Paramount Pictures faced challenges when trying to secure a PG-13 rating for the teen comedy Mean Girls. The studio initially received an R rating from the MPAA, which would have prevented the intended audience from seeing the film. The filmmakers had to make concessions, such as changing certain dialogue to meet the standards set by the ratings board. For example, the line “Is your cherry popped?” was replaced with the mild alternative “Is your muffin buttered?”. However, not all changes were agreed upon by the filmmakers.
Writer Tina Fey took issue with the ratings board’s demand to remove a joke about a wide-set vagina from the film. Fey argued that the demand was sexist, pointing to other films, such as Anchorman, that had received a PG-13 rating despite containing similar content. The filmmakers pushed back against the ratings board, emphasizing that the joke in question was not sexually explicit and that restricting it based on gender was demeaning to women. Ultimately, their argument prevailed, and the controversial line was allowed to remain in the film.
The challenges faced by Mean Girls in securing a PG-13 rating highlight the complexities of the MPAA ratings system and its impact on filmmakers. The studio had to navigate the board’s guidelines and make adjustments to the film to reach a wider audience while still maintaining its intended tone and humor. The filmmakers’ advocacy for certain elements of the film demonstrates their commitment to preserving the creative integrity of Mean Girls, despite external pressures to conform to certain standards.
Tina Fey’s involvement in the discussions surrounding the film’s rating reflects her dedication to creating a film that resonated with its target audience. By challenging the ratings board’s decisions and advocating for the film’s content, Fey ensured that Mean Girls could reach the audience it was intended for. The success of Mean Girls as a teen comedy with lasting cultural impact is a testament to the filmmakers’ ability to navigate challenges and deliver a film that resonated with audiences of all ages.
In navigating the ratings board’s demands and advocating for the film’s content, the filmmakers of Mean Girls were able to secure a PG-13 rating that allowed the movie to reach its intended audience. The challenges faced during the ratings process underscore the difficulties filmmakers encounter in meeting the requirements set by the MPAA. Despite these obstacles, Mean Girls ultimately became a beloved teen comedy that continues to be celebrated for its humor, relatability, and lasting impact on popular culture.
The story of Mean Girls’ journey to securing a PG-13 rating serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for creative expression in filmmaking. By standing up against the ratings board’s decisions and fighting for the content of the film, the filmmakers were able to ensure that Mean Girls could be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The success of the film, both critically and commercially, is a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication to preserving the vision of Mean Girls and creating a movie that continues to resonate with viewers years after its release.
