Theater owner ditches 'Fahrenheit' film rating (PG-13 in Oakland, CA)

[stickdog]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/local/states/california/counties/alameda_county/9019066.htm?1c

Theater owner ditches 'Fahrenheit' film rating

By Bruce Gerstman

CONTRA COSTA TIMES

OAKLAND - The owner of the Grand Lake Theater, Allan Michaan, announced Friday that he is showing "Fahrenheit 9/11" with a PG-13 rating, rather than the R rating that the Motion Picture Association of America has recommended.

The manager of Lafayette's Park Theater, also owned by Michaan, said it will show the film with the same PG-13 rating. PG-13, which cautions parents about films that may be unsuitable for children under 13, gives minors more freedom to see the film without a guardian. The R rating on a film forbids anyone under 17 to see it without a guardian.

The recommended rating concerned Michaan because if Congress reinstated a military draft, teens would be most affected, he said in a written statement. Since January 2000, House and Senate committees have been considering the Universal National Service Act, twin bills that call for starting a military draft for men and women.

"It is our duty as responsible citizens in the business community as well as in the political sphere to allow young people access to as much information, opinion, discourse and debate on these topics as possible," he stated.

[laylah]

1. Excellent! n/t

[truthisfreedom]

2. America strikes back!

woohoo!

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. You can almost hear the crescendo

Sleepy giant, no mo'

[struggle4progress]

4. Que Viva! eom

[ThePandaBear]

5. While were at it, lets ditch the whole rating system.

Even though it is not government enforced, it might as well be. The R rating force parent's to be with there kids during movie. If a parent wants to let a 16 year old kid watch an R rated alone, thats not possible in this country.

[struggle4progress]

6. Finding more brave theatre owners would be a good start! eom

[Jack_DeLeon]

8. The R rating doesnt force parents...

its the theater owners that do so. Why wouldnt they want to force parents to see a movie, its an extra ticket sold.

That being said I agree that the rating system is pointless.

[Jack_DeLeon]

7. Hmm...

I dont think movie theaters can make up thier own ratings. The rating system is an MPAA thing. To say the movie is rated PG-13 when it is rated R is a lie.

That being said there are no laws saying that a theater owner cant let minors into "R" rated movies.

Hell I always went to R rated movies when I was a teen.

[TexasBushwhacker]

13. Enforcement of the rating system is voluntary

as is the submission of the film to the MPAA to have it rated. Should a film distributor decide they don't agree with the MPAA, they can release their film as "unrated", but it will cut the number of theaters that can show it. Many theaters in shopping centers have a clause in their lease that they cannot show NC-17 or Unrated films.

[ThePandaBear]

15. I know it is voluntary

But I can guarantee the moment that the film industry quits doing voluntary regulation, the government will step in. If it wasn't for government pressure, there would be no rating system.

And again "regulation" in the music and video game industry reflects this also. The so called "Democrat" Joe Lieberman, has forced the video game industry to do self regulation. Tipper Gore's group forced the music industry to do self regulation.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

16. Do you really think THIS government is going to make a move...

...toward censorship that will only prove what most people are thinking about them anyway? The NeoCons won't do ANYTHING before the election...but if they win, all bets are off on a wide variety of topics.

[TahitiNut]

9. I think the 'R' rating tends to attract the late teenagers.

After all, forbidden fruit is far more attractive. :shrug:

[Garion_55]

10. He can do that?????

I think that it was given an R just to try to prevent more people from seeing it and lowering the box office totals.

The bush people are going to do anything they can to stop people from seeing this movie and after seeing it myself yesterday, i can totally understand why.

You cannot leave that theatre and still support bush. there is just no way.

But they arent going to stop kids from seeing this movie. kids arent stupid, they know how to get copies of movies, music, games, porno, whatever if they want it.

all you need is a computer and a modem and unless the bush people start banning those, bush is screwed.

[onehandle]

11. When the DVD comes out in September...

Many times more people will see it.

Until then, every little bit will help.

[LiberalFighter]

19. Heard about it coming out on DVD this fall...

and told the guy that it would be a good movie for house parties.

[fishwax]

12. I sent them an email

to let them know I appreciate their integrity. It's a nice contrast to corporate cowards who got scared away from showing the movie at all.

Also, I don't live anywhere near the bay area, but judging from the web site, it's a pretty cool little movie chain.

http://www.renaissancerialto.com/masters/home/RRIHomePage.htm

[e-mail] <[e-mail]>

[Eloriel]

14. Children, I think the Great American Take Back Our Country

has begun.

I've been GLUED to DU reading thread after thread about this film and the reactions. I think I sense a GREAT AWAKENING of the sleeping giant known as Americans who've been marginalized and voiceless for too long -- the Mighty Left.

I hope I'm right.

[proud patriot]

17. I didn't know he owns the Laffayette Park Theater also

Cool . I'll have to remember that .

[Beam Me Up]

18. Grand Lake Theatre Management is THE BEST

One of those grand old theatres, the interior is gaudy and trippy. They've been putting anti-bush and anti-war sentiments on their HUGE marquee since before the IRW.

[isa-lee]

20. I grew up around the corner from this theater.

Thanks so much for posting the photos. This place was one of the landmarks of my childhood so seeing it again brings back memories. And makes me very happy that they are taking a brave and truthful stand. I miss Oakland!

[Beam Me Up]

24. Oakland and Berkeley are great!

I've lived here since 1973. First place that ever felt like 'home'.

[not systems]

22. Great place the Grand...

it was interesting to see the story about the
gym narcs, right down the street from the Grand.

[Window]

21. Well, alrighty then!

.

[UTUSN]

23. There Is NOTHING to Justify an "R" Rating.

The "R" is plain out poltical censorship. This movie is SO low key and dignified.