Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this movie's R rating comes from frank and explicit -- but thoughtful -- treatment of the subject matter -- how peer pressure can lure kids away from their moorings and their families. Characters constantly use very strong language. Teenagers engage in every possible self-destructive behavior -- they smoke, take drugs, steal, lie, and pierce their tongues and belly buttons. They have sex that is so casual it is almost anonymous. There is also adult substance abuse and every one acts out. There are very tense family confrontations. This is a good example of how the MPAA rating system fails, because there are stupid comedies that deal with the same issues as this movie that are rated PG-13. This movie --if your teen can handle very mature subject matter -- deals more intelligently and forthrightly with the consequences of the behavior it depicts than some PG-13 offerings.

Sexual Content

There's graphic sex and nudity with thirteen- year-olds.

Violence

Self-destructive, high-risk behavior. We fear for the consequences on these kids. Tense family scenes, peril.

Language

Extremely strong language throughout.

Social Behavior

Complex, tough messages. Tracy's downward spiral is clearly dangerous and painful -- but as a cautionary tale about the dark side of peer pressure, it's harshly compelling. The young characters participate in every kind of iffy activity you can think of -- recreational sex, stealing, lying -- but the consequences of their poor choices are unflinchingly clear. Tracy and her mother have a difficult relationship, and her mom doesn't always make the best parenting decisions, but she clearly loves her daughter very much.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Teen drug use, drinking, smoking, adults in AA.