'It affected me, because I knew going into it we wanted this to be for kids,' said Michael J. But it's been tagged with the 'R' rating 'for sexual references' only, meaning that theaters can't show it to unsupervised minors - precisely the audience that might really benefit from seeing a story of coming out in high school without Mom and Dad knowing.
The film, about two closeted gay teens making their way in high school, features zero violence, nudity or use of the so-called F-bomb, as its director has pointed out. But its audience will be limited thanks to the Motion Picture Association of America, and an apparent double standard applied to films about gay people. It's about the surprising social benefits a so-called gay best friend can reap in a high school where being a stereotypical 'sassy gay guy' is prized. 'G.B.F.,' a broad, silly teen comedy with a subversive message, is set for release on Friday.
