Throughout a person’s lifetime, there are certain birthdays that are considered to be more special than the rest. These “milestone” birthdays, not only make a person one year older, they provide a much-deserved reward that they’ve been waiting for.
It could be the joy of turning 10, and finally reaching double digits. It could be the sweet 16, which includes the victory of obtaining a driver’s permit/license and a new car for the especially fortunate. The power of legal adulthood comes at last at 18, with the special bonus of voting rights.
But for some, the most important birthday of his or her entire life may be their 17th birthday. Because at 17, the doors of the movie theater are finally opened wide for a chance to freely enter.
Yes, I am talking about the right at age 17 to legally see an R-rated movie in theaters nationwide without being accompanied by a legal adult.
It may seem like such a little thing, but for any teenager who’s not allowed in, it’s a pretty big deal.
And it’s not without lack of trying that I didn’t see an R movie before I turned 17.
There was one particularly sticky situation that almost got me booted from a theater, even though my dad was willing to buy my ticketANDsit in the movie (The Hangover Part II) with me (though not near me). Instead of putting up a fight, I relented and left the theater, and instead later watched it online where the ratings didn’t bar me.
Now, I am six months past my 17th birthday and legally allowed to watch any movie that sparks my viewing pleasure. So, what R-rated movies have I actually seen in theaters so far? None.
But, it’s more of the fact that I can go see one that matters. I have earned the right to see any movie I want, accomplished just by simply turning 17. So, the logical reason I haven’t seen an R-rated movie yet? I only have $4 to my name, which is barely enough to buy M&Ms from the snack counter.
Though if someone’s willing to spring for my ticket for the next showing of Generation X, I’d be happy to legally accompany them. I’ll even be willing to split the price for the M&Ms.
