to expect cinemas only to show trailers of films with the same certification as the film you are there to see?

[NikkiH]

My DSs are desperate to see The Dictator having seen a trailer for it while going to see The Avengers Assemble which is a 12a. They were both so disappointed to find out this week that it has been certified as a 15 and both of them are too young to see it.

Neither would have been as aware of the film if it hadn't been promoted during the 12a film. It just seems unreasonable of cinemas to raise expectations which can't be met for the majority of the audience attending the lower certification films. The trailer did make it look very funny...

The film may not have been certified at the point when the trailer was shown - they are often quite last minute.

The trailers themselves are rated separately so can be lower rated than the film they are advertising, by making sure the language and content conforms. If producers don't yet know the certification for their film, they will ensure the trailer reaches the largest possible demographic.

Before trailers begin you should see/hear a notice that the following trailers have been deemed suitable.

choclolateflapjack I think ladyinthelibrary got there a whole 5 months before you!