[John]

If a movie theater charges a 12-to-16-year-old for an adult ticket, why can't a 12-to-16-year-old see an adult film (meaning 'rated R')? If they charge you as an adult, should you be able to view as an adult?

User Detail :  

Name : John, Gender : M, City : Boringville, State : NJ Country : United States, 

[Michael]

Although the two may seem to be related - that because you pay an adult price to get into the movies, you should be able to go to an R-rated movie, they are two different issues. One is that of economics and pricing on the part of the theater. Many theaters discount their standard ticket rates for children under 12. That is intended to encourage parents to bring their children with them to the movies - the classic principle that it is better to make some money than nothing at all by leaving kids home. Also, kids tend to eat a lot at the concession stand, which is a goldmine for most theaters. Above age 12, the standard ticket price is often charged, but that does not classify the young customer as an adult. What affects that is an agreement reached by the major studios and theater chains to submit to an industry code set forth by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). In order to reduce government control over movies, a ratings code was developed mutually to indicate the content of movies and guide parents in making choices. (Whether this code works and whether it's appropriate is a different story.) Part of that agreement is that theaters uphold the ratings, including not allowing anyone under 17 into an R-rated movie without an adult. (Yes, kids often kids get in, but in reality that is the rule).

User Detail :  

Name : Michael, Gender : M, Age : 30, City : Manassas, State : VA Country : United States, Occupation : History teacher, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Joe]

One of the main reasons for the rating system, is far too many people went to see a movie, not knowing what to expect, and left offended. And doesn't everyone know, at this day and age, far too many people are very quick to get offended. With this in mind, the big thing is, if you are still under the age of 18, you are still the responsibility of your parents, in which if they happen to be the type to offend easily, and happen to find out a certain theatre sold their 12-16 year old a ticket to a movie they deemed 'objectionable,' all hell is going to break loose. Whoever sold the ticket and possibly the manager on duty at the time could loose their jobs, and the theatre itself could come under unwanted investigation and even possibly a lawsuit. So, essentially, a ticket is not sold because the workers implement methodology called CYA (cover your ass). Same goes for why 12-17 year olds would have to pay full price for an Eminem CD, but unless their parents or someone of age lays the money down for them, forget it.

User Detail :  

Name : Joe, Gender : M, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Atheist, Age : 23, City : Houston, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : I.T., Education level : Technical School, Social class : Middle class, 

[Author]

Posts