Movie, movie

‘Brave’ is one of numerous movies geared to children in the summer of 2012. (Photo from AllMoviePhoto.com; Disney:Pixar)

Remember the olden days (about 10 years ago), when a movie was still called a “movie,” and not a “film”? And, remember when summer at the movies also included choices for adults — stories about humans, not avatars; stories with actual people portraying their roles; and not everything with computer-generated graphics?

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been a movie fan my whole life. I practically was raised in the business, having been brought up in a household where my dad was a movie executive, and weekly private screenings at his office were the norm.

I really love all kinds of movies, but in recent summers (that seem to grow longer and longer every year), I don’t have many options. I’m sitting at home, reading movie reviews online or in our newspapers, and I don’t even see a single R-rated movie, or even a PG-13.  This is code for: All kids can see any and all of what’s available. Their parents don’t have to worry about inappropriate behavior or dialogue.

But I’m actually looking for the “forbiddens.” I’m desperate to see a dysfunctional family, an alcoholic father who may or may not redeem himself or some good old teenage rebellion. I need to escape from my own reality by being absorbed in the story on screen.

I’m happily willing to pay regular admission for a ticket to see some talented actors portraying a myriad of adults with adult problems. And maybe the problems are not always resolved in two hours; that’s all right, too.

It really isn’t fair that the major studios choose to ignore those of us who care about such thought-provoking films during these endless summers. The studios make us wait for the short fall season to see Oscar-caliber movies.

In times past, the adults were in charge, and the kids were grateful for a chance to see any movie at all. How about a return to these days, just for a little while? I’ll even get the giant box of popcorn.