Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that adults are more likely than kids to be interested in this high-profile film about the life of President George W. Bush. The movie spends half its time examining what appears to be a dysfunctional relationship between Bush and his father (an account that the people portrayed may not agree with) and the other half looking at a presidency that may have been too reliant on other types of dysfunctional relationships (it's not clear whether it's all fact-based). Bush's early struggles with alcoholism are examined -- there are tons of scenes of him drinking -- as is his search for a higher purpose. There's also a fair amount of swearing (including "f--k") and cigarette smoking.
Sexual
Content
A husband kisses his wife; earlier he's shown kissing a girlfriend. Reference to W. getting someone pregnant.
Violence
A father and a son have loud fights, one of which almost turns physical. News footage of the Iraq war is shown, including explosions, bombings, bloodied victims, and bodies in the streets. A fair amount of discussion about war tactics.
Language
Language includes "hell," "goddamn," "p---y," "bulls--t," "jacks--t," and, twice, "f--k."
Social
Behavior
The film shows the transformation of an aimless man into a president who hopes his father is finally proud of him. Lots of father-son drama makes for a dysfunctional relationship, but the love between the two is palpable, too. Laura and George's marriage is portrayed as supportive and loving. In stark contrast, Cabinet meetings appear contentious and even manipulative, and dogma often seems to trump reasoned decision-making.
Consumerism
Mostly labels for beer and hard liquor brands, including Johnny Walker and Svetyev vodka. Mentions of Yale and Harvard, and logos for TV shows.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Lots of drinking at fraternities and bars in the years before W. went into AA. Lots of smoking, too, as was common during the time the movie takes place.
