Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this quirky coming-of-age film may appeal to teens familiar with the restless boredom and paralyzing worries that the high school years can impose. Although things ultimately head toward an up note, some of the material is dark and moody. Expect scenes of underage drinking -- both in bars, which the characters likely were able to infiltrate with fake IDs (though this isn't made explicit), and at parties -- sometimes to the point of drunkenness, as well as references to sex (including an 18-year-old sleeping with an older man) and swearing (including infrequent use of "s--t" and "f--k").

Sexual Content

An 18-year-old high school girl sleeps with an older man; she's shown clothed in bed, and they kiss. A teen boy appears to have an erection under the covers.

Violence

An adult tussles with a teen boy during a screaming fight.

Language

Relatively infrequent use of "f--k" (said once), "s--t," "hell," "bulls--t," "crap," "douchebag," "suck," and "loser."

Social Behavior

The movie takes a while to make its point, but ultimately the message is that hard work does pay off.

Consumerism

Some label-flashing, especially of technology products like Apple iPods and laptops; also Starbucks. Wealthy students are shown living in fancy apartments and wearing top-shelf clothing while a classmate's family struggles to pay the bills.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some teen smoking and drinking (both beer and hard liquor), both at parties and at clubs. A character vomits and passes out on a sidewalk after drinking too much at a party. Adults also drink socially. Some mention of Ritalin and Lexapro.