The M.P.A.A has rated the Matt Reeves film, ending any hopes that it could be R-Rated.
What a total un-surprise! It has been confirmed that the M.P.A.A has officially rated Matt Reeves’ upcoming DC film ‘The Batman’ as a PG-13. There was some very early speculation that the film could be heading into R-Rated territory. If this came to pass, the film would join ‘Joker’, ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’, ‘Birds Of Prey: And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn’, and ‘The Suicide Squad’ in being more for an adult audience. From the look of the first trailer, it looked feasible that the film could have earned an R. But it isn’t to be. The film has earned its rating for:
“Strong violent and disturbing content, drug content, strong language, and some suggestive material”
THE SYNOPSIS
The official synopsis for the film reads:
“It’s not just a call… It’s a warning.” From Warner Bros. Pictures comes Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne. Two years of stalking the streets as the Batman (Robert Pattinson), striking fear into the hearts of criminals, has led Bruce Wayne deep into the shadows of Gotham City. With only a few trusted allies—Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis), Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright)—amongst the city’s corrupt network of officials and high-profile figures, the lone vigilante has established himself as the sole embodiment of vengeance amongst his fellow citizens.
When a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective on an investigation into the underworld. Where he encounters such characters as Selina Kyle/aka Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), Oswald Cobblepot/aka the Penguin (Colin Farrell). Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and Edward Nashton/aka the Riddler (Paul Dano). As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator’s plans becomes clear, Batman must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued Gotham City.”
THOUGHTS
The rating isn’t a surprise by any stretch of the imagination. Although by the sounds of it, thanks to the rating reasons, it COULD push the boundaries of its PG-13, I think it was bound to be heading for the rating it received. And I’m fine with it. From the look of the film, it could be the kind of Batman film we have all hoped for. Dark, brooding, and more in line with Tim Burton’s films. And even Christopher Nolan’s.
But what does concern me is the UK’s B.B.F.C. With the rating reasons in mind, they usually come down hard on films containing that kind of content. Normally, they would give the film a 15 rating. Unless it is cut to earn a 12A. And that would be a travesty for the UK audience. The last time a Batman film was cut for a lower rating over there, they had to wait over ten years before managing to see the unedited version. Or in the case of Burton’s ‘Batman Returns’, over twenty years. And that isn’t fair.
‘The Batman’ is scheduled for release on March 4th.
Are you happy with the rating? Did you want to see the film gain an R? Or are you happy to see the film regardless of what rating it received? Let us know your thoughts!
Source: FilmRatings.Com
Author
Carl Roberts is the News Editor of The Future of the Force. Aside from being our horror genre aficionado, he is also passionate about Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and the Indiana Jones movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force frequently!
