Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Transformers: Age of Extinction is the fourth installment in director Michael Bay's toy-based franchise, starring a new cast of characters but featuring the same amounts of over-the-top violence and explosive action audiences have come to expect from these films. The dialogue is peppered with strong language, mostly "s--t" or "ass," but there's also the occasional "a--hole" and one use of "f--k." As for sex, while there's only one big kiss, more problematic is the movie's pervasive objectification of women, with nearly all of the female characters wearing tight, revealing clothes. Families sensitive to racial stereotypes may not appreciate the way some of the Autobots talk or how, in one scene, it's implied that all Chinese people are magically experts at martial arts. Despite all its many iffy elements (and the nearly three-hour runtime), this film will appeal to teen boys who enjoy action flicks. While younger kids may be interested, especially if they play with the Hasbro toys, this series is best for older kids who can handle the non-stop chaos and massive destruction.
Sexual
Content
Less overt sexual innuendo than in previous installments, but still many shots of scantily clad women (particularly Tessa, whose father chides her for wearing too-short shorts/skirts/cleavage-baring tops), and nearly every female character in the movie is objectified and unnecessarily sexualized. There's a conversation about Tessa and Shane's relationship being covered by the "Romeo and Juliet law," which means sexual contact between a minor and a legal adult began when both parties were under 18. Shane makes a joke to Cade about wanting fresh breath when "making out with your daughter." One big kiss.
Violence
This franchise is full of violence, but it's not usually gory, and the same is true here -- with one notable exception: A man is incinerated and is shown dead, mid-stride, completely burnt. And, of course, there's tons of loud, explosive action between the remaining Autobots and Lockdown, the evil Decepticon bounty hunter. There are also human vs. Transformer battle sequences, as well as human vs. human fights. Many people and Transformers die, as well as countless civilians via scenes of mass destruction.
Language
Frequent use of "s--t," and occasional use of "a--hole," "bitch," "ass," a bleeped-out "f--k," and a singular "f--k" (in the phrase "Get the f--k out of the way").
Social
Behavior
The moral of the story is that unchecked technology and innovation can sometimes lead to corruption, greed, and dangerous developments. And there are underlying themes of loyalty and fighting for what's right. But they're frequently overwhelmed by the fact that violence is used to settle all conflicts, as well as a few negative stereotypes and jokes. And while the father in the story rightly believes it's his duty to protect his daughter, he also thinks she needs another protector (in the form of her boyfriend) rather than believing she can defend herself.
Consumerism
The entire franchise is based on Hasbro toys, which are popular with/marketed to kids who aren't old enough to see the movie. There are also many product placements within the movie, from General Motors cars (Chevrolet, Dodge, Cadillac, etc.) to imported cars (Lamborghini, Pagani, Range Rover, Mini Cooper, Rolls Royce) and drinks (Budweiser beer, Coca-Cola), as well as products/logos from Victoria's Secret, Epson, Samsung, and Beats speakers. There's barely a scene that doesn't prominently include a brand.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Cade drinks a beer in one scene.
