What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie includes intense action sequences, some strong language ("bitch" is a favorite for the men), and sexual innuendo (the women show cleavage repeatedly). The first scene is full of troops in black SWAT-style uniforms shooting automatic weapons and being blown up. Characters drink and smoke (and Darius is fond of French fries). Violence takes the form of explosions (so bodies fly in front of bursting flames), missiles fired, shoot-outs, vehicle chases, and hand-to-hand fighting. Many anonymous bodies fall.
- Families can talk about the threat against the U.S. government (both scary and familiar in action movies), and the ways characters justify violence (to defend the nation, spread freedom). Families might also discuss Darius' very vocal opposition to racism and his moral decisions, how he chooses a right side (and the right girlfriend) when all choices involve violence. Why does he reject the abstract idea of authority but decide to serve the President? How is his friendship with Gibbons (a father figure) important in these decisions?