DVD Review – This Film Is Not Yet Rated
MOVIEGUYS DVD RE-VIEW (THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED 2006 / UPDATED 2008) review by 790
An IFC, NetFlix, BBC release.
98 min.
Starring: Kirby Dick, Becky Altringer, John Waters, Matt Stone, Kimberly Peirce, and Kevin Smith
The Independent film, This Film Is Not Yet Rated, takes an undercover look at one of the most powerful, and influential groups in the Motion Picture Industry, the MPAA. The MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), are the fine folks that rate movies, related media, and pursue strict enforcement of copyright laws. Out of dozens of movie ratings systems worldwide, the MPAA is the only movie rating system that doesn't disclose who its ratings board members are.
The MPAA, was founded on Nov. 1st 1968 by Jack Velenti. Before founding the MPAA, Valenti worked for JFK as Head of Press, and then later was appointed Special Assistant to President Johnson, after Kennedy was killed. Valenti claims that the MPAA's rating system is setup to help parents decide what films to let there children see, nothing more.
In this grounded, well produced documentary style film, director Kirby Dick points out some of the insane hypocrisy, and double standards the MPAA has concerning Independent films vs Studio projects. With great interviews from Matt Stone (South Park/ Team America), John Waters (Pink Flamingos/ A Dirty Shame), and Kevin Smith (Clerks/ Jersey Girl). Kirby also exposes the preference the MPAA has for violence over sex, in some great interviews with Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry), Wayne Kramer (The Cooler), and Mary Harron (American Psycho).
Kirby then takes on the challenge of identifying the MPAA film raters, by hiring a team of private investigators to stake out the MPAA headquarters. The lead private investigator, Becky Altringer, takes on the challenge with such a sense of humor, and realism that you feel like your in the back seat with her, and the crew.
With the film 79% complete, Kirby takes us along for the ride, as he submits the unfinished film This Film Is Not Yet Rated to the MPAA for a rating. The MPAA have no idea that the film "isn't" complete, as we see Kirby hand off the film to some guy in the alley behind the MPAA headquarters. After "This Film Is Not Yet Rated", gets the dreaded NC-17 rating, we follow Kirby as he then takes us through the secret MPAA appeal process.
This Film Is Not Yet Rated, uncovers secrets that the MPAA dosn't want anyone to know about, it presents its facts in an even way, and gives the MPAA every chance to be transparent. Thanks to the efforts of Kirby, and Becky they were.
(MOVIEGUYS.org , 2008 UPDATE)
The MPAA has moved out, and is no longer at the address seen in the film. This Film Is Not Yet Rated, has obviously created a problem for the MPAA, as they had been at that location for 15 years.
Just under one year after the movie was released on dvd, The MPAA relocated to more secure offices next to the AMPTP, and DGA in The Sherman Oaks Galleria. (Less than a mile from the old location.)
This photo was taken a few weeks ago. As you can see the security gates are gone, and the door is wide open for lease.
This Film Is Not Yet Rated - Time line
- 9-1-06 Film released (NC-17)
- 1-23-07 DVD released (unrated)
- 4-26-07 Jack Valenti dies.
- 1-18-08 MPAA relocates.
DVD Bonus features include some great deleted scenes, and an awesome commentary that I highly recommend with, director Kirby Dick, producer Eddie Schmidt, film critic Drew McWeeny (aka Moriarty) and private investigator Becky Altringer.
This Film Is Not Yet Rated, contains heavy sexual content and is Unrated.
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- This Film is Not Yet Rated
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- This photo was taken a few weeks ago. As you can see the security gates are gone, and the door is wide open for lease.
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- Main Courtyard
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- 15503 Ventura Blvd – Parking Garage
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- 15503 Ventura Blvd – MPAA Building – Photo 12
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- 15503 Ventura Blvd – MPAA Building – Staircase
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- Inside 15503 Ventura Blvd.
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- 15503 Ventura Blvd – MPAA Building Library
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- Inside the former MPAA building.
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- 15503 Ventura Blvd – Former MPAA Building
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- 15503 Ventura Blvd – Former MPAA Building
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- 15503 Ventura Blvd – Courtyard
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- 15503 Ventura Blvd – Main Enterance
Popularity: 4% [?]
Nicely done, 790. You've popped your cherry, lol.
Vic
Excellent work, 790! Standing ovation, my friend! :D The pics are great and greatly appreciated. :)
KEL
Awesome write up and pretty cool info on what they did and what they caused. Niiiice!
And so he has spoken... A travel that took many millennia, crossed vast oceans of time and space... fought epic battles between good and evil, far beyond what mere mortals are capable of imagining...
Finally the words of wisdom, graces the virtual pages of today and will linger on for all eternity in the vastness of cyberspace....
Welcome to the branch of writers 790!
Your work touches on the very heart of the movie industry... movies live and die by these selected evil... yet, you've managed to shine some hope on the influence of the people. They have escaped to new locations... but now... we're vigilant!
Thanks to people like you we're reminded that these things are happening and we're all victims of their judgments. To this end, your first report has kept this topic alive and more people need to know about this film as well as the content of this film.
Job well done!
Thanks Ergo Proxy,,, I still I have a long way to go,,, 8-)
Thanks also to Vic, Bruce, Gangstaflash, and BB-spellcheck software.... ;-)
I seriously hope people check out this film...! Its also got a great commentary track.
Well 790 Congrats are in order. I guess I'll have to treat you with a little more respect. I appreciate your review I heard of this movie but was ignorant of its importance. Thanks for drawing our attention to it and the succinct review.
This is a very well written review, and prompts me to want to see this film (and or) purchase the dvd. I am very intrigued because of the involvement of (the brilliant) John Waters, and I believe you description make it clear why this is a relevant film.
That should read:
I believe your description makes it clear why this is a relevant film. (My keyboard is acting funny (sorry :) AWESOME REVIEW!!!!
Thanks! The Old Man,,,! Appreciate it,,,! Always had total respect for you, and your comments!
Hope you come by every now and then,,,! :-)
^
Bob Jones, thanks for the comments!!! :-)
Hey check out this website if you get a chance.
http://www.starwreck.com
There's a really good film there to see for free, check it out I think you'll like it.
Nice writeup, 790, and thanks for inviting me.
Ka'pla Kahless !!
What a great review! I really enjoyed the post and look forward to watching the movie. What are you watching next?
Great job 790, and welcome to MovieGuys.org. We are glad to have you on board.
Thanks Stan,,,, 8-)
MovieJoy,,, next up MovieGuys goes to the 2008 Scream Awards...
Stay tuned !!!
Awesome post :) Glad to have you aboard. And it looks like you already have quite a fan base. :P
Thanks Bearacid! Btw I've mastered Halo 1, 2, and 3...
(Nice gravatar)
This Film Is Not Yet Rated !!
Hope everyone sees this dvd!
Its availible on Netflix,,,
Bear, I await your review of the film,,,,, go get it!
Loved the film! Worth every penny (even though i got it on the cheap).
I suggest everyone purchase a copy. If you are having trouble finding one leave a comment here and let me know and I will help you out.