Last week, Reel News included a link about the new film Gunner Palace and its rating-process with the MPAA.

This week, the fact that the film earned a PG-13 made headlines when it was revealed that the film contains more than thirty scenes in which the notorious "f-word" is used. The story at the Internet Movie Database suggests that the MPAA's decision about this big screen Iraq-war story indicates that the judges agree with the film's producers on a fundamental issue: "that any young person old enough to be recruited by the military should be able to see what life in the military is all about."

Former MPAA president Jack Valenti, supervisor of the ratings procedures, John Fithian, president of NATO, issued a joint statement, a caution regarding the controversial PG-13. They said that since the "realistic portrayal of soldiers in combat presents frequent use of strong language not heard in previous PG-13-rated films, including multiple use of sexually derived expletives, we want parents to take note of this important cautionary warning so they can better guide their children's movie viewing.''

In USA Today, Mike Clark writes, "Any reactionary agitators out there contemplating a dust-up out of this should get real. You know the age-old controversy over whether those who are old enough to die for their country are old enough to have a beer? In this case, they're certainly old enough to curse—and those who may be taking their place in a couple of years are old enough to hear them."

On a similar point, The Chicago Sun-Times quotes Palm Pictures head of theatrical marketing Andy Robbins. "If the military has unfettered access to our youth, shouldn't our youth have unfettered access to our military?''

In other movie news:

Mel Gibson wins lawsuit against Regal Theaters (BusinessWeek)
Gibson's protest over receipts earns $8.3 settlement from chain.

Gibson testifies against alleged stalker, but won't pray with him (MSN)
Director threatened by man who thought he was on a mission from God.

Lord of the Rings studio likes Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (I-Newswire)
Novel about magicians to be adapted by Christopher Hampton for New Line.

Lil' Pimp peeves minister (News Observer)
Rev. Paul Scott of Messianic Afrikan Nation upset about cartoon's stereotype.

Robin Williams' Oscar song was censored before he could perform it
Williams forced to drop musical parody of Focus on the Family SpongeBob protest.

Pakistani Actress threatened for alleged kissing scene (Washington Times)
Meera's kissing scene riles up "extremist elements."

Theaters may be forced to disclose times for movie starts (AZ Central)
Illinois lawmaker says theaters should list starting feature time and trailers/ad times.

Dogville director slashes scene of donkey-butchering (Yahoo! News)
Making Manderlay, Lars Von Trier responds to protests from animal rights groups

Jackson sues New Line Cinema (MSN)
Studio behind LOTR films accused of shortchanging Jackson on trilogy profits.

Born into Brothels children celebrate Oscar win (MSN)
Filmmaker Zana Briski talks about her award at NPR.

Priest who inspired The Exorcist dies at 83 (TwinCities.com)
Rev. Walter Halloran's experience was the basis for the famous Friedkin film.

Spielberg may have two heavy-hitters at next year's Oscars (Reuters)
War of the Worlds and Vengeance may pair up for awards recognition.

South African wins Africa's top film prize (Reuters)
Zola Maseko wins for "Drum," a film about apartheid in 1950s Johannesburg.

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