Stone Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 As the whole world knows Star Wars comes out tomorrow, and many many children as well as parents and adults are excited to see this movie. Today I learned that Star Wars really pushes the PG-13 rating to the max and it is really not approiprate for children under 12 due to graphic violence, body parts being decapitated ect. Witch is fine for the adult generation who grew up on Star wars but what really pisses me off about it is STAR WARS is marketed to young children there are STAR WARS MR. PATATO HEADS, Toys in BK happy meals, spoons in cereal, every other Nickloden commercial promotes it, it's on pop tarts it is advertised EVERYWHERE and to children as young as 2. Why is this marketed to such a young age group if the content of the movie isn't apporiprate for that age? It really pisses me off, my 5 year old desperately wants to see this movie now I don't think I am going to let him.
Treasa Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Considering the fact that you can see worse things on TV nowadays, I think you should reconsider. I remember seeing at least Empire and ROTJ in the theatres (I was born in December 1974), and while Darth Vader scared the bejeebus out of me, nothing else really impacted me to the point where I'd be scarred. There may not have been quite the violence, but you need to realize that kids are incredibly resilient. I'm one of those people (read: geeks) who actually spent the weekend making Jedi outfits for herself and her boyfriend, and who plans on bringing a lightsaber to tonight's midnight showing. So I'm begging you to let your kid see it. Show him ROTJ afterward so he gets the kinder, fuzzier stuff too.
Author Stone Posted May 18, 2005 Author Posted May 18, 2005 LOL I do want him to see all the people dressed up I think that is soo cool
blind_otter Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 My Mom took me with her to see "Out of Africa" in 1985 when I was 6. She loves Meryl Streep. Anyways I remember being like, "Mommy, what's Syphilis".... But IMO he probably will have a lot of trouble being that into the movie. I dunno. The second one, the love scenes were like fuzzy douche commercials. "Anakin....do you ever get that not so fresh feeling?"
Author Stone Posted May 18, 2005 Author Posted May 18, 2005 My b/f has already got him all excited about it he rented episode 2,3, &4 already and loved it but the new one is supposed to be more graphic and violent.
Auz Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 In Australia the movie has been given an M rating - kids under 15 should be supervised by an adult. I dont know exactly whats in it but I believe its something to do with some mass grave scene or something - which is pivotal in showing vader turning really evil. I may have heard wrong, but it shows or suggests dead kids in it I think too. Auz
tiki Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 I've never seen any of these movies, so I have no idea. Is there a website that you can check (like a parenting/FCC site) that could provide you with some info on whether or not this is an appropriate movie for a 5 year old? Or have they not seen the movie yet either?
Lil Honey Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Stone: I can see why you hesitate to take your child to the movie. I can also understand why you are upset about the marketing targeting young children. The whole plan is to get lil kids to beg and plead for a Star Wars item enough so that the parent gives in and buys it, which makes money for the manufacturer of the item and Geo. Lucas himself. The topic was covered on GMA (Monday, I believe). IMHO, you have two choices: 1) Go with your gut and don't let your child see the movie. Has he seen ALL of the others? If not, maybe you can rent one and let him watch a previous one. 2) Go see the movie yourself first, decide if you want him to see it or not, and if so, take him. What you think is inappropriate, someone else might think is appropriate. Looking at society as it is now, I'm not so sure most people know what the meaning of "appropriate" even IS. *sigh* lil hon
laRubiaBonita Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 i am just sick of eating Star Wars skittles, frosted wheat, juice, any thing with star wars ads on it!
Treasa Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 It's the dead kids, I think. Since all the Jedi (God, shut up, Traci) have to be eradicated, that means the little ones, too. That's the only reason I would think you should hesitate. That and maybe Padme dying at the end. Ok, maybe you should see it first. However, I still think kids are pretty resilient to that stuff.
Treasa Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by Moose Your children, go and see, they must........... ROFL
Lil Honey Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Just wondering . . . have there been sneak previews so that you folks know what the content already is? Okay, stupid question, I know. It's just that it won't be released until tomorrow and I didn't hear of previews in my area. Of course . . . since I care so much, I probably wasn't listening . . . LOL
Treasa Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 No, but some things are just known. Like Padme. Besides, books, graphic novels, and games have been out for months now. It's like people whining, after Fellowship of the Ring, about having to wait a year to see what happens next. This happened one time as I was leaving probably my 14th viewing of the movie in the theatres. Big mistake, as I'm a huge Tolkien fan. I turned around told the guy (who had the aforementioned whine) to become literate, and then maybe he'd find out. I mean, my God, not knowing that LOTR is based on literature?? Argh!! [/nerd]
SexKitten Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by laRubiaBonita i am just sick of eating Star Wars skittles, frosted wheat, juice, any thing with star wars ads on it! here, here! i must be in the minority that hates star wars. my boyfriend is the biggest fan, he bought his tickets ages ago and has been counting down the days. he went to an illegal sneak preview last night, and is going again tonight at midnight. good grief. i mean, i'm happy he has something he's so into, but lordy. i tried to get into them and i just can't!
ReluctantRomeo Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by Treasa I'm one of those people (read: geeks) who actually spent the weekend making Jedi outfits for herself and her boyfriend, and who plans on bringing a lightsaber to tonight's midnight showing. The word "geek" seems inadequate somehow... with the Jedi outfits, I suspect you'll need a real lightsabre for protection I'll be the one in the dark helmet, claiming to be your father
Author Stone Posted May 18, 2005 Author Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by SexKitten [/ good grief. i mean, i'm happy he has something he's so into, but lordy. i tried to get into them and i just can't! Me to, my b/f loves it he's been watching all the other episodes all week, I can't get into it what so ever.
alphamale Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by Stone Why is this marketed to such a young age group if the content of the movie isn't apporiprate for that age? It really pisses me off, my 5 year old desperately wants to see this movie now I don't think I am going to let him. Its all about the dollar STONE....they want the little kids under 12 to bug their parents sooooo much that the parent will have to take their kid(s) to see it. That way they sell multiple tix and multiple concessions sales.
laRubiaBonita Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by alphamale Its all about the dollar STONE....they want the little kids under 12 to bug their parents sooooo much that the parent will have to take their kid(s) to see it. That way they sell multiple tix and multiple concessions sales. That's right.... It is all anbout the little people eating Star Wars Skittles and Snickers!
Author Stone Posted May 18, 2005 Author Posted May 18, 2005 And Star Wars Pepsi, Pop Tarts frozen food Pez it's friggin everywhere
Treasa Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by ReluctantRomeo The word "geek" seems inadequate somehow... with the Jedi outfits, I suspect you'll need a real lightsabre for protection I'll be the one in the dark helmet, claiming to be your father Nah, the only other people there will be the hardcore geeks as well. I have real swords, but the technology just isn't there (yet) for real lightsabers that you can pick up at Target. Can I use the back of your helmet as a Magic 8-ball?
alphamale Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by Stone And Star Wars Pepsi, Pop Tarts frozen food Pez it's friggin everywhere welcome to the Hollywood marketing machine. you'll find it is quite formidable.
ReluctantRomeo Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by Treasa Can I use the back of your helmet as a Magic 8-ball? That's fine. But don't be surprised if you start to feel a tightness around your throat about 3 nanoseconds before you do this.
ReluctantRomeo Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by alphamale welcome to the Hollywood marketing machine. you'll find it is quite formidable. Was anyone here labouring under the misconception that this was about telling a story, rather than founding an industry?
Dino Posted May 18, 2005 Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by Treasa Nah, the only other people there will be the hardcore geeks as well. I have real swords, but the technology just isn't there (yet) for real lightsabers that you can pick up at Target. I'm probably more of a Star Wars geek then any of you. I've actually researched the scientific aspects of what would be involved in making real lighsabers. Unfortunately, as much as I want to hope otherwise, creating a lightsaber which would work as they are explained in the Star Wars universe (believe it or not, this is actually documented quite well), IS impossible. That is, unless all our understanding of physics and Einstein's laws on relativity are shown to be totally incorrect (which I don't see happening). I don't doubt that we will eventually have the technology to create something similar, but nothing as described in the movies, made of actual light. I know, EDIT: Sorry, that was slightly off-topic. Anyway, as for my personal views on what the original poster brought up; if it were me, I would take my kid. As another poster said, children are extremely resilient and can absolutely tell the difference in real and make-believe at the age of 5. My belief is that children definitely should not be sheltered from everything as they are today. Our society is much too preoccupied with shielding and censoring (or forcing others to censor) everything from their kids instead of being a parent and teaching their kids. Children (and adults) need to experience things to learn and to grow. If your child would see something that you might think is a bit too grown-up for them, it is ok to explain to them what happened and make sure they understand that it was not real, only make-believe (although I think they may understand that on their own anyway). I also want to point out that I'm not saying you are too sheltering of your child, I was speaking generally. Ok, enough of my babbling, I think you got the point.
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