Cinematical

So we've all been aware of the MPAA ratings talk surrounding Kevin Smith's sequel to his independent hit Clerks (a film that garnered a tough NC-17 rating from the board in its initial manifestation). Smith is certainly no stranger to the far side of the R-rating; his only film that flirted with anything less (Pg-13, to be precise – on re-appeal) was the much derided Jersey Girl.

So what does Smith intend to do with the rating for his new film? He's admitted on several occasions that the language and subject matter will be as frank and uncensored as anything he's done yet – and he has acknowledged that this will make an "R" rating tough, maybe unattainable. So his solution? "We're not even going to rate it — we're going to go out unrated," Smith declared defiantly. "If we put it in front of the ratings board they'd be like, 'You're insane. We have to create a new rating for that.'"

Thoughts? Does the dangerous "unrated" label make a film tougher to sell? It certainly hinders the availability in some markets, but it probably beats out giving the sucker an NC-17, which is no doubt what the MPAA would have (quite rightfully, from the sounds of it) slapped on the sucker. Does Smith have a prayer with his latest vulgarity filled comedy, or has the man outlived his schtick? Personally, I'm pulling for the guy – but regular readers probably knew that already. However, if this one tanks, its probably a safe bet that he'll have a hard time selling himself on any future projects.