What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this film contains a fair amount of objectionable language that the characters use in dramatic moments, not casually. A tomboy character gets referred to as a lesbian in a pejorative manner. There is some mild locker room semi-nudity (girls in camisoles and underwear) that is more wistful than sexual, as a tomboy character watches her pretty, feminine rival get dressed. There are some teenagers that smoke, with consequences, and some references to drinking, although no characters become intoxicated. Part of the plot is the threat of one character planning to beat up another, but he is thwarted and no violence occurs. Parents should also be aware that there are some "types" in the movie (like "punk," "rich girl," and "tomboy"), but that the movie goes past clichés to treat them as people. There is very little diversity in the cast -- the only black characters are members of the permanent detention-room crowd.
- Families can talk about what divides people in society, such as money, behavior, or education, and how people work to get past those divisions. Other issues might include how the protagonists develop as people. Who is brave in this film? What kinds of courage are there?