12A film for a 9th birthday party?

[Fridayschild]

DS2 would like a cinema trip for his party with about 5 friends. Thank you to everyone who suggested some other ideas on my previous thread.

We have seen the U or PG films out at the moment and not all the cinemas near us release their schedules more than a week in advance, so it's hard to know what our choice will be. My one certain option at the moment is that we could go to see the Thor movie in 3D, but this is a 12A. The guests will be his friends from school, at least one of whom was only 8 in August. Is this a bit racy for a 9th birthday party?

I should say that I would check with the guests' parents in advance! But if the Mumsnet jury tells me everyone is going to say no we will have to think of another plan. I don't think there are any new releases in the next two weeks.

My PFB went to the cinema with one of his friends for a 10th birthday party. Jack and the Giant Beanstalk, 12A, was too scary in places for the little love and he did not like it. Also he felt he could not tell anyone he was scared. DS2, being a younger sibling, is a bit more robust about these things!

[wodalingpengwin]

Sorry, but if my son were invited to a 12A, I'd be saying no thanks on his behalf. I hope another U or PG comes out for you. Having said that, have you asked your son if he would be OK with seeing one of the previously viewed ones again though? Mine are often tediously keen to watch the same DVDs over and over.

[onedevil]

My eldest is only 7, so not quite as old as yours, but I'd say no also - unless I'd seen it first or knew for definite it was suitable, sorry!

[hettienne]

Even disregarding the 12A, I wouldn't have thought a Thor movie would be the best choice for 8 and 9 year olds.

[AlexaChelsea]

Really? A 12a is fine for 8/9yo's, no?

I'm surprised that folk would say no!

[ja9]

I would feel like you were putting me in a very awkward position....

[morethanpotatoprints]

I would probably say no as its a 12A for a reason.
Is it ok with an adult though, is that what the A stands for?
Are you sure they would be allowed by the cinema?

[AlexaChelsea]

12a means that children under 12 can only go with an adult.

It's between PG and 12.

[BackforGood]

I too would feel like you were putting me in a difficult position. YOu don't want the other dc to know that your dc wouldn't cope with that sort of a film, etc.
If you are offering a film for other people's dc, then it HAS to be one they will all be able to watch, IMO.

[Fridayschild]

He's not interested in seeing something twice.

Yes I was worried about putting people in a difficult position. However only 5 or 6 friends will come - that is all ex-H and I can cope with on a cinema trip - so that is the get-out option, individual invites by text or phone, not in the book bag. Anyone likely to be worried, or with parents who do not think that level of violence is suitable, can just say they are not free that day. With Thor it is just (!) the violence according to the blurb.

In any event birthday boy says he does not want to go to see Thor, not even in 3D. At this rate there will be no party at all....

thanks all for your comments.

[golfyc]

12a is the 'advisory' it should advertise what the 'a' is ie scenes of sex/ violence or a reference to strong language.
Younger children can only watch it if accompanied by an adult - however the BBFC consider it suitable for those over 12.

[Tobagostreet]

I would allow my DSs (9 and 7) to go see Thor with friends parents.

I've seen all of the other recent Marvel films, most of which are 12A, and consider them suitable for my kids.

As it is, we took them to see it on Friday last week - and it was great. Adventurous and funny. Would recommend it.

Give the parents the option - they'll know their kids better than anyone else.