"Can't Buy Me Love," the iconic 1987 teen comedy starring Patrick Dempsey and Amanda Peterson, holds a special place in the hearts of many. But why did this seemingly lighthearted film receive a PG-13 rating instead of a more lenient PG? The answer lies in a combination of factors that, while not overtly graphic, contributed to the rating's decision.
Beyond the Laughs: Content Considerations for the PG-13 Rating
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) assigns ratings based on several content elements. While "Can't Buy Me Love" is primarily a comedic film, several scenes and themes pushed it beyond a PG rating:
1. Suggestive Themes and Situations:
The film centers on a teenage social outcast's scheme to become popular by paying a popular girl to date him. This premise, while comedic, involves scenarios with suggestive undertones. The characters' interactions, particularly those involving romantic situations and implied sexual activity, contributed to the rating. While nothing is explicitly shown, the implied context and innuendo likely factored into the MPA's decision.
2. Mature Dialogue:
The dialogue in "Can't Buy Me Love" includes some suggestive language and innuendo, particularly amongst the teenage characters. This isn't overtly vulgar or offensive, but it is mature enough to warrant consideration beyond a PG rating. The casual use of slang and suggestive comments might have raised concerns about appropriateness for younger audiences.
3. Social Commentary and Teen Issues:
While presented humorously, the film touches on complex social issues faced by teenagers, including social status, popularity, and relationships. These themes, while relatable, are dealt with in a way that may not be appropriate for younger viewers unprepared to grapple with such complexities. The movie's exploration of teenage anxieties and insecurities, while realistically portrayed, could be unsettling for a younger audience.
4. Mild Drug and Alcohol References:
Although not central to the plot, "Can't Buy Me Love" includes some references to alcohol consumption and drug use. While these references are brief and not glorified, they still contributed to the overall assessment of the film's maturity level. Even minor references to these issues can influence a rating decision.
The PG-13 Spectrum: A Balancing Act
The PG-13 rating isn't a hard and fast rule. It signifies that some material might not be suitable for younger children, while still allowing for broader appeal. "Can't Buy Me Love" falls into this grey area; it's not overtly offensive, but its suggestive themes, mature dialogue, and exploration of teen issues led to a more restrictive rating than a straight PG.
Conclusion: A Fitting Rating for its Time
In conclusion, "Can't Buy Me Love"'s PG-13 rating accurately reflects its content. The film blends humor with mature themes and situations that are better suited for older teenagers and adults. While the humor is accessible, the underlying themes and some of the dialogue push the boundaries of a PG rating, making the PG-13 designation a suitable balance for the film's overall tone and content.
