Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that American Sniper is a Clint Eastwood-directed biopic of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), a Navy SEAL sniper with the most confirmed kills on record. It's very intense and violent, with shootings, blood, mangled bodies, kids in danger, violence against children, explosions, and lots of general stress and tension. Language is likewise extremely strong, with frequent uses of "f--k," "s--t," and more. Two adults have a sexual relationship and are intimate. They think about sex, and the woman is pregnant during the story, though nothing sensitive is shown. There's heavy drinking during an early scene set in a bar, to the point of vomiting. Parents will vary in their opinion of Kyle's heroism; he may be too violent for some, but his patriotism and service -- plus his assistance of veterans with PTSD -- may sway others. The movie also has a complex and subtle message about the war in Iraq; it's possible to see both sides of the argument.

Sexual Content

A man finds his girlfriend cheating on him. A man picks up a woman in a bar; she plays footsie with his crotch under a table. Kissing, flirting, intimacy, innuendo. A woman in sexy underwear. Shirtless man. Sex is suggested; characters think about sex.

Violence

Intense killings; lots of shooting, death, and blood. A mother and son who are planning to set off a bomb are shot. Electric drill used on a boy's leg. Explosions. Wounded, torn-up bodies. Severed heads. Kids in danger. General stress and anxiety.

Language

Very frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "goddamn," "ass," "d--k," "nuts," "balls," "prick," "bitch," "a--hole," etc.

Social Behavior

Discussion-prompting themes include patriotism, war, family, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, though no hard conclusions are drawn.

Consumerism

Nike shoes, Skylanders video game.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Heavy drinking in a bar scene. A woman drinks too much and throws up.