than some of the stuff that is actually marketed to their age group. I am happy when we sit the the movie theatre and they dis many of the trailers as being "too stupid looking". They participate in building the NetFlix cue and do enjoy, as others have said, those '80s films like "Breakfast Club" (watched twice, back to back). They loved "American Graffitti" and even some of the Batman movies, and were truly amazed at how special effects have evolved.

A recommendation: "The Mighty" -- talk about friendship, loyalty and understanding!
and if you haven't tired of Haley Joel Osmant, "Pay It Forward"