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AIBU?

To take my son and his friends to a 12A at the cinema for his 8th Birthday

71 replies

pingu2209 · 06/05/2011 18:32

Would you let your child go to a 12A when they are 8?

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bigTillyMint · 06/05/2011 18:33

Depends what the film was.

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LIZS · 06/05/2011 18:34

why ? tbh most 12A are not likely to suit in terms of storyline and sustain interest but I guess it depends on the film

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inchoccyheaven · 06/05/2011 18:34

As bigTillymint says. I might take my own depending on film but would have to ask other parents what they thought.

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Pesha · 06/05/2011 18:35

Would depend on the child and the film but I probably would, yes.

I would check with the parents of the other children though to make sure they were ok with it and if any of them weren't then I wouldn't.

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Eglu · 06/05/2011 18:35

I might take my child, but wouldn't risk taking other peoples children.

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AnnieLobeseder · 06/05/2011 18:35

I'd say no if you asked to take my child, because I'd like to be there to take her out if I found the film to be unsuitable. But I guess it's up to the other parents.

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pinkteddy · 06/05/2011 18:36

Is it Thor? There is some good info on this website

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 06/05/2011 18:36

Really does depend on the film.

Ds is 8 and has seen a fair few 12a's but normally ones that my brother has already seen and so I know what they are like.

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jeee · 06/05/2011 18:37

Depends on the film - I would not have let mine see Quantum of Solace, or Dark Knight, but have happily taken them to Harry Potter.

If they got an invitation to a film I wasn't happy with, I would make polite excuses about a prior invitation.

I think it's fine to invite them - as long as other parents know the film, and are aware of its classification.

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RJRabbit · 06/05/2011 18:38

Oh please don't. I took my nephew to Ghostbusters when he was 4 and I was 15. At one stage he was hiding under his seat and had nightmares for years apparently. I've never gotten over the guilt.

What if there was something, some tiny thing, that scared the crap out of one of those 8 year olds? Their parents would be livid (unless of course they'd all agreed it was fine for them to see the movie... oh, just forget I said anything)

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Pagwatch · 06/05/2011 18:39

It would depend entirely on the film. And I would make sure all the parents knew which film and approved.

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TidyDancer · 06/05/2011 18:40

Definitely depends on the film, and whether or not you have permission from all parents.

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ZillahWhoDrankTooMuchGin · 06/05/2011 18:40

bit off topic (sorry) but does anyone know what the last Harry Potter will be? The penultimate one was a 12 and i have let my 10 yr old watch the dvd (after watching it first) - nothing toooo bad in it tbh (i watched an awful lot worse at 10 believe me). I'm guessing we're going to have to do the same with part two....after all the book gets more violent....

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meditrina · 06/05/2011 18:40

Probably not, but I'd want to know what film was before deciding finally.

Mine have watched some 12/12A films at home on DVD from much younger; but I think the smaller screen, ability to move around (hide) and get distracted, and the presence of a parent helps make the film less intense. I can also watch out for signs of alarm and deal with it (fast forward when necessary). I'd be much more concerned with the big screen experience, nowhere to hide, possible need for bravado with mates, and no parent who knows what their funny little fears are.

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bubblecoral · 06/05/2011 18:43

I might, depending on the film. But I think it would be wrong of you to even attempt to do it for a party.

A child could end up excluded because theirs was the only parent that disagreed, a parent could allow a child to go just so that they don't miss out, even though they are not comfortable and it could end up upsetting the child.

Surely some of your ds'sf friends are still 7, not 8?

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missymarmite · 06/05/2011 18:43

Depends on your child. I know mine loves big fights and stories about ghosts and monsters. Other children find them more scarey. I'd take DS to most 12A films (not all, I wouldn't have taken him to see dark knight either). I'd also err on the side of caution with other people's kids. I'd probably test the waters first. I know of at least one friend of mine who is very particular and quite protective (in a good way), I'd never ask her child to a 12A.

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pingu2209 · 06/05/2011 18:46

I intend to take them to see Thor, but I will/have asked all the parents first and told them the film so they can decide first. Thanks Pinkteddy, I will check out the link.

The other options are all U films, and in my son's words are "Lame".

That said, I would not have let him watch Quantum of Solace or Dark Knight, Although the last Harry Potter should have had a health warning for being sooooooooo boring. There is no way my 8 year old would have sat through it, my dh struggled!

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TwoIfBySea · 06/05/2011 18:47

Pingu, is there anyone you could check with? Who have seen it and can say whether or not it is suitable?

I do take mine to 12A films but always after I've spoken to someone who can give me a run down on why it was given that certificate in the first place.

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ZillahWhoDrankTooMuchGin · 06/05/2011 18:48

"the last Harry Potter should have had a health warning for being sooooooooo boring"

LOL - lots of camping Grin ........... DS seemed to love it though....

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Sidge · 06/05/2011 18:53

I doubt it.

Most films are rated pretty fairly, and would be 12/12A for a reason.

8 year olds generally don't have the maturity to handle what they're watching. But I haven't seen Thor and couldn't comment on that film specifically.

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Runoutofideas · 06/05/2011 18:55

Can cinemas turn them away for being too young for a 12A? Would be a shame to be not allowed to go in on his birthday....

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myhouseWILLbecleanthisyear · 06/05/2011 19:01

Hi Me and DH have seen Thor.

He pointed out to me that Spiderman was a 12A. Dh has said that Thor isnt as violent as Spiderman, TBH I dont think it is, but I cant remember that much detail about Spiderman (as Ive not considered taking younger children to see it) Looking through our DVD collection a lot of these comic book films seem to be 12A. Iron Man, Hulk, Superman Returns. Indiana Jones is a 12A too.

Of course I would double check with the parents, but I would have no problem with my DS seeing Thor and he's 6.

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pinkteddy · 06/05/2011 19:01

No the cinema won't turn children away if accompanied by an adult. Mind you I'm not sure about a large group - might need to check with cinema. That website is pretty accurate but agree may be worth checking with someone who has been to see the film.

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pinkteddy · 06/05/2011 19:04

POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT



I imagine this is why its rated a 12A - I quote:

There is a fight scene between the Asgardians and the Frost Giants, during which xx is stabbed through the chest with a long ice spike. The end of the spike, which is covered in blood, emerges from the man's back, after which he is carried off by his friends. However, the man recovers quickly and this brief moment of bloody detail occurs within a clearly fantastical context. The film has a generally light-hearted tone throughout and this helps to diminish the impact of the violence.

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tory79 · 06/05/2011 19:05

I have seen Thor and do not think it was particularly violent. My stepson is 9 and I think he would have been fine with it.

12a is an advisory certificate, so under 12's must be accompanied by an adult, and it is at parental discretion whether or not they think it is suitable for an under 12 to watch. You would not be turned away for being a group of younger children with an adult, the main thing is that they are accompanied.

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