Why the Phony Ratings Controversy Over Bully is Giving the Movie a Wedgie

This blog writer takes the stance that Harvey Weinstein's argument for getting a PG-13 rating, that he thinks it's important for all kids to see, is wrongheaded.  "Importance" does not give your movie the right to have special treatment in a standard ratings system that millions of other films have had to go through.

"Honestly, Bully feels like a movie parents should be watching to get an inside look at what school can be like for bullied kids. And if parents are old enough for an R-rated movie—or at least able to bring their kids to the movie—what's Weinstein's problem?"

Canadian Censors Opening Doors For 'Bully' US Release

If you've read about the ratings drama between the makers behind Bully and the MPAA, then you know by now that there is a strong likelihood that Bully will be released domestically unrated. In this article from the Canadian Press, there's an interesting comparison between the ratings system here in the US and the ratings system in Canada, which is releasing the film with a PG rating.

Also mentioned, The Hunger Games and how violence and language are treated dramatically different in the US and Canada. The film's director Lee Hirsch is hoping that the PG rating in Canada will open the door for theater owners in the US to play his film despite its lack of a rating.

Netflix Nabs Weinstein

This morning Variety reported that Netflix nabbed a licensing deal with The Weinstein Company, allowing the streaming and DVD service to exclusively stream TWC's content before any other streaming service provider.

However, there are films in this Weinstein deal that will not be covered in the contract due to an already existing Showtime contract that was put into place in 2008. 95 titles, some of which include The King's Speech and My Week With Marilyn, will not be available for streaming.

At least you can watch The Artist?

OSCAR Q&A: Harvey Weinstein On ‘The Artist,’ Dueling Best Actress Contenders, And Indie Film In The VOD Age

The man about town, Mr. Harvey Weinstein discusses the movies that were nominated for the 2011 Academy Awards. He also mentions how he wants to avoid audience members believing movies win the awards due to great campaigning instead of what they truly are and deserve.