Columbia has launched the Big Fish website, although there’s not much to see right now.
Apparently, the movie received its PG-13 for “a fight sequence, some images of nudity and a suggestive reference.” And while that’s all true, it’s hard to imagine anyone taking offense to these moments. For instance, the “nudity” is no more than what you see in trailer. The fight sequence is a few punches. And the suggestive reference is, “You see, my mother was banging the milk man.” It’s all pretty innocuous. Nothing got cut out to get the rating.
Honestly, I think the movie should be PG-13, but not for the reasons listed. While a lot of it is cheery and bright, the story is ultimately about life and death and family, which might be a little too much for the Nickelodeon set. A large percentage of adults who see the movie cry, which is kind of bewildering to young kids.
In the long run, the rating might make some parents think twice about taking kids to it, so all the better. But in my opinion, an emotionally mature eight-year old could handle the movie, no question.