Film Buff Glossary

To start off, I don't claim to be a film buff, only someone who loves going to see movies and who loves to write. This is where that comes together.

Whether you are a film buff, a newbie, or just up for some good reviews, it never hurts to brush up on your film jargon.

This post will be updated regularly.


blockbuster- a film with a huge budget, big stars and lots of explosions. It is expected to be a box office success, to garner a ton of attention for its stars, and to result in action figures and sequels alike. Blockbusters usually come out in the summer.
Examples: "Transformers," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Jaws," and "Gone With the Wind."

indie film- (independent film) a unique type of movie, often with obscure actors, a soundtrack filled with underground bands, and a dark storyline. Because of all this, a true indie film isn't produced by a big Hollywood production company, it's low-budget and doesn't get anywhere near the attention blockbusters do.
Examples: "Requiem for a Dream," "Garden State," "The Motorcycle Diaries," and "Fargo."

MPAA ratings- the Motion Picture Association of America measures the graphic content in a film with the following ratings:

G (General Audiences: All Ages Permitted.) You can watch G-rated films with youngsters and never have to worry about covering their eyes. "Finding Nemo," "Toy Story," and "Wall-E" are all rated G.

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested: Some Material May Not Be Suited for Children) There is no drug use in PG-rated films, although there may be mild cases of "brief nudity," "profanity" or "depictions of violence." But nothing too shocking that would demand "parental guidance." "Shrek," "Enchanted," and "Rocky" are rated PG.

PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned: Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) Expect a little more swearing, a little more nudity, and a little more violence. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Independence Day," and "Million Dollar Baby" are rated PG-13.

R (Restricted: Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) Considered to be adult content. The MPAA suggests that parents refrain from bringing young children to an R-rated movie, which, (can you guess?) may contain a lot more swearing, a lot more nudity, and a lot more violence. "The Reader," "American Pie," and "Almost Famous," are rated R.

NC-17 (No One 17 and Under Admitted) The MPAA makes it clear that NC-17 films are not considered "pornographic" or "obscene" in the legal sense, but rather that the material is not suitable for anyone other than adults. Films such as "Boys Don't Cry," "The Boondock Saints," and "Pulp Fiction," had to edit explicit scenes before they could fit into the more marketable R category.
Click here for more info on the MPAA. http://www.mpaa.org/