PG Rating? Parents, Watch Out!

Rating: Null/10 (4 February 2002)

The opening line of this film was something along the lines of "I've got to take a biiiiiig piss" and then the rest of the movie was liberally sprinkled with variations of the word "s**t." Does it take skin, gore or the f-word to get a PG-13 rating these days?
I mention this as a caution to parents of those under the age of 13. The 12- and 11-year-old girls I took to "A Walk to Remember" were visibly bothered by the salty language. Good for them!
That said, the film was pretty well acted but as predictable as pimples on a teen. Anyone with more than 10 years of moviegoing experience will see every plot twist telegraphed well in advance. That did not deter about a third of the audience from weeping at well manipulated points.
I'd love to know the "back story" of this movie because it was obvious (from the date of safety inspection stickers on many cars) that it was filmed six years ago and then shelved. Usually, that spells major trouble and a total lack of confidence on the part of the studio. "A Walk to Remember" didn't seem to be that big of a mess to me.
I can see why many teens would revere this movie as inspirational. As an adult, it is refreshing to see a teen film that is not glorifying negative stereotypes but celebrates positive values. Go see this with your over-12 kid (if he or she will let you!) and then talk about its messages. If you do, your ticket will be one excellent investment.