MPAA updates standards

Long criticized as arbitrary and secretive, the Motion Picture Assn. of America’s system for rating movies has been revised.

For the first time, filmmakers appealing a rating can cite examples from other movies that were judged less harshly. What’s more, some R-rated movies will carry a warning to parents that they are unsuitable for younger children, according to Variety.

Among the changes, the trade publication reported, is that the MPAA will post the rating rules, standards and appeal processes on its website.

MPAA President Dan Glickman and ratings board Chairwoman Joan Graves will meet with filmmakers Monday at Sundance to discuss the changes. Variety said that the new rules are due at least partly to Kirby Dick’s stinging documentary about the rating system, “This Film Is Not Yet Rated.”