MPAA Reverses NC-17 Rating for Gosling and Williams' Sexed-Up Valentine

Breakup drama gets a reprieve after the MPAA changes its mind about issuing an NC-17

Sure, Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams are hot. But they're not that hot.

Such is the ruling of the Motion Picture Association of America when it comes the heavily crticized  NC-17 the ratings board had slapped on the duo's indie marital drama, Blue Valentine, for an emotionally charged sequence involving (gasp!) sexual intercourse.

The MPAA panel unanimously reversed itself after hearing an appeal and will give the film an R rating.

Well, that's certainly good for box office. Though one wonders whether producer Harvey Weinstein would prefer to stretch out the controversy to milk it publicity-wise for all its worth.

In any case Blue Valentine, which premiered at last year's Sundance Film Festival, hits theaters in limited release Dec. 31.