Conference moira::parenting

    
    Danielle is 2 1/2 and she usually watches Tom & Gerry, Heathcliff,
    Muppet babies. Those are the only ones she is really interested in.
    
    I found that Muppet Babies is very educational, every episode is based
    on the babies learning something, and it always has a moral to the
    story.  Also, Tinytoons is educational, just yesterday they had a
    cartoon that showed the 3 characters drinking alcohol and driving and 
    they got into an accident and went to heaven, then at the
    end, they said, "gee I hope you kids got the message don't drink and
    drive". It was good IMHO.  Even though my daughter is too young to
    understand.
    
    Lately all she wants to watch is her Beauty and the Beast movie 3 times
    a day!!!
    
    Sandy

    Wendy,
    
    I won't let mine watch any commercial network cartoons, because
    everytime I try them the advertizing makes me sick! I hate most
    of the junk toys and junk food they push. This is a major hot button 
    with me. 
    
    Public television for kids isn't always great but at least the ads 
    are toned down and easily ignored and the shows are harmless. 
    
    Lucy

    There are only a few cartoons that Alex (3 yrs) watchs.  They are as
    follows:  in the morning before leaving for daycare/work he watches
    either the Jetsons or the cartoons on TNT(cable net-work).  At night he
    watches on TNT Captin Planet - which discusses the causes of the
    environment and teaches the kids about pollution and other ways to keep
    the world safe and clean then he watchs the Jetsons or Bugs Bunny on
    Nickalodian.  On the weekends he watchs goof Troup, the Cowboys of Mo
    Masia and Bugs Bunny.  Then he is usually in the mood for one of his
    movies if there is not a movie on that I want to watch or we watch the
    cooking shows on PBS.  It is funny Alex never trys to imitate any of
    the cartoon personalities.
    
    Liz

    My son has just gotten interested in cartoons.  He's 3 yrs old.
    The only cartoons that he watches are on Nickoloden and are
    non-violent.  The ones he watches are Muppet Babies, Noozles,
    and Little Bits, Eureka's Castle.  All of these shows seem
    to have some educational value to them and I've seen Steven
    relay the message of the shows back to us many times.
    
    He watches more TV than I want him to, but that's another note.
    Can't wait til summer when he can go back outside and shut the
    TV off!  But in the meantime, we try to make sure there is 
    some type of educational value in what he watches that isn't 
    on PBS.
    
    		Linda
    

    RE: Lucy,
    
    I agree with you wholeheartedly.  Some of the cartoons are ok but
    the commericals really make me sick.  Even worst is that Eric
    is now old enough and will want to buy those junk toys/foods
    he saw on TV.
    
    Wendy

    There is only one that I find that is really good. It is called 
    Captain Planet. It is about saving the earth from polution and
    distruction. I personaly like Bugs Bunny myself :}
    
    Sherry

If Disney cartoons are OK with you, and if Disney Channel (a "premium" cable 
channel) are available in your area, you might want to consider getting it.  
There's a fair amount of good stuff on it (even for adults) and there are no 
commercials.

We had is for several years, but eventually canceled it, since over time we 
just weren't using it enough.  But while we had it, we got some good use out 
of it.

Clay

There was a cartoon series over here that I just saw again recently.  It had
a set of characters consisting of an extended family/tribe/people whatever 
and followed this group of characters through the history of the planet.  They
were cavemen, egyptians, romans, american indians, etc.  and each episode
followed some aspect of life at the time.  It was very well done and the kids
loved it.  Markus will still watch it when it comes on.

Talking about emulating cartoon characters.  When I was 4, I watched a cartoon
where Donald Duck rode a tricycle down some stairs.  Had to try that one out :-)
My mother wouldn't let us watch Heckle and Jeckle nor the Three Stooges.

Cheryl

    Second on the Disney Channel - if its available it is well worth it.
    Captain Planet is allowed - I do sit with my five-year old and have
    made sure he knows what a commercial is and how they are pushing a
    message.
    He has a collection of Video Tapes of Winnie the Pooh, Thomas the Tank
    Engine, etc.

    We really have not let him watch commercial TV (oh, OK - I still sit
    down for Road-Runner and he gets to watch with me! - I feel like I'm in
    the Frosted Flakes commercial!) 

    JR

    well, my 10 year old likes the Denise the menace cartoon. There's also
    the Simpsons. There is one cartoon that I don't especially like..i mean
    its ok but sometimes you have to have a strong stomach for it! Its Ren
    & Stimpy on the Nickolodean channel...gross! 

    My kids also like Dennis the Menace.  I will NOT let them watch "You
    can't do that on TV" on Nickelodeon.  I also don't let them watch the 3
    Stooges - so violent!  So is Road Runner.  Mine loved Sesame Street,
    but sadly, they kinda outgrew it by 5 or 6.  They do like Full House,
    which while I think the kids are kinda freash and say insightful things
    most kids would never think of saying, there is a moral to each story
    and someone learns a lesson.  Many times we watch the Discovery
    Channel, and National Georgraphic specials.  THey are so peaceful, and
    usually have few commercials.  I know they aren't cartoons, but...
    Kathleen
    

    
    Sesame Street threw me for a loop today.  It was on and the kids were
    watching.  All of a sudden a baby breastfeeding was shown.  Maybe I'm a
    prude, but kids of this young age don't need to see this IMO.  I know
    it's natural and all, but there is a time and a place to learn of these
    things.
    
    
    Mike

    I wouldn't have had a problem with that.  I want my daughter to know
    that is what breasts are for, and that is how she got fed when she was
    a baby.  I tend to point out breastfeeding to her (she's nearly 3) so
    she can see what it looks like.  We even took video and stills and use
    them to show her how she ate.
    
    Usually you only see a baby and a Mom in a sort of a cuddle.  Was there
    something more in Sesame Street?
    
    I also want my daughter to get used to this, because if I have a second
    child she will undoubtedly be in the room while I am breastfeeding,
    unless I don't want to see her for the first six weeks after  her
    siblings birth...
    
    judy

 Re: .12

 It's quite natural and if you do have another baby at home, it is
 likely he will see it anyway.  Afterall, if he was fed that way then
 what is wrong with him knowing it?  Just my two cents.

 BTW, my son, age 3, was actually amused the first time I nursed my
 daughter (12 weeks) with incredible giggles.  Now he doesn't even
 notice.  In fact, he used to mention that so and so has "boobies" or
 does not have "boobies" before I had the baby and he hasn't done so
 since.  A relief for me, especially when in public places :-)

    
    Well I have three kids and know all about it being natural and all the
    other stuff, I just don't think it belongs on childrens television.  
    
    
    
    Mike

    I have seen that same scene on a previous edition, and from what I saw
    it barely showed the womans breast just a close up of the infant
    feeding. It's just expalining to kids the different way people and
    animals get nutrition. I believe that the song played during that
    scene is "Everybody eats".  I thinks it's good for children to know
    how an infant get's his/her nutrition. 
    
    Sandy

    That same scene was on the show at least 12 yrs ago, because I watched
    Sesame Street 4 times a day with my 2 older children. It is such a
    quick flash they did not even remember seeing it. What they are seeing
    is natural until a grownup says otherwise. My 2 older kids had no
    problem at all watching me feed my new son now 8 months old. They
    found it facinating.
    
    My 2 cents....
    
    Sherry

    RE: .12
    
    Did the kids even bat an eyelash?  Having seen it, I think it's pretty
    subtle.
    
    My brother-in-law was similarly concerned (he always left the room
    while  I was nursing my daughter) but kids are flexible.  His
    daughter asked me just once "what are you DOING Auntie??"  "I'm feeding
    the baby" was a sufficient answer.  When she sees that Sesame Street
    show now, she always says "just like Katina!"

    Ditto.  Alex and I saw the same sequence; it is very brief, and if they
    had left humans out of the nursing-animals collection, I know Alex (and
    I!) would have wanted to know why.
    
    Leslie

    Please everyone, this note should be used to discuss cartoons.
    Maybe someone want to start a new note on "nursing on TV"?
    
    Wendy

    Not a cartoon .. but Avanti watches the Barney shows that we tape for
    her (if we remember to)... if not it is previously taped Barney tapes.
    
    
    Yep,,,Barney all the way.
    
    Shaila

    
    not exactly a cartoon....
    
    But great acapella!
    Jamd

<                            -< Carmen SanDiego??? >-
<    not exactly a cartoon....
<    But great acapella!

ROCK-a-pella!!!!    ;-)

Evan (just turned 5) watches Inspector Gadget (about a Maxwell Smart FBI-type
whose niece and dog really do all of the work).  He also watches 
Captain Planet.  Prince Valient is another one, which I like for its strong
female characters (specifically Rowan and Aleta).  Other than that he tends to
watch non-cartoon stuff like PBS shows and Zorro. 
  
     Carol

>Evan (just turned 5) watches Inspector Gadget (about a Maxwell Smart FBI-type
>whose niece and dog really do all of the work).  

Gadget's voice IS NONE OTHER THAN Don Adams, Agent 86 himself!  No wonder the
similarity is so incredible!

Stuart

Inspector Gadget was one I loved to watch with my sons.  Great music too!  

    Ah, TV.  James is turning into a Nickelodeon buff.  In the a.m.,
    it's "Danger Mouse" (a U.K.-based sendup of 1960s spy movies.  Really
    funny in some spots) and Lassie, which my daughter likes because she
    likes the dog.  Now that there are two of them, I make James share the
    TV with the rest of us.  Hollis likes Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers;
    both of them LOVE "Shining Time Station" and "Barney."  In the
    afternoons after work, James likes those awful "Wild & Crazy Kids"
    shows on Nickelodeon.  I guess it's better than the evening news. 
    Sometimes they'll watch the Weather Channel.  Since they tarted-up "The
    Mickey Mouse Club" on Disney, I'm having a hard time seeing the
    difference between Disney and Nickelodeon -- except for those bloody
    commercials.

    
    I would watch out for "Captain Planet"!!! I have watched it
    only 3 times BUT each time it made the Americans out to
    be the "BAD GUYS"!! Its group of kids from different
    countries (can you say politically correct - but thats
    not  the issue) Whatever the story line it makes the
    bad polluters American. Granted we do have that but
    the majority of foreign countries are worst. All I
    am saying is if your representing the "world" as 
    far as the characters then do it all the way...
    
    My girlfriend was telling me about a "horrible" 
    cartoon that showed abuse to animals and 
    didn't think it was an appropriate cartoon
    and when she looked it up to see what it
    was it was Captain Planet... 
    
    

    
    I think this belongs in here.  If not, mods, pls move it....
    
    What ideas does anyone have for mitigating the effcets of all the
    violence on TV? 
    
    My 3 yr old, Sophie, does not watch a lot of TV.  But somewhere back in
    the depths of an exhausting saturday, I said OK to "Teener turtles". 
    It is not watched every week... and not always even every other.   As
    Far as I know, she does not watch any other violent cartoons.  (she
    does get to watch Sesame, Lambchops, Barney, or Carmen with the premise
    that she can watch a max of 1 hour per day)
    
    She also gets "secondary smoke": her favorite buddy from next door, is
    a 3 yr old boy whose parents do not see any harm in TV violence.  He
    has an older brother, and they watch a fair amount of TV daily, and I
    *know* the kids see what I would term adult movies, as far as violence
    goes, and I know the 3 yr old gets a lot of teener turtles, ect. 
    Whenever he comes over, I have to remind him a) toleave his gun toys at
    home, and B) to keep the level of frenzy down - he commonally beats up
    on the stuffed animals, and loves to playact the varioous cartoons.  
    My daughter follows along. 
    
    
    This morning, I got to see the result:  Sophie was in a frustrating
    situtation: her brother was trying to take her toy: Sophie responded with
    movements and sounds I can't really describe well, but I could identify as
    coming straight from teener turtles.  
    
    IDeas anyone?  I have a hunch this secondary smoke will become more of
    a problem, not less, as my children grow older. 
    
    
    Jamd

    Please see a parallel discussion in note 383.
    
    Laura
    co-mod

Captain Planet:

due to our long commute, we tape the daily episodes, and watch them when we 
get home and/or while getting ready the next morning.  Some have made a real, 
lasting impression on my son (3.6 yrs), specifically, the episode in which 
one of the Planeteers becomes (through no fault of her own) addicted to a 
designer drug.  It seemed to really bother him, and he's asked us about drugs 
several times.

I particularly like (and have re-inforced) the "the power is yours" message 
that each episode ends with, ie, "CP is telling you that *you* can help 
prevent polution", etc, and I think he's getting the message.  He often stops 
to pick up discarded cans or bottles "to recycle".

Notice that CP never injures the bad guys, although he does stop their 
particular crime and usually humiliates them.  One point which has nagged me: 
the bad guys are all specific, identifiable individuals (ie, as opposed to 
"industry" which pollutes air or water).  I've tried to emphasize that, in 
real life, there's not just one (bad) person who (eg) burns down the 
rainforest.

Spend a minute watching the credits (we always do so Bart can sing along with 
the theme song): there are some well-known people who play parts on this 
show, including LeVar Burton, Sting, and Ed Asner, to name a few.

Re: the commercials: As my generation grew up believing that Television was 
part of life, my son believes that *taped* television is part of life!  He 
routinly asks me to "fast forward (ie, through the commercials), Daddy", or, 
even when watching "live" TV: "can we watch that again?"

A close friend that I grew up with bought Josh some "Speed Racer" 
tapes. Didn't know they were available? We grew up watching 
Speed. Josh loves em. He loves to climb into his Cozy Coupe and 
sing the theme song....

I stopped in at a local store that sold pre-recorded movies. If 
you checked out the cartoon section, you might be surprised to 
find that those cartoon that you grew up with are available on 
tape.

daryll

Great cartoon....I guess it's cult status in Japan (that's where it's from).
Don't know if my daughter will like them, but I'll give 'em a shot.

michael

Speed racer is on MTV fairly late at night now.  :-)

      Carol

    OK help me out, if you can...
    
    Who is Ultra Man?  Is he a Captain Planet type?
    
    AJ has referenced him a couple times, but with his speech it took quite
    a few tries to figure out what he was saying.  It kept coming out, and
    sounded exactly like OSHA man!  and no amount of what did you say could
    give me a better insight on who this guy is.
    
    Yesterday afternoon on Nicelodeon was a cartoon, but I can't remember
    the name of the series (I was spending the day in bed with a cold that
    wouldn't quit, AJ decided to keep me "company") it was little kids,
    some nice, some not so nice, and one I remember was how one of the
    little kids saved another little  kid from being run over by a BigWheel
    bike.  The series seemed to send a fairly positive message.  Trouble is
    that generally we don't have TV on at that time on Sunday.
    
    

	Okay, you have not heard of the great ULTRA MAN!!!  Hahaa!

	My son (4 yrs) loves this guy.  The show is on I believe Sunday
	mornings around 8 am.  Check your TV guide.  He is a human being
	who transforms into ULTRA MAN.  Sorta like Superman, etc....

	He fights creatures, who try to invade on the planet.  I did find
	an ULTRA MAN figure at Toys 'r' Us.


	I consider it a non violent show, but you should watch it once and
	decide for yourself.


	ps

    Thanks to a dinner conversation last night, the other cute thing I
    stumbled accross last Sunday was called Rugrats.  I guess it's OK, they
    seem to offer subtle lessons in good morals, *I think* After each
    segment there was a fairly simple question asked, and you awarded
    yourself 3 or 4 points. 
    
    Husband said he's seen it before, but then again they watch much more
    TV than I do.
    
    How about comments on Jerasik (sp) Park, the new movie with the
    Diansauers?  Husband thinks it's appropriate, I haven't seen enough
    previews or reviews to pass judgement. Of course we're talking a six
    year old here.
    
    Lyn

    They just had the lady on who was in Jurrasic Park, on the Tonight Show
    last night.  She thought that it wasn't appropriate for children - too
    much blood.  Jay Leno thought it would be okay with an adult.  I got
    the idea that there's a lot of "flesh-eating" going on, so it may not
    be appropriate for someone who's not used to that.  Kids DO seem to
    understand the difference between "mother nature" violence, and shoot
    'em up violence.  Me, I still cringe at some of the more graphic nature
    shows, but it doesn't seem to affect the boys at all.
    
    Let us know if you decide to see it!

    "Jurassic Park" has people being chased, hurt and (I suspect) eaten
    by dinosaurs.  I suspect it'll have crude language and be scary.
    Why not wait until it's out a few days and read the reviews?
    
    		-John Bishop

    I have watched the RugRats a few times and thought it to be cute but
    more of an adult kind of cartoon.  There are a few of those on Nick. 
    The one I can't stand is Ren and STimpy.  I think that is their names. 
    It is a bit discusting even for me.
    
    Virginia

    I'll be taking Alex (8 1/3) to Jurassic Park this weekend, probably,
    but I wouldn't recommend it for a 6 year old.  I've read the book, and
    several people die (some rather agonizingly), kids are isolated from
    the adults and threatened by rampaging dino's, etc.  Why am I taking
    Alex?  We saw the previews together and she said "I'm NOT going to
    that," but many weeks later, after talking with me about who gets hurt
    and who doesn't, the probability of the movie toning down some of the
    gore & agony, and the fact that it's *just a movie* and the actors were
    really never hurt at all... well, she wants to go now.  She'll probably
    be on my lap for the entire flick, and definitely hiding her face
    several times, but I think she wants to test her thrill meter!
    
    Re: Ren & Stimpy, aaaaagggghhhhhkkkk!  I agree, can't STAND them. 
    Rugrats is not too bad, but I agree that the humor is appreciated
    slightly more by adults (Alex likes it a lot, though).  What *I* love
    is Nickelodeon's "Doug".  And "Clarissa Explains it All", though that's
    live action and aimed at pre-teens.
    
    Leslie

Re: Ren & Stimpy

	I agree to discusting for me!  But, it is nice to see my husband
	become a 10 year old again.  He laughs so loud, he wakes the kids!


	ps

    The dinosaur movie was reviewed in the June Boston Parents Paper.  If I
    remember correctly, it is rated PG-15.  
    
    judy 

    Has anyone out there gone to see the movie yet?  AND taken your
    child(ren)?  Comments?
    
    Lyn

Can anyone tell me about who/what Thundercat is?

	There is a lengthy front page article (with several sidebars) in 
today's Boston Globe.  I didn't have time to read the whole thing, but the 
consensus of the adult experts (including Peggy Charren, more well known for 
her activism on children's television) was that it was NOT appropriate for 
young children.  On the other hand, there were anecotal comments from kids 
who had seen it that didn't think it was too scary.  *Some of them made 
comments that they had seen scarier stuff on the news and on shows like 
"Rescue 911." 
	The Globe article described some of the gory scenes, and also 
mentioned some tips for parents whose kids see the movie; for example, give 
them opportunities to change their mind about seeing it; tell them that if it 
gets too scary, they can close their eyes, or comfort themselves in your 
arms; be prepared to leave the theatre, if necessary; and tell them in 
advance that the children survive.

A couple of sidetracks:

*1.	One of the kids that was interviewed (don't remember, he was 6 or 8) 
said that the Freddy Krueger movies were scarier.  Pardon me, but I couldn't 
help being a bit judgmental about parents who let kids that young watch 
Freddy Krueger movies.

2.	FWIW, Stephen Spielberg is not going to let his children (8 or 
younger) see the movie.

3.	As a youngster, I BEGGED my mother to take me to see "King Kong."  I 
was terrified, and (literally) hid behind the seat.  It caused me no 
nightmares, and now, I enjoy watching "King Kong" because I think it is 
hilarious.

Clay 

    I saw Jurassic Park last night.  For those who saw/remember JAWS - I
    thought it was just as intense!  I would not bring my kids (age 8 and
    6) but I saw kids there as young as mine - maybe a tad younger - I
    didn't see how they fared during the movie, though.  I was too busy
    trying to keep my heart in my chest.  From the first 5 minutes of the
    movie to the last there is non-stop action - scenes where life is in
    danger (kids about 8 and 11 yrs old in the film - the director's
    grandchildren) - peril is always minutes behind any momentous lull. 
    You could tell it was riveting - NO ONE left the theater for the
    bathroom until the scene (about halfway through) when the director was
    sitting in the dining room reflecting on the park and wondering where
    his family was.  This lasted about 3 minutes or so - then BACK TO THE
    EDGE OF YOUR SEAT!  It was totally incredible - not something I want to
    see again too soon - but I am glad for the experience.  Let me tell you
    - I am not a demonstrative person - but I screamed during parts of this
    flick!!  I strongly suggest you don't take your little sensitive kids.
    
    -sandy
    

    Re: JP
    
    Kathy and I plan to see this soon, but without the kids, since
    everything we've seen or read so far seems to indicate that it's
    best suited for ages 12 and over.
    
    <FLAME-ON>
    Is it just me, or does something just seem not right about rolling out
    one of the most intesive margeting bltzes in recent memory, armed with
    all sorts of products and gimmicks and candy and cards and on and on
    and on..., and aiming the whole campaign at a target population (6-10 
    yr olds) who probably shouldn't be allowed to see the movie (and, in
    fact, cannot go to see it without an adult!). 
    
    Furthermore, I especially popped a cork last Sunday while scanning
    a full page of ads from Bradlees, which advertised JP dinosaurs that
    had 'realistic-feeling' skin, that could tear away to reveal 
    'Dino-damage' (TM), exposing broken bones and torn flesh. I'm no prude
    by any stretch of the imagination, but this seemed to go way beyond
    the line, IMHO.
    
    <FLAME-OFF> (whew...I feel much better...)
    
    Thankfully, Nick's only 3 1/2, so we don't have to deal with it (so
    far).

    re -1;
    You apparently aren't the only *flamed* parent - I've heard
    in the media, that there are several complaints about who
    the ad campaigns and market blitzes are geared to, and what
    the audience to the movie should be.
    (I'm a bit annoyed too. You figure that if they spend so many
    megabucks, they should get it right. I'm also a little disappointed
    in Spielberg - I always thought he was a little more kid
    sensitive.....)
    
    Monica

    I too saw it last night, alone.  As a life-long lover of monster
    movies, I thought it was great.  I give it 3� stars.  I strongly
    recommend it to thrill seekers, although I wouldn't stand in line or
    pay 6 bucks.  (I saw it at an early show in a neighborhood theater on a
    week night - $4.)

    I too saw many small children in the theater.  I won't take my
    eight-year-old, but I probably would take him at 10 or 11.  Yes, it'll
    scare them even at that age.  Yes, it scared me.  Of course, I enjoy
    being scared by movies, and did too as a kid - even though they
    occasionally produced nightmares.

    But where are the brains for all the parents I saw with the 3-6 year
    old munchkins ?

    L.

    re: .48 & .49
    
    Ahh, how soon we forget the marketing hype that accompanied recent
    films like BATMAN (rated PG-13), ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES (rated
    PG13), TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY (rated R), and BATMAN RETURNS (rated
    PG-13)...
    
    All these films were marketed in the same way that JURASSIC PARK (rated
    PG-13) is being marketed now but none of them caused quite the furor
    and outrage from parents.  And I think .49 alludes to the reason why.
    
    Parents seem to think that Steven Spielberg's films are all fluff and
    cotton candy.  But this is the same guy who "cut his teeth" with films
    like JAWS and DUEL.  His lighter touch is only really evident in films
    like E.T. and HOOK and the animated films he's co-produced.  And the
    ultimate irony is that it's Spielberg who's responsible for the
    existence of a PG-13 rating in the first place.  In summer of '84,
    parents were very surprised when they took their unsuspecting kids off
    to see the very dark and violent INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM
    and GREMLINS; both were Spielberg prodcutions.  After things settled
    down, we got the PG-13 rating.
    
    So now we have JURASSIC PARK.  It's rated PG-13.  There's very little
    gore and much of the violence occurs out of frame, especially when
    compared to the BATMAN and ROBIN HOOD films.  It delivers exactly as
    advertised yet people are still outraged.  But it's only marketing
    hype.  Heck, at least McDonald's had the good sense not to have a JP
    Happy Meal unlike last year with BATMAN RETURNS.  And to me, it's far
    more disturbing to see (in the opening scenes of BR) parents dumping
    their child and carriage into a river than to see dinosaurs doing what
    dinosaurs do.
    
    I guess the problem I have with the outcry over JP's violence that
    first, the movie is rated PG-13 for a reason; and second, they're
    *dinosaurs*!!  These dinosaurs are wreaking the kind of havoc you'd
    expect but they're not real, they're extinct.  Most older (8+ years)
    kids know this so it's easier to seperate the fantasy from the reality.
    
    And to be honest, I'd prefer that if (big "if") my child is going to
    see violent acts in the movies or on TV, that the acts are based in
    reality and that they see the results of those actions.  No, it's not
    pretty, but the dinos in JP act as expected.  Meanwhile, Kevin from the
    HOME ALONE movies beats the crap out of two bumbling crooks,
    essentially killing them several times over, and nobody says, "Boo"
    about it.
    
    - Skip

    
    
    I saw a segment on Jurrasic Park and they said that the movie was toned
    down in order to get the PG-13 rating.
    
    Did anyone see this Sunday's Globe comics, Foxtrot in particular.
    
    It shows a young boy writing a letter, goes something like this;
    
    Dear PBS, my name is Jason Fox, and I am 10 years old. After seeing
    Jurrasic Park I think Barney should eat those children. At this point
    his friend, now in the frame, says "I know I would watch it".

    Skip, I think one hears complaints when one listens.....
    I didn't think Batman as the Dark Knight was a kiddie movie - 
    obviously others had this idea that we were looking at the 60's
    television show.
    However, lets not rat hole too much here; You pointed out that 
    there IS a problem on how PG-13 movies are marketed. We should be 
    complaining IN GENERAL.
    
    Monica

	I have a few comments on this topic of Jurrasic Park.

	1)  I would much rather have my son (4.5 yrs) see this movie than
	    see any movie that has "people or super heroes" killing or
	    beating each other up.  People violence is far worse than
	    monster violence (my child knows the difference and also
	    knows that monsters are not real).

	2)  My son Derek is facinated by dinosaurs, he has been since he
	    was 1.5 years old.  We rent all the old Godzilla flicks all the
	    time.  He "knows" what is real and what is fictional.  I explain
	    this to him all the time while watching these show with him.  

	3)  I plan on taking him this weekend to see the movie.  I have already
	    read the book and I explained all the "scarry" parts to him.  He 
	    said he still would like to see the movie.

    
    I took my son, almost 5 years old, and his six year old friend.  They
    loved the movie.  There are a couple of scary parts that had them on
    the edge of their seats, but nothing that caused crying or nightmares
    that night.
    
    They both love dinosaurs and know that this is all pretend.  I agree
    that the movies we avoid are the ones where people are killing
    other people.
    
    We had a blast.
    
    paul
    

I have a specific question, but general comments are welcome.

Does anyone know what the criteria are for the movie ratings?  More 
specifically, can a movie get rated "R" solely for language?

Here's the background.  Our daughter is 13.  We don't let her watch "R" rated 
movies.  Lara and I had a major disagreement last weekend.  Lara and Gary 
each get one video per month; if they want more, they pay for it, and we have 
veto power over the selection.  The one she selected was rated "R" so I 
didn't let her get it.  Finally, after looking for 15 minutes, she decided 
not to get anything.  We had an animated, but civil (ah 13!) discussion 
later.  She pointed out that we had watched some "R" rated movies (must've 
missed it at the store) namely "White Men Can't Jump" and "My Cousin Vinny" 
(which was the last video they watched). I was a bit suprised.  I wasn't real 
happy with the language in either movie, but I don't consider language a 
reason to veto a movie.  I didn't watch either all the way through so I asked 
by wife, and she didn't see anything objectionable in "My Cousin Vinny" 
either.

Clay

Yes, a movie can be rated "R" for language content only.  Violence usually only
gets a PG-13, but sexual situations (deepending on the nudity) will also draw
an "R".

Michael

>Yes, a movie can be rated "R" for language content only.  Violence usually 
>only gets a PG-13, but sexual situations (deepending on the nudity) will 
>also draw an "R".

Michael,

Thanks.  I think it's crazy that language can rate an "R" but violence can 
only rate "PG-13".  Oh well.

Clay

This movie is rated PG, and I've yet to find a review.  I'm 
wondering if it would be something a 3.5 year old boy might
enjoy.  The PG rating worries me.

Has anyone seen this movie?

Thanks, 
Ginny

    My sister took my son (5) and my two nephews (6 and 3.5) to see it  on
    Monday.  She said they were riveted to the screen, not a peep out of
    any of them!  My son is very good at movies, but my nephews are
    notoriously NOT the sit-still types.  ALl three loved it, as did my
    sister.  I'm not sure why the PG rating, perhaps there were some scenes
    when lost in the wilderness of wild animal attacks, maybe some minor
    blood shed?  I can check and report on Monday, if that isn't too late?
    My son's "Cliff Notes" version of the movie :
    "It was about this yellow dog, his name was Yellow Dog, and his boy.
    They were on a boat, and they fell off, and they got lost, and they got
    found. Can we go see it again?"   : )
    Sarah

Just in case anyone is interested, I took my son, 3.5 yrs., to see Far
From Home this weekend.

It is along the lines of Homeward Bound, I'd say.  Nothing too upsetting
for kids, but not a real lot of ongoing action.  I think he was a
little bored.  However, I enjoyed it!

    Roger Ebert made the point that this movie is really about the boy's
    survival for 3 weeks, *not* about the dog finding the way home (that
    part happens off-camera).
    
    Watching the trailer, I wondered why it took the boy 3 weeks to decide
    to tell the dog, "Go home, boy!"  Duh...
    
    Leslie

    
       I enjoyed the movie, but my 4 1/2 year old grandson said it was
    boring. Some parts he liked, but then he'd say "Let's leave this is 
    boring!" 
    
        But, in my opinion it seemed to be more about the boy than the dog.
    
        Rosie
    

    Has anybody seen Batman yet?  I've been told there is a bedroom scene
    in it which may be a bit racey for kids.  Anybody?
    My son is 5.5, so he usually yells, at the top of his lungs, "this
    mushy stuff is REALLY BORING" : )
    Sarah

    
    We took our daughter, 10 in a month, to see Batman. 
    I don't remember any racy scenes - there were 2 kissing
    scenes, I think. This movie is a lot like the other Batman 
    movies - pretty much child-safe. 
    
                                                   
    Eva

My hairdresser said that she went to see Batman and that it was not suitable 
for kids. I think her kids are around sevenish.

> "this mushy stuff is REALLY BORING" : 

My father took me to see the "Blue Max" when I was young. It had taken some 
persuading - anyway when it came to one of the mushy bits I apprently said
"I bet you're glad you came now Dad". That's the way he used to tell it anyway.

Peter (Who refers to anything rated PG13 and above as an "adult movie")

	Guess I'm more prudish than most.  I saw a PG movie this
	weekend, and thought it shouldn't be seen by kids under 13.

	Karen

    Yes, it may be child-safe in the way that it doesn't show "racy" scenes
    --even the one bedroom scene isn't all that bad.  But I don't feel that
    it's a necessary movie for kids to see.  It's dark -- altho much MUCH
    better than B2 -- and some of the scenes with the riddler and two-face
    are kinda scary -- I could just picture my 7 yr old hiding her head in
    my chest -- *I* was hiding at one point!
    
    You might be better off seeing it first yourself and then deciding if
    your child could tolerate it.  You can always wait for the video
    --we've done that with several movies -- then the kids can decide how
    much they want to watch, and you're not out $$.
    
    sandy
    

I agree with Sandy.  It's a lot better than the Batman Returns movie with 
the Penguin (!!!) but it's still way far away from something I'd take my
7 year old to.  Tim Burton's idea of Gothom City is that the city is scary-
looking, dark, dirty, and the streets are usually either deserted or with
criminals.  It is very unsettling.  

Add that to the murder and physical appearance and depravity of the villians,
and the answer to me is keep the young kids away.

There is no sex, by the way, and no nudity.  Kissing is done, and private 
body parts are either covered by clothes/lingerie or by armour.  The bedroom
scene isn't what you'd think it is, and isn't something to avoid.  (For some
of us adults, it was, um, quite nice).  :-}

       Carol

    Hi,
    
    Has anyone taken their children to see Jim Carey's new movie Liar Liar?
    I was planning on it for tonight and I just heard from someone that
    they heard that it is not appropriate for children and that it should
    have been rated "R".   I haven't read anything about the movie.  I have
    only seen the commercial clips.   Any comments out there?
    
    Donna
    
    P.S.  My kids are 7 1/2 & 10.

    re: liar liar
    
    I haven't seen it, but heard reports that it has a ton of 
    swearing.  Not sure why it was PG-13 instead of R.  The
    person doing the review recommended it for kids over 11 or
    so because of the language aspect.
    
    andy
    

I saw it last week and I'd say that it does indeed have some strong language
and some sexual content.  There is no nudity.  As I recall, PG-13 recommends
that the movie might be inappropriate for children 13 and under.  I'd say that's
pretty accurate for this movie.  

Dan

    I'm trying to decide whether to buy the "live action" version of 101
    Dalmations or to try to find the animated...  Aaron (2 yrs 2mths) has
    seen the animated version twice and liked it, but has lots of questions
    (comes with being 2yrs old!).  Is the live action version ok for a
    little guy like him? 
    
    thanks,
    
    sandy

    I suspect some of the action may be frightening to him. I'd view it
    yourself first before allowing him to watch it. My four year old spent
    a bit of time on my lap at the theater. (Then again, she likes to do
    this whether or not a movie is scary...)

    For what it worth....
    
    My 5 year old (now 6) didn't really care for the live action one...she
    preferred the "old" one.  You may want to rent the video first...save
    some money....
    
    Kathi
    

    We have both.  My younger child is 3 and he prefers the animation.  My
    6 year old likes the live action.  I think Cruella is a little scarier
    in the live action.  It's a hoot for me, though!
    
    judy