Right a serious one this time, I want your opinions.
My 8 year old son keeps asking to watch my DVDs. You know the ones. The ones with 18 or R on the spine, and I keep saying "When you're older"
Now I know there's certain films, that I'll no way let him watch yet, but then again there's certain films that I'm sure I watched when I was around his age.
I first watched An American Werewolf on pirate video when I was around 10, and I remember creeping downstairs and sitting on the cold hall floor watching Salem's Lot through a crack in the door when I was 9.
Obviously, these movies terrified me, but also instilled in me a lifelong love of horror.
He has already watched some early black&white Hammers (Quatermass etc.), and a few B monster movies. but nothing scary.
The question is, how much is too much too young? I don't want to scar him, or give give lifelong nightmares or neurosis' that he'll never get over (I'm not a total monster). But then again I don't want him to come to films too late to get a passion for them - a passion that can only be gotten by watching movies early on in life.
I know he's not ready for The Thing, but maybe he is for Jaws?
No to Hostel, but maybe yes to The Monster Squad?
I know it's all subjective. What you may let your child watch, I wouldn't and vice-versa. But I'm hoping to get a few replies here (whether you have children or not) on what you feel is appropriate viewing for an 8 year old - and don't say 'I'd let him watch A Serbian Film', I want serious answers.
I'm not asking for parenting advice, just interested in people's opiinions.
Bear in mind, this is the boy who's pestering me for
this to put on a leash and answer the door with on Hallowe'en!