The new movie “Twisters” is hitting theaters, and if you’re considering taking your family, you might be wondering about its PG-13 rating. Understanding what goes into this rating can help you decide if the movie is suitable for your children. Let’s break down why “Twisters” received a PG-13 classification and what parents should know.
To understand the PG-13 rating for “Twisters,” it’s helpful to first grasp what the PG-13 rating generally signifies. According to the Motion Picture Association (MPA), a PG-13 rating suggests that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. This can include elements such as violence, language, suggestive content, and thematic elements. It’s a step up from PG, indicating a more intense level of content that parents should be aware of.
For “Twisters,” the PG-13 rating is specifically attributed to intense action, mild language, and images of injuries. Let’s delve into each of these aspects to provide a clearer picture of what to expect in the film.
One of the primary reasons for the PG-13 rating is the intense action and thrilling sequences that are central to “Twisters.” As a movie focused on storm chasing and tornadoes, viewers can anticipate significant action. The original reviewer noted, “The movie is rated PG-13 for intense action… and images of injuries.” This suggests that the film features dramatic and potentially frightening scenes involving tornadoes and their destructive power. Expect to see scenes of vehicles and people caught in severe weather, creating a sense of peril and excitement.
Another factor contributing to the PG-13 rating is mild language. While not excessive, the dialogue in “Twisters” may include some language that goes beyond what is typically found in PG-rated movies. The original review mentions, “The language was never worse than what my children have heard in movies rated PG…” This implies that while profanity isn’t a major element, parents should be aware that some mild language is present. For families particularly sensitive to language, this is worth considering, though it seems to be within the bounds of typical PG-13 fare.
Finally, the rating considers images of injuries. In a movie about tornadoes and storm chasing, it’s expected that characters might face dangerous situations and sustain injuries. The review describes these images as “mild for a movie wherein (spoiler alert) multiple people are sucked into tornadoes or hit with debris.” This suggests that while injuries are depicted, they are not overly graphic or gratuitous. However, for younger or more sensitive viewers, even “mild” images of injuries within the context of intense tornado action could be unsettling.
Considering these elements, is the PG-13 rating for “Twisters” appropriate? The original reviewer, who took their own 9-year-old child to the press screening, felt comfortable with the rating after consulting the IMDb Parents Guide. They noted that the intensity and injury depictions were manageable, and the language was on par with other PG movies their children had seen. The reviewer even highlights their daughter’s engagement and excitement during the film, suggesting it wasn’t overly frightening for a child in that age range.
However, the reviewer does offer a caveat for families with especially sensitive children, warning that “the most upsetting portion of the film is the first 10 minutes or so.” This early part of the movie might be more intense or frightening, potentially due to setting up the tornado trauma experienced by the main character, Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones). Parents of very young or easily scared children might want to be particularly mindful of this opening.
In terms of content beyond the rating specifics, “Twisters” promises a thrilling cinematic experience. The movie focuses on Kate Carter, a storm chaser, and Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a cowboy scientist and his team of “tornado wranglers.” The narrative revolves around their encounters with increasingly dangerous tornadoes. Expect impressive visual effects, especially in the tornado sequences. The reviewer emphasized, “This film has a lot of tornadoes, and they look incredible. Visual effects have come a long way in the past couple of decades.” The movie is designed to be a “thrill ride,” prioritizing action and visual spectacle over complex plot details.
In conclusion, “Twisters” is rated PG-13 due to its intense action sequences, mild language, and images of injuries. While the content appears to be within the typical PG-13 boundaries and deemed acceptable by some parents for children as young as 9, families with very sensitive children should be aware of the potentially intense opening and the overall thrilling nature of the film. Ultimately, understanding these rating factors will help parents make an informed decision about whether “Twisters” is the right movie for their family.
