Friedrich --

You know the little ratings boxes that run in the lower lefthand corner of movie ads? When did they become so specific? The ratings are still the ratings, but these days we also get details. For instance, we learn not only that "BarberShop" is rated PG-13, but that it contains "Language, Sexual Content and Brief Drug References."

I know these details are supposed to help responsible parents choose their children's entertainment more wisely. But they sure help art-loving salacious types like me too. "Secretary"? The ratings box tells me it features "Strong Sexual Content, Some Nudity" and much else -- hmm, I might consider going.

But I want yet more information. One of the cast members of the new French picture "8 Women" is Virginie Ledoyen, who I'm a big fan of. She's talented, and has a cheerful/tragic, chic baby-doll assertiveness I find almost irresistable. The film is probably dreadful, but I'd see it anyway if Virginie does something daring in it.

So let's see... The film's rated R -- that's good. But the details for some reason only specify "Some Sexual Content." What sexual content, exactly? And involving who? Darn it, why isn't the MPAA telling me?

Virginie: Worth Seeing

Best,

Michael