It's Friday night. You've been in school all week -- all you want to do is go to a movie and have some fun with your friends. You walk into the movie theater, and the smell of buttered popcorn engulfs your nose, and you can't wait to see the latest movies to hit the big screen. You walk up to the box office and pull out your money, but the attendant working refuses to sell you a ticket and points out the sign that reads: "Under 17 not admitted." Are movie ratings putting a damper on teenagers' movie-going experiences?

Teenagers can stay out later with friends, find a part-time job, and get a driver's license, but they have to wait until they're 17 before they can see an R-rated film at the theater.

"It's dumb," said Kelly, a senior at Pulaski High School. "As long as our parents know where we are and what we are doing, we should be able to watch whatever movie we want, rated R or not."

Many teenagers feel restricted by the harsh ratings set by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"What are they going to do to us? How can they tell us what is appropriate to watch and what isn't?" asked Rebecca, a junior at Pulaski High School when told that the rating system is strictly voluntary and carries no force of law.

Troy, a freshman at Pulaski High School, said he is frustrated by the movie ratings first set in place in 1968. He said, "Most of the things in R-rated movies we have already been exposed to. What's the difference if we see it the hallways at school, or if we see it on the big screen in a movie theatre?"

The Motion Picture Association of America first established movie ratings with the intent not to restrict people, but rather to advise them. Movie ratings arose from the demands of movie goers who wanted to be able to get a better measurement for films content. For more information on movie ratings and what they stand for, you can visit www.mpaa.org/movieratings.

While most teens feel limited by the ratings, there are those who support them.

"The ratings prevent children from seeing things they should not be exposed to," said Antonia, a sophomore at Pulaski High School.

"I think it's fair," said Julie, a senior at Pulaski High School. "There is a reason they make the ratings, and that is so children and teens are not exposed to inappropriate material."

However, many movies that are targeted toward teens, such as "American Pie" and its sequel "American Pie 2", receive R-ratings. Also, historical and educational movies that would benefit teens also receive R-ratings. Some examples include "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan." They both portray the historical events that took place during World War ll.

"Even when the movies are educational we can't see them because they are rated R," says Ana, a junior at Pulaski High School.

For now, those who feel restricted by the ratings can only wait it out until they are of age -- or as many teenagers do everyday, they can sneak into R-rated movies at the local theatre. Luckily, all teens, eventually, turn 17.