Rating Movie Ratings

I was extremely disappointed in the article on movie ratings (“PG Isn’t What It Used to Be,” by Lynn Smith, May 22). After reading the article, one might believe that parents have little recourse but to rely on the suspect ratings put forth by the MPAA. This ignores the plethora of family-oriented Web sites that catalog in minute detail the potentially offensive content in virtually every new theatrical release.

In particular, www.screenit.com offers parents details on 15 different categories of potentially offensive content. The site even manages to do so in a secular, unbiased manner. For example, parents unsure if “Attack of the Clones” is appropriate for their children should have no doubt after reading the more than nine pages presented on the film.

Although I wholeheartedly agree that the MPAA rating system provides little guidance for parents, I find it unlikely to change anytime soon. Rather, informed parents should already know that more information than any rating could provide is easily at their fingertips.

BRIAN BODENSTEINER

Los Angeles

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While I agree that there is a ratings creep--not all PG movies are created equal--when Hollywood tells me that it thinks a movie is inappropriate for those younger than 13, then it must be really inappropriate! I don’t even let my almost-13-year-old son see just any PG-13 movie, and my 9-year-old daughters are not allowed to see them at all.

So what if McDonald’s is putting Spider-Man in Happy Meals? Be the parent! Just say no. Trust me, they get over it.

LAURIE AYOOB

Rolling Hills Estates