Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this movie nearly got an NC-17 rating for violence. Be aware especially that the "unrated" home-video editions contain the extra frames of bloodshed, usually mutilation by knife. Despite the (often foulmouthed) dialogue's flirtation with self-awareness and satire, the gore here really comes across as intended -- brutal and intense.

Sexual Content

The young characters speak frankly about sex and nudity. Though the act isn't explicitly shown, the heroine becomes intimate with her treacherous boyfriend, giving up her virginity, apparently (another frequent topic). Her late, offscreen mother is repeatedly described as a promiscuous home-wrecker, and apparently she was.

Violence

Savage stabbings and throat-slittings, close-range shootings, lots of hand-to-hand fights with the killer. One casualty has her neck broken by a rising garage door. Another is electrocuted by a toppled television set.

Language

Abundant profanity.

Social Behavior

The film may scream but it doesn't say anything good.

Consumerism

Primarily references to other highly rentable horror movies.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Alcohol flows abundantly (before the blood does) at a teen party. Another character referred to as drunken enough to be framed for a killing.