Jenna Forss | Writer
October 7, 2022
From the star-studded thriller Don’t Worry Darling to the bone-chilling psychological horror of Smile, there is currently a range of enticing movies showing in the theater right now. But there is a catch for younger audiences; most of these fascinating films are rated R. So this means any teens below the age of 17 will be stuck watching the cheesy children’s musical, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile instead of immersing themselves in the films that are extra engaging for their age group.
Some people tend to think that if you enter the theater and look a certain age, the staff will allow you to enjoy your show, but the truth is shockingly different. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of theaters will require an ID to be shown in order for you to enter the theater. A recent victim of this illogical ruling, San Clemente High School junior Josiah Armstrong, states that he felt like his “American freedoms and values were being taken away by someone who was three years older than” him. Josiah was seventeen himself but he was not allowed to bring his sixteen-year-old friends into the movie with him. Due to his friends being incapable of accompanying him his expected trip to experience the unique enjoyment of the movies was shattered.
Another tip for people trying to work around the age restrictions is to just watch it at home. I would have to strongly disagree with this statement because there is just something about the theater: it smothers you in its cold, captivating air that beckons you into the cushiony warm seats, cradling your body as the boom of the speakers and impeccably large screen make the show immensely better.
So, because of my interest being piqued by the recent outburst of intriguing movies and my inability to enjoy these films in a theater, it leads me to the opinionated conclusion that the age limit for R-rated movies should be sixteen-years-old. Sixteen-year-old teens have identification (if they have a license) and therefore should be able to enter the movie. If these teens are able to drive themselves anywhere they please once they reach 16 they should be allowed to watch the explicit content in movies.
The R-rating began back in 1968 and countless things have changed since the sixties. It should be obvious to theater companies that it is time for the age limit to become more inclusive.
The internet is arguably one of the most monumental events in history that highly altered the social aspect of society, specifically the more newfound accessibility to it in America even children are experiencing the negative and positive aspects that come along with being exposed to the internet. By increased accessibility, the youth are maturing or at least attempting to grow up faster. Junior Mika Kuhne explains it perfectly stating that “since we are exposed to social media, we are exposed to a range of different topics a lot earlier than generations of the past.”
The R-rating age limit being prescribed to people younger than seventeen began back in 1968 and countless things have changed since the sixties, including the integration of technology in our lives. It should be obvious to theater companies that it is time for the age limit to become more inclusive and change.
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