MPAA Grants ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ PG-13 Rating

“Perks of Being a Wallflower” had been rated R, but the Classification and Rating Appeals Board voted Thursday to give it a PG-13 instead

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is now rated PG-13, rather than R, the Classification and Rating Appeals Board of the MPAA ruled Thursday.

Erik Feig, president of production at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and Stephen Chbosky, the director, screenwriter and author of the novel on which the movie was based, appeared before the board to make their case for the lower rating.

Originally, the Classification and Rating Administration assigned the movie, which stars Emma Watson and Paul Rudd, an R based on “teen drug and alcohol use, and some sexual references.” The appeals board switched that to PG-13 “for mature thematic material, drug and alcohol use, sexual content including references, and a fight – all involving teens.”

Also read: MPAA Praises Teen 'Bully' Crusader But Won't Change Rating

The movie  is about 15-year-old high school freshman Charlie, played by Logan Lerman, who is taken under the wings of two seniors while he copes with his first love, played by Watson, the suicide of his best friend and his own mental illness.

The MPAA has been under criticism lately for assigning the Weinstein Co.'s documentary "Bully" an R. The company appealed the rating, but lost.

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