As a parent, I understand that movie ratings have evolved significantly over the years. For instance, the PG rating in 1981 encompassed a broader range of content compared to today’s standards. While many films from that era, like The Great Outdoors, may push boundaries with a few choice words, I often find them manageable as a parent. Interestingly, the PG-13 rating was introduced in 1984 to address concerns stemming from films such as Gremlins and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Before that, the PG label allowed a more diverse mix of language, violence, and adult themes. It’s worth noting that the original Jaws was also rated PG!
Recently, I decided to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a classic comedy featuring Steve Martin and John Candy, with my 5-year-old son, Jake. He recognized John Candy from The Great Outdoors and expressed interest in watching another movie with that “funny guy.” We prepared some microwave popcorn, dimmed the lights, and settled in for some laughs.
Initially, everything seemed fine; Jake was enjoying the movie alongside me, and I believed we were in for another pleasant family viewing. However, the car rental counter scene caught me off guard. If you’re familiar with the film, you might recall the unexpected barrage of profanity. Perhaps my memory was clouded by the edited-for-TV versions I had watched over the years.
In just under a minute, Steve Martin unleashed 19 F-bombs. At that moment, I knew I wouldn’t be winning any parenting awards this week. A quick search the next day confirmed that Planes, Trains and Automobiles is indeed rated R. As Jake sat on my lap absorbing the chaos, I panicked slightly. I didn’t know where the remote was, and covering his ears might have drawn more attention to the situation. So, I chose to ride it out—my laughter perhaps blinding me to the gravity of the moment.
Silence ensued from the little guy. Did he not catch the explicit language? Or was he simply dozing off? Suddenly, he turned to me and asked, “Daddy, what does f*cking mean?”
This experience has reminded me of the importance of being conscientious about media consumption, particularly when it involves young children. If you’re interested in more guidance on topics like this, you might find our other blog post on home insemination kits insightful. For couples navigating their fertility journey, Make a Mom offers authoritative resources, and the NHS provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while it can be easy to underestimate the content of older films, it’s essential to remain vigilant as a parent. This experience serves as a reminder that not all classics are suitable for young viewers, and sometimes, laughter may come at a price.