'Not yet rated' is barely watchable

THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED — ** 1/2 — Documentary feature about MPAA film ratings; not rated, probable R (sex, profanity, vulgarity, nudity, violence, drugs, rape, gore, racial epithets).

Given how vast in scope the material is, it's not surprising that the Motion Picture Association of America expose "This Film is Not Yet Rated" eventually exceeds filmmaker Kirby Dick's grasp.

But it is disappointing that a film with so much to say is simply watchable when it could have been so much more. "Not Yet Rated" is fine when it sticks to the main subject (it's supposed to be an inside look at the MPAA's supposedly voluntary movie-ratings system).

Unfortunately, it gets bogged down when it tries to explain how studio politics and other outside influences may affect the rather shady ratings process. And after the first couple of interviews, the disgruntled filmmakers start sounding alike.

They include Kimberly Peirce ("Boys Don't Cry"), John Waters ("Low Down Dirty Shame"), Atom Egoyan ("Where the Truth Lies") and Jamie Babbit ("But I'm a Cheerleader"), who have had movies that received an NC-17 rating from the MPAA.

In an attempt to find out just who is assigning the ratings to movies, Dick is also shown hiring private detectives, who hope to uncover the current members of the MPAA's ratings board.

The most fascinating section of the film is the latter portion, during which Dick submits an early cut of this film to the MPAA for rating. (He's hoping to get some personal perspective, and possibly get to the appeal process.)

Oddly, Dick continually undercuts this fairly serious subject matter by throwing in some broad humor, such as goofy cartoon moments that aren't appropriate or particularly funny.

Still, given the continuing debate about ratings, it is of interest to film devotees and historians — at least those who aren't offended by graphic content (there are various clips from NC-17 and unrated films).

"This Film is Not Yet Rated" is not rated but would probably receive an R for scenes of simulated sex (from movie clips), strong sexual language (profanity and other suggestive talk and slang), male and full female nudity, violent images from films (gunplay, shootings and warfare), simulated drug use, scenes of rape, movie gore and use of racial epithets. Running time: 97 minutes.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com