What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although younger viewers might be drawn to this film by star Joseph Gordon-Levitt, it features bloody, harrowing violence, lots of swearing ("f--k" and then some), and brief sexual imagery. A car accident is repeated from different angles throughout the film, and flashbacks showcase the aggression of hockey in short, handheld takes. But the goriest violence involves shootings (with handguns and shotguns) that result in bloody bodies. There are some brief glimpses of naked bottoms and other sexual scenes and characters drink (some to drunkenness), smoke cigarettes and pot, take prescription pills, and talk about meth production.
- Families can talk about whether anyone in this movie can be considered a role model. Does Lewis provide a positive model for Chris? What about Chris' own father, who refuses to help him? Can what happens to Chris be considered a metaphor for how people change after high school? How does the movie compare his former happy life with his current limited and depressed existence?