Rating Reason: Rated NC-17 for some graphic sexuality.

Of course, we’ve known of this or a while, given a few statements from Seth Rogen and Kevin himself, but this tells us that the MPAA did indeed grant the film this rating. “Pending appeal” tells us that the film’s producers have taken the “Clerks” route and have the MPAA taking a closer look, likely without any cuts, in the hopes they’ll be re-assigned an “R”. This isn’t new territory for View Askew, though the first scuffle in some time, as “Clerks II” surprisingly went through the ratings system with an “R” and no objections last time around, with Kevin very vocally expecting otherwise. A verbally graphic “Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back” scene with hookers was excised but eventually made it to DVD.

Fans who have seen the film in screenings tell us that while it does push the envelope, they can’t see why the harsh rating is being given. Here’s hoping that the film can get re-rated to “R” as it stands, or, if any changes are needed, they can be such a few slight frames that we won’t miss anything essential. Either way, we know we’ll get to see it all (probably much more) on DVD, and are sure the final theatrical product will be a blast regardless of the rating. Our money’s on an “R”, likely without cuts, if the guys can put up a good enough fight — With all the Apatow gang’s been getting away from lately in their flicks, we’re thinking this one will make it by as well.

Stick with News Askew as we continue coverage on this one.