Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Batman: Under the Red Hood is a fairly dark and violent direct-to-video animated movie in which Batman battles the Joker -- as well as some personal demons from his own past. Although the plot involves an organization of drug dealers, no drugs are mentioned by name, and no one is shown dealing or using. The violence includes brutal and bloody fights, guns firing, dead bodies, fighting with swords, explosions, and chases. The movie deals directly with death and loss and has some interesting ideas about where to draw the line between heroes and criminals, though Batman himself remains a rather complicated, tortured "good guy." Kids should stick with safer Batman fare, but teens will enjoy this one.
Sexual
Content
Not applicable
Violence
Some brutal, bloody cartoon violence. The Joker beats Robin with a crowbar, and there are lots of explosions and fights. Guns are fired, and minor characters die. Characters fight with swords and throwing stars. One scary scene shows a character emerging from the Lazarus Pit screaming in pain and terror.
Language
Several uses of "hell" and "damn," plus a few uses of words like "crap," "butt," "screw it," "scumbags," and "morons." "God" is used as an exclamation.
Social
Behavior
The movie has complex, mixed messages about crime and right and wrong. The Red Hood tries to clean up crime in Gotham City, but he does so by becoming part of it -- he argues that this is more effective than Batman trying to wipe it out. He also argues that murdering the Joker is a better solution than allowing him to live and cause the deaths of hundreds of others. Batman disagrees, saying that if they do that, they become criminals. Batman wins the argument, but he also blames himself for the trouble, and it winds up in an ambiguous area.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
The Red Hood assembles and takes over a group of drug dealers, each controlling a certain section of the city. He insists that they no longer sell drugs to kids. No drugs are mentioned by name, and no one is seen dealing or using. Ra's al Ghul has a glass of wine in one scene.
