From the way I was chastised in the thread about movies at a video store, I feel about 2 inches tall–and the worst part is that I probably deserved it. 
:o
That said, I once saw a suggestion–the person’s name, I think, was Suarez–carried in an article in Games Magazine, about an improved system for rating movies. Rather than G, PG, R, and NC-17, Suarez’ suggestion was that symbols be used to indicate what is in the movie.
A silhouette of a man with cane, top hat, and tails for Song and Dance.
A semi-silhouette of a man with a jungle hat and rifle–much like Indiana Jones–for Adventure.
A big heart for Romance.
A smiling mask for Comedy.
A frowning mask for Drama.
A caricature of Harold Lloyd in Safety First, hanging from a clock, for Suspense.
A bed for Sex.
A broken bone for Violence.
A four-eyed stick figure for Science Fiction.
A skull for Killings.
A trash can (explanation below).
A slash through any symbol, to indicate that the topic is not handled well.
The symbols might appear in the movie ads where the letter ratings currently appear, and there might be as many as three or four hearts, silhouettes, beds, masks, etc., if the movie contains more of these elements. Duck Soup, for example, might have three or four smiling masks; Debbie Does Dallas might have four beds, and so on.
The trash can is used in place of three skulls (Killing), broken bones (Violence), or any three slashed symbols; thus the most severe rating would be three trash cans.
This might allow moviegoers more latitude in what they will see–and, incidentally, allow parents moroe latitude in what they will or will not allow their kids to see.
Does this system make sense?
It doesn’t make much sense, but I like it.
I kind of like it, too. How about a honey pot for “Sticky Sweet”? or a teddy bear for “Comfort Movie,” like “Princess Bride” or “Pretty Woman.”
I like it, but I think it could use some work. For instance, I would add a symbol to represent documentaries (although I don’t know what would work best; any suggestions?)
Also, I think there should be at least two comedy symbols. One would be the typical smiling mask, and would represent light-hearted comedies. Another would be a sadistically smiling mask, and would represent those dark comedies that I love so well.
I like the idea of a movie being included in more than one category. After all, it’s possible to have a sci-fi/horror/romance, or (my personal favorite) sci-fi/comedy.