This Film Is Not Yet Rated

This Film is Not Yet rated documents the history of censorship in the USA and the secrecy that shrouds the ratings system. It particularly focuses on the decision-making process for an N-17 rating, the American equivalent of 18. In essence, the ratings are decided by a panel of 'ordinary American parents', but the identities of these 'parents' are an incredibly guarded secret. The real star of the show is private investigator Becky Altringer, who uses a mixture of sneakiness, brass-neckery and manic driving to dig the dirt. Also of note are the understandably irate interviews with directors including Kevin Smith (Clerks), Trey Parker (South Park) and Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry), decrying the farcical nature of the whole ratings process.
However, with too many dry interviews with faceless suits, the film feels overlong, particularly for a British audience not quite so intrigued by the American movie-making process. Interesting facts definitely emerge, but Grass or Bowling for Columbine it ain't. [Cara McGuigan]