Sucker Punch Review

Messages: While the movie is about how a band of oppressed girls takes back their power, the film undermines that theme somewhat by having them clad in skimpy, provocative attire -- it reinforces some stereotypes about women while purporting to challenge them. Still, ultimately the movie is saying that you control your life, and you have the power to slay your demons so you can finally be free of them and free to be who you want to be.

Role models: Although the way they're presented does buy into some stereotyping about women (babes with guns, sexy schoolgirls, etc.), for the most part, the main female characters support each other in an oppressive, male-dominated world (though one does snitch). Some act in selfless ways that help others. On the other hand, except for one, the male characters sexualize and abuse the girls.

Violence: Lots of cartoonish, exaggerated violence: Men hit women, women hit men, and there are shoot-outs, swordfights, hand-to-hand fights, stabbings, slicings, beheadings, and a lobotomy. A few scenes show men sexually assaulting women or threatening to do so.

Sex: One forced kiss. The women are basically prostitutes, and they discuss their work. They often wear skimpy clothing.

Language: Occasional use of “s--t,” “bulls--t,” "hell," "damn," "ass," “goddamn,” and “bitch.”

Consumerism: Not an issue

Drinking, drugs and smoking: A man smokes cigars. A background character drinks wine.