Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this affecting drama starring High School Musical heartthrob Zac Efron tackles themes that may be too heavy for his legions of tween fans. His character is tortured with survivor's guilt over the death of his younger brother, which happens in a terrible car accident (some blood is shown). While there are other intense scenes of despair and sadness, there's also hope and a strong message about leaving tragedy behind in favor of joy. Expect some swearing (including "s--t"), the suggestion of underage drinking (though none is shown), and some kissing and discussion of "getting laid."
Sexual
Content
Talk about "getting laid." A couple kisses passionately and spends the night together; he's seen with his shoulders bare. Charlie is seen shirtless.
Violence
A child dies in a terrible car accident; viewers don't see much gore, but they do see blood, cuts, and bruises. Guys talk trash after a sporting event and at a bar; one of them gets punched in the mouth.
Language
An 11-year-old says "ass" and "d--k." "S--t" is also used a couple of times; other words include "hell," "damn," and "crap."
Social
Behavior
The movie seems to be telling audiences not to live in the past -- and that the best way out of tragedy is to take one step at a time toward joy, no matter how hard that may seem. It also says that putting off a dream doesn't mean losing it completely.
Consumerism
A few labels are flashed, including Kaenon (maker of sunglasses) and Tanqueray.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
A terrible car accident is caused by a drunk driver. Teens talk about partying. A young man drowns his sorrows with hard liquor. Friends down Jaeger bombs at a bar.
