Teen-friendlier ‘Zack and Miri’

The latest film from Kevin Smith (“Chasing Amy,” “Clerks,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”) has been rated NC-17, but the filmmaker is still trying to persuade the Motion Picture Assn. of America to give it an R so more people can see it.

The writer-director showed footage from the film, “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” at the Comic-Con in San Diego over the weekend. The comedy stars Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks and Traci Lords.

Smith said he edited and resubmitted the film three times but couldn’t shed the adults-only rating. A hearing will be held Aug. 4 to determine whether his latest cut meets R-rating standards, which would allow a person under 17 to see the film if accompanied by an adult.

The movie is scheduled for release Oct. 31.