Kids’ Toys and Costumes for the PG-13 “The Avengers”

Posted on April 30, 2012 at 3:46 pm

“The Avengers” is a PG-13 superhero movie with “intense sequences of action violence throughout and a drug reference,” according to the MPAA.  So why is it marketing the film via action figures and costumes for children?  Alert reader Andreas U. kindly brought to my attention that once again the MPAA insists that toys and costumes are not a part of movie advertising and thus not subject to the restrictions they impose on other outreach to underage audiences like commercials during programs directed at kids.  “Gamma Strike Hulk,” “Ultra Strike Captain America,” “Mighty Strike Thor” and the others, not to mention the ever-popular Hulk hands, are quite clearly intended to get children under age 13 excited about the movie.  The movie’s trailer appears on the site for ordering the toys.  This is further proof of the need for an overhaul of the MPAA ratings board.

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Elementary School Marketing to Kids Parenting

This Week: “The Avengers” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

Posted on April 30, 2012 at 11:02 am

Two movies are opening this week, both with all-star powerhouse ensemble casts.  “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a cheerful cozy of a film about English retirees living in India, based on the popular novel by Deborah Moggach originally titled “These Foolish Things.”  Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, and Bill Nighy star with “Downton Abbey’s” Penelope Wilton and “Calendar Girls'” Celia Imrie.  “Slumdog Millionaire’s” Dev Patel plays the idealistic proprietor.

We also have “The Avengers,” which has already broken box office records overseas with a $178 million opening.  The Avengers assembling include Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo takes over from Eric Bana and Edward Norton), Black Widow, and Hawkeye.  Can this bunch of damaged loners take on the mighty villain Loki?  I sure want to see it when they do!  With Joss Whedon writing and directing, it is sure to be smart and innovative.

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Opening This Week
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