OPINION Poll:hairspray the Movie Is PG Should It Be PG-13?

What did you think? It was based off the older hairspray movie and that movie was not much different. No I would not let my own children watch it, but there are friends of my children (ages 5 & 7) who have seen ghost rider and Spiderman 3. Both those movies I would find a lot worse then hairspray.

I think you are right in not letting them see it at that age. I enjoyed it with my son, but he is older and I did use it as a "teachable moment" to explain the segregation and integration of America. I also explained a few of the sexual remarks, but I am always open with him. If he has a question about something, I give him just enough information to satisfy his question. I try not to give him more than he needs at his age, but I'd also rather he hear it from ME than his friends.

The rating is okay to me, though. After all, Alladin (Disney) had a few sexual remarks from Robin Williams too.

Not crazy, but I grew up with no restrictions on movies or music, and I am very thankful to my parents to that. I was young when I saw the first Hairspray, then again, I was in Kindergarten when I remember seeing a horror movie for the first time. I was hooked on the brat pack at 8! Personally, I feel that our generation of moms way overthinks these pop culture restrictions. I think that if parents are very involved in their kids' lives and aware of their passions, opinions, and actions, then restrictions on entertainment should not go overboard. And no, my kids don't play video games or watch "grown up" programs-- they haven't shown any interest in doing so either. But if they asked to watch something like Hairspray, then i'd just watch with them. And if they picked up on some inappropriate remark (like about race), then I would use it as an opportunity to educate them. However, i'm sure you'll get responses directly opposite from mine, so take it all with a grain of salt, as "they" say :)

I haven't seen the movie myself, but I totally agree with your position! I wouldn't even let my sons, when they became teenagers, go see rated R movies. In our little town, they still have to have an adult to get in to see them unless they are 18. I think the rating system is not near as strict as it used to be when we were kids. Now days I only let my 5 year old see rated G movies. It's sad when you can't even trust PG rated movies anymore. The rated R movies now are what we probably used to call rated X. Our standards are slowly slipping away from us by those that think their rights are being violated. I probably just offended someone with that remark. There have been lots of times when my kids were mad at me, but I always told them they will understand when they have children of their own. God has entrusted these children to me for only a little while and it is my job to raise them the best way that He has taught me how. And that does NOT always mean what is right in the eyes of society! Keep up your standards!
B.

I did not see that movie. My daughter did see it at a birthday party last year.

One thing that really annoys me is that everyone is SO rigid about a child seeing a bare a$$ or boob that might be in a quick shot at the movie (I'm not talking about an adult show), dancing in a way a parent might not like (kids do dance differently now), etc BUT....it seems not to bother anyone that kids see the violence on tv and movies.

I'd MUCH rather my daughter see a movie and have an open conversation about it than for her to watch some show where people are killing each other and view the graphics of bloody murder.

I know I am different...I am very open minded and the lines of communication in my family are wide open. I don't raise my daughter with rigid rules and restrictions. I have raised her to think for herself and make good choices. I was raised in a rigid environment and I swore that my child would not be raised like that.

My daughter has had 2 dance parties in the last 6 months and I am really surprised at how all of the girls dance. I think it is just how they dance now. You know....our moms thought we were awful for dancing the way we did and now we are seeing the table turned. As long as they are not hurting anybody...let them express themselves. Be there to communicate!

Everyone has a right to parent the way they feel is best for their family.

I applaud you for turning it off. I was certainly surprised when I saw it too. I was alone. Today's society let's way too many things slide by because "afer all it is 2008". Morals are morals. It is up to parents to stick up for what they want their kids to see and hear. I will never forget the war we had when my son, who is now 35, wanted to watch the movie "Stand By Me." I also think "The Simpsons" is a terrrible show. I realize I am a grandma, but I am a mom and a teacher too. Even Disney movies can't always be trusted.

I think every parent should be willing to guard what their children watch. It says that you love and care about them and want to protect them. I heard a speaker say that the way he explained to his children that he wouldn't let his children watch movies with some bad parts in them was by talking about making brownies. He explained to them all of the good ingredients that you put in brownies and then said, "If I put just a little dog poop in them will they be okay to eat?" I thought this was an excellent point. We need to do our best to put good things in our childrens minds and protect them from the little bits of dog poop that build up over time.

I was bit suprised when I sat down and watched it with my 6 year old. I almost turned it off, but instead used it as an opportunity to have a discussion about race and size discrimination. She had a lot of questions and we talked about the different things that happened. My daughter is very sensitive to the feelings of others so she was ready for the talk we had. Some other kids might not be. It just goes to show that parents can't just rely on ratings. We have to be involved and careful about what we pop in the dvd player. We have to know what our kids can handle, too!

I think that as long as you are able to discuss with your children the things that they DO understand is what is important. Communication with your kids is the most important. Explain to them why times back then were the way they were in regards to race issues, etc. Do not shelter them because believe me, they will learn it in school and from their friends.

I saw the movie with my daughters (13 and 9) and was surprized by some of the content already mentioned and after watching the movie we talked about how much we have learned about how to treat eveyone equally since the 1960's, so it was a teachable moment.

A good website that I frequently use is screenit.com. It will break down everything that is taken into account for the rating procedure, the only downside is it can be a real plot spoiler! But, at least you know exactly what you are getting.

You are your children's strongest advocate, it is your right to decide what they should be exposed to, not a movie companies.

You have to be your own judge, but use the movie resources others have given you to find out why a movie is the way it is so you'll have some ideas.

I like the idea about teaching moments too. Better they see things with you and you chat about them, than hear from somewhere else.

The violence comment is so true... people let their kids watch tons of violent movies but flip out over brief nudity.

My daughters saw Hairspray with me but they are teens. Now they want me to take them to Spring Awakening in Houston in January (they've planned and plotted). It's a play that would make any parent quesy (teen sex, abortions etc), and it was written like in 1890 or something. And banned. Banned for 100 years. But I'm so glad that they want me to take them.... they're not afraid to ask me to see these things with them and that's a good sign.

Good luck, get your own info, set your own rules, let the girls know what the rules are and why and stick to your decision.

My girls are 13 now but when they were younger, my husband & I had plenty of moments when we had rented a PG rated "kids" movie & thought there were things in them that we weren't really comfortable with our daughters watching at that time. So I understand. It is ideal to preview movies beforehand, but I simply don't have the time or money to do that every single time. Thankfully, I found www.kids-in-mind.com a few years ago. It doesn't tell me if my kids should watch something or not, it just tells me every scenerio in the movie that relates to sex, nudity, violence, language, etc.. so my husband & I can make that decision. It has been a lifesaver!! I have noticed that sometimes I will read the 'review' and I think ALL that is included in the movie sounds awful, but then when I watch the movie some of those moments are so fleeting that I don't even notice them! Kids-in-mind includes everything & I am very thankful that I found it!

I agree with the other moms - use the internet as a resourece to find out as much as you can (especially cause it sounds like you don't have the time to "pre-screen" the movies. (Props to you for all you do for your family - I miss sleep too!) IMDB is a good resource, and I'm sure google can help you find others.

I have a 14 month old so haven't run into this yet, but I like the "use it as an opportunity to have a conversation about something important" approach rather than avoiding things. Like you said, all their friends have seen it, so it might be a great opportunity/teaching moment for you - give them some more insight into things that their friends don't have bacause maybe their parents aren't paying as much attention as you?

I agree with you, should've been pg13. My daughter (7), didn't understand alot of the movie but did start saying things that she had heard in the movie, so we had to sit down and explain how things were different then, and everyone should be treated the same!

Watch it with them and explain how how the movie is about how stupid people used to be. Teach them that we are all the same regardless of our skin color or size. Then tell them that they won't be able to dance like that with a boy until their wedding day. If too much of it is over their heads than they won't want to watch it again, and it will be out of their system.

Probably shoulda been. I saw parts of it and I'm surprised it wasnt PG-13. But they've relaxed standards over the years in my opinion.
I think PG means that you're supposed to screen it before you let your kids watch it. You're the P in the PG. So I do consider that fair warning. But I understand your frustration.
I dont let my kids watch PG movies without me watching it first, which is annoying and time consuming for me. I dont care for the bathroom humor or the "bad words" that are allowed in PG. But it seems like from some of the comments you've gotten, that makes me a little close minded or unappreciative of "art." LOL I dont see the necessity of sharing that type of "art" with children. We focus on more uplifting stuff and less crude-ness. But that's just me.

It probably should have been PG-13. I watched it with my kids but they are older. 13.5, 12, 8.5. Youngest didn't get it, so I let it go. But I didn't necessarily stop it. If there is a question about a movie they want to watch, then I have my hubby preview it, then decide if it is something that they can watch. Now, hubby is a little more looser with his guidelines because it is "art" in a lot of instances. He is a real movie buff and likes everything.....good, bad, etc. But he does draw a line at some point.
The thing we usually draw the line at is nudity and sex. Strong gore. Basically, we have taught them what language and action is appropriate and our expectation. Then expect them to follow the rules. Basically, as far as language goes I have heard worse on the playground from other kids. So we have taught them the difference. Although we are Christian, we find that some of the christian reviews are a little out there. If you are going to condemn Alvin and the Chipmunks for Chica bow wow, then you are not quit middle of the road enough for me. But I also let them read and watch Harry Potter. I just don't see the difference to that and Narnia. I am sorry I just don't. So everyone has their own lines drawn in the sand. And you have to decide what is best for your family. I have boys, and they frequently ignore sexual content anyway. Then are more focused on the guns, gore, and blowing things up. Or stupid sophomore humor like farting. We watch 50 first dates alot. Grease, John Wayne. I think it is just your comfort level and how you want them to be educated about life in general.
So, good luck,
L.

Hmmm... I definatly think it's a bit more borderline than some pg movies. My kids (5 and 7) LOVE hairspray, and it's all over their heads. Now, we did have talks about the racial stuff and weight stuff, but I also used those as teachable moments. We talked about how times have changed, reminded them about MLK and what they learned at school about him, etc... I really hit the issue with my daughter and not choosing friends for how they look, but if they are nice people. There are soooo many PG movies that I'm surprised aren't PG 13, especially older ones. (ie) Big, ET, and flight of the navigator. But, back then, it was all over my head too. I didnt' realize half the stuff in footloose, grease, flashdance til I was older. I just loved the dancing and music. I agree with the other people, get friends opinions and check out sites online before they watch it. I'm a bit laid back on superhero fighting like spiderman (pg13), but not ok with cuss words and nudity/makeout scences. Spongebob is a trigger with many. I personally can't stand the show,( so dumb) but my kids started watching it with my nephews who are older. Now, my kids love it. Some of the episodes are mean and I make them turn them off. If I hear loser/idiot/hate more than once we discuss that this is a mean spongebob and find another show. :)

I haven't seen the movie yet. Here is what IMDB website had about the rating:

Rated PG for language, some suggestive content and momentary teen smoking.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427327/

There is a parent's guide if you skim down.

I think every parent has the right to limit what their child watches. Some are more sensitive and bothered by different things. What bothers me, might not bother you... etc...

I read a Christian website review about ALvin and the Chipmunks. It made a big thing about the chica bow wow scene. Of course, this is the only line in the whole movie my 3 year old girl cares to repeat and even refers to the movie as the chica bow wow movie... I laugh and go on, but it might bother someone else.

I would just explain to my children how they will be faced with "my friend's parents let them do it" stuff until they are 18. You understand their frustrations but you have to do what feels right for your family. My oldest is 13 and I hear it all the time and have for several years now. I hate that we all don't have the same standards but that is what makes the world go round. Most likely, the friends' parents didn't realize those scenes were in there and just hoped it was over their child's heads too.

Good luck!

I check every movie on Plugged In online first. Its part of Focus on the Family. You cannot trust movie ratings to protect your kids.

I would definitely check out pluggedinonline.com in the future when wanting to know if a movie is appropriate for your girls. They are very detailed, so you can make an informed decision on the subject. Here's the link for Hairspray...http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a###-###-###...