The Matrix with a small rant on ratings

[Melody]

Mel wrote:
> Question:
> Is it appropriate (relatively speaking) for a 13 year old? Yes, he's
> seen the 1st one (on video) and is trying to make the point that
> the "R" rating is because "you know, it's--well, things are messed
> up!" Funny thing is I know what he means. Anyone else seen this?
> Would you bring the tweens?


Well first Mel to your question: I just saw it myself tonight, and
even though I am 25, I got carded twice.  Twice!  I have never been
carded for a movie.  I was quite shocked.

But serious, I did not find anything majorly "R rated" about the
movie.  Of course there is tons of violence.  Of course, there is a
wee-bit of profanity in English and French (though the French
profanity may not of been so wee-bit since I do not know French but
the guy who said it in the movie said it was profanity...good line
after too...anyway).  Even a wee, barely even noticeable, bit of
nudity, but nothing at all blatant and in your face.  Kind of subtle
really.  But nothing that I would think a person under 17 would not be
able to handle.  The preview to Terminator Three had about as much
violence as Matrix.  But bullets did slow down, and Neo did a lot of
ass kicking with those fighting skills of his, and that car chase is
amazing, so maybe that is why it is R rated.

You know, I think it is mostly R rated because of the philosophy it
covers.  I know I saw a few eyes glaze over when they got into the
philosophy of fate, hope, and faith.  Went *way* over some of their
heads, but then again, I live in Texas.  Most are happy to be able to
be able to understand the news at night let alone the teachings of
philosophers.  I think their head would explode if you put Plato in
front of them...especially in original Greek.  :D

Ok, I digressed.  But the mental aspect, and complexity of the Matrix
might be why it is R rated.  The tween will like the action and maybe
the love aspect of the movie, but the subtle message that is so
intricately weaved is lost very much to a teenager.  But then again,
aren't all intelligent, good movies lost to the inexperienced or
uneducated...young *or* old?  So maybe, Hollywood is not rating films
the way I would.  Some people should not see some movies when they
will not cry at the delicacy of it or the carefully weaved script or
the subtle message of its conclusion.

I also do not see how people can just leave a theatre the second a
good movie is over and not reflect in the glow of it or the thoughts
it provoked.  I mean, I have to.  I have to regain where I am and what
all just happened.  I have to work through what all was just presented
to me.  Not all movies do that to me, but the ones that sink in and
take hold, those are the once that have me spinning for air and I just
sit at the end baffled that no one else was as affected as me.  I just
am amazed.

But that is me.  I do not go to many movies, because of how much it
takes out of me to watch them.  Also because many of them suck
royally.  :)

But I found Matrix Reloaded to be a wonderful movie.  Balanced with
everything I love in movies.  Even down to my mind taking in what I
just learned as seeing how it tests against my life.  To see if I find
the truths, or questions, they posed to be what I agree with or what I
have discarded.  And I love it more, when they are truths and
questions I have not found yet a name for but now better understand.

ANYWAY.....

Sorry about that.  ::blush::

Got carried away.

So, Mel.  I say it was a good action movie for the kids.  Not too
bloody.  Not too blatant.  But then again, I am not a parent.  I do
not know your kid or what they have already seen.  I know at the age
of 13, my parents would not of let me see Matrix Reloaded.  I was not
allowed to see R rated movies until I was 17.  I did not pout and am
glad now, since now I get *all* of the movie and now an old enough and
educated enough to truly appreciate it.  But that is me.  I am sure
some here thought Matrix Reloaded was awful and that I have no taste
in movies.  Oh well.  To each their own I guess.  :)


Melody