What we flagged
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Our take
A band of criminals and misfits reluctantly team up to stop a fanatic from destroying a planet in this witty, colourful space adventure. There is plenty of sci-fi violence, lots of talk about killing, crude humour, and a fair bit of masked swearing. It opens with a child losing a parent, which sets a sad tone before the fun kicks in. Teens around 13 and up who enjoy Marvel will have a blast, with a parent handy for the language and the sadder start
Uplifting themes
Underneath the wisecracks sits a warm story about loners choosing each other as family and risking everything for strangers. Loyalty, second chances, and teamwork win the day. There is a lot of heart to talk about The heroes start out selfish and law-breaking but grow braver and kinder, learning to trust and protect one another. They are rough around the edges, which gives families plenty to discuss. Their change of heart is the point
Story (may spoil tone)
Light years from Earth, 26 years after being abducted, Peter Quill finds himself the prime target of a manhunt after discovering an orb wanted by Ronan the Accuser.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Space dogfights, shootouts, prison brawls, and melee fights run through…
Space dogfights, shootouts, prison brawls, and melee fights run throughout, with constant talk of killing and revenge. Fights are frequent and loud but kept comic-book clean, with little blood. A severed giant head even serves as a setting
Language Swearing is fairly steady for a Marvel film, with masked uses of the b-…
Swearing is fairly steady for a Marvel film, with masked uses of the b-word, the s-word, b-word, damn, and hell peppered through the banter. It is often played for laughs. Swear-sensitive homes will definitely clock it
Sex / nudity Crude jokes and innuendo come thick and fast, including a cheeky line a…
Crude jokes and innuendo come thick and fast, including a cheeky line about past bedroom conquests and a black-light gag. There is flirting between the leads but nothing explicit is shown. The humour is more smutty than steamy
Drugs / alcohol Characters drink in bars and one gets properly drunk and weepy, and the…
Characters drink in bars and one gets properly drunk and weepy, and there is a passing smoking reference. It is part of the rough-and-tumble world more than a focus. Nothing is glamorised
Frightening The villain Ronan is a cold, menacing figure, and there are monsters, s…
The villain Ronan is a cold, menacing figure, and there are monsters, strange creatures, and a looming cosmic threat. The tone is mostly playful but a few moments turn dark. Younger kids may find the baddie and his attacks scary
Child peril / abuse Straight after that loss, the grieving boy is snatched from Earth by al…
Straight after that loss, the grieving boy is snatched from Earth by aliens in a sudden, frightening turn. It is brief and he comes to no harm, but a child being grabbed can unsettle little ones
Gore / death / weapons Guns, blades, and all manner of sci-fi weapons turn up, and plenty of c…
Guns, blades, and all manner of sci-fi weapons turn up, and plenty of characters die across the film. Blood is minimal and injuries are not dwelt on, keeping it on the lighter side
Grief / bereavement The film opens with a boy at his dying mother's bedside, a raw moment t…
The film opens with a boy at his dying mother's bedside, a raw moment that colours his whole journey. Other characters carry the loss of murdered families too. It is genuinely sad and may upset younger viewers
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- The crew becomes a kind of family despite their flaws. What makes a group feel like family?
- Several characters carry grief and anger from their pasts. How do they help each other heal?
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