Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this remake of the classic '80s dance movie is faithful to the Kevin Bacon original, which nowadays would be rated PG-13. There's plenty of language ("s--t," "a--hole," and more) and some sexual content (from jokes about threesomes and boners to a scene in which a young woman decides to lose her virginity), but nothing overtly graphic or that teens wouldn't hear walking around their schools. There's also a scene in which a small group of teens passes a joint around and then races buses on a dangerous track. But overall the movie's messages are positive -- that teenagers have a voice, that they can make a difference, and that they deserve to be heard.

Sexual Content

There's a scene in which a teenage girl is obviously about to lose her virginity (she starts unbuttoning her top and asks her boyfriend to shut the door); she later confirms this fact by yelling "I'm not even a virgin" to her parents. Also a few kisses and flirting and jokes about boners, threesomes, and dancers' flexible bodies. More suggestive dancing (grinding, etc.) than in the original.

Violence

Ariel's boyfriend, Chuck, hits her in the face and gives her a black eye. A fist fight erupts between Chuck (and his friends) and Ren and Willard. Ren and Willard also get into a fight at an Atlanta club. Chuck, Ren, and a few others dangerously race old, tricked-out school buses on a track, and there's a crash that could have hurt someone but doesn't.

Language

Frequently used swear words include "bulls--t," "s--t, "a--hole," "dick," "ass," "piss," "dumbass," "screw," "prick," "hell," "damn," "oh my God," and more. One instance in which the derogatory word "fag" is used to describe Ren because he's a gymnast who likes to dance. The guy who says it is then called an "a--hole."

Social Behavior

The movie offers several positive messages, from the superficial (it's never too late to learn to dance) to the substantial (teens need to have a voice and to be listened to in order to forge real relationships with their parents and other adults). Even the romantic relationships provide a valuable lesson -- Ren rebuffs Ariel's advances until he feels that she's ready for him and not just getting back at her aggressive ex. Ren's mission to get the local council to reinstate dancing is inspiring.

Consumerism

iPod is used and shown in several scenes.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Teens are shown drinking; Chuck (who's not in high school but could still be under 21) smokes a joint with his friends, some of whom are still in school.