Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Guardians of the Galaxy is a Marvel Comics-based sci-fi action adventure about a group of misfit outlaws who band together to defend the universe against a murderous villain. There's violence, but it's mostly hand-to-hand combat and a few deaths (or near deaths) that are heartbreaking for other characters and viewers alike (one involves a child's loss of a parent), in addition to grand-scale action violence with explosions and weapons. There are references to Peter's reputation as a ladies' man and jokes about his past conquests; Peter and Gamora also have a lot of chemistry and almost kiss a couple of times. Language isn't frequent but includes "s--t," "bulls--t," "bitch," "ass," "bastard," and "d--k"; at one point, the Guardians also drink an unidentified liquid that makes them drunk. With a little less edge than Iron Man or The Avengers, this adventure is a good fit for a slightly younger crowd than some other superhero movies, especially since it encourages teamwork and friendship.
Sexual
Content
Cues and comments that Peter has been with lots of women across the galaxy, as well as references to his past exploits, like a joke about "black light" picking up how filthy his ship is or another about him referred to as "one who lain with [alien creature]." Continued sexual tension between Peter and Gamora, who almost kiss more than once. Rocket suggests that because the prisoners find Gamora attractive, she should "trade" favors for what they need to escape.
Violence
Lots of hand-to-hand combat, fist fights, explosions, and shoot outs with what look like stun guns that incapacitate but don't kill. But characters do die, and in a couple of cases, the deaths are heartbreaking (spoiler alert: one starts off the movie and involves the sad loss of a parent, and the other is only temporary). In a couple of other scenes, it looks like characters have been killed, but they end up OK. There's not much gore and blood, but an entire fleet of fighter pilots dies in an explosion, and there's collateral damage as the villain tries to destroy a planet.
Language
Occasional strong language includes "s--t," "bulls--t," "damn," "d--k," "a--hole," "bitch," "idiot," "bastard," "crap," "prick," "jackass," and "whore." One scene features a prominent/extended middle-finger gesture.
Social
Behavior
As in most superhero movies, there's a positive underlying message about teamwork, friendship, and helping others -- even if the characters' motivations and actions aren't always 100 percent pure.
Consumerism
Brands seen include Sony and Jansport. This is also part of a franchise with vast quantities of tie-in merchandise.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
The Guardians drink unnamed liquid and act drunk.
