Review of This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006) by Clint D — 26 Jun 2012

Director Kirby Dick delivers a 1.5 hour slap to the MPAA in this documentary that examines how, and more importantly why certain films are rated the way they are.

What really works about "This Film Is Not Yet Rated" are the testimonials from different directors who have been slammed with NC-17 or R ratings when they felt they deserved something lighter. Interviewees include Kevin Smith (Clerks), John Waters (Pink Flamingos), and Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry), who share puzzling anecdotes about the difficulties they've faced regarding the mysterious MPAA ratings board. Dick sheds some interesting light on how secretive the entire process is and is able to enlist the help of a private detective to uncover the identities of each of the board's "secret" members.

The investigative aspect of the movie comes off as gimmicky, rather than informative, and didn't really further the message of the project. These scenes are where "This Film Is Not Yet Rated" feels more like a Michael Moore ripoff and less like an informative documentary about a vital process of filmmaking. I also found myself wishing the film drew more comparisons to rating systems across the globe and how they compare to America's MPAA.

Let's face it, ripping on the MPAA's ratings system and on censorship in general are hardly original ideas for Hollywood circles but Dick's lighthearted and unique way of expressing his discomfort at the system is what makes this worth watching.