Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says Iffy for 13+
Edgy coming-of-age story not for young kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that despite its preteen stars, this should by no means be considered a children's movie. Aside from the abundance of profanity, implied and displayed violence, and sexually suggestive material, the predominance of adult-oriented themes dealing with the disillusionment of adolescence requires a mature, adult-outlook. There is plenty of sexual innuendo and alcohol and cigarette consumption by kids. A dead body is shown. Acts of violence are both alluded to and shown on film. Stories about parental physical and emotional abuse are not shown but are mentioned frequently and are integral to the story.
- Families can talk about the motives that compel the characters (adolescent children) to seek refuge in reckless behavior.
- Discuss death -- whether it be a sibling or a stranger, and its effect on family members.
The good stuff
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Positive messages: The messages are pretty bleak; it shows growing up to be an often painful process. That said, the boys' friendship is a powerful force in their lives.
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Positive role models: Although they aren't perfect and engage in dangerous pursuits, at heart the boys are good kids and loyal friends.
What to watch for
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Violence: A dead body is shown.
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Sexy stuff: Sexual innuendo. The boys are curious about the opposite sex, and discuss girls in a crude but age-appropriate way.
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Language: Several uses of "f--k," plus "s--t," "a--hole," and more, almost all said by teen boys.
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Consumerism: References to both Winston's cigarettes, cherry PEZ, and Fruit Of The Loom underwear.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Alcohol and cigarette consumption by kids.