Can An R-Rating Actually Benefit Harold Ramis' Biblical Comedy 'Year One'?

The Motion Picture Association of America have upheld its decision to hand Harold Ramis’ upcoming comedy “Year One” an R-rating on the grounds of ‘some sexual content and language.’

Producer extraordinaire Judd Apatow and the film’s director/producer Ramis appeared before the board seeking leniency on the original R rating but failed. The R rating means no one under the age of 17 can attend the film without adult supervision which will no doubt be a blow for the film and that looks like it’s a done deal with no reversal. Strangely, McG’s “Terminator Salvation” was this week revealed to have gained a PG-13 rating. How far have we come that apocalyses and violent A.I. are deemed more appropriate for children than biblical comedy?

‘Year One’ is due out June 18th and follows two cavemen, played by Jack Black and Michael Cera, as they travel through the biblical tinged world. The trailer’s have looked rather silly and goofy, and R-Ratings haven’t exactly hurt Judd Apatow related projects in the past, so here’s hoping this MPAA slap is actually a good thing in the end.