What we flagged
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Our take
A man tries to protect a newborn while gunmen pursue them through one fight after another. Shoot 'Em Up treats much of its action like a cartoon, but the blood, body count and language are relentless. We would keep it for adults, R 18+ and up.
Uplifting themes
Protecting an innocent child gives Smith a moral anchor. Everything else rewards cool kills Smith saves a baby but solves problems with slaughter. Other adults are corrupt or comic villains
Story (may spoil tone)
A man named Mr. Smith delivers a woman's baby during a shootout, and is then called upon to protect the newborn from the army of gunmen.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Set-piece shootouts in alleys, factories, and a sex clinic pile up bodi…
Set-piece shootouts in alleys, factories, and a sex clinic pile up bodies with stylised blood. A newborn sits in the middle of constant gunfire
Language F-word and s-word lines pepper every chase, including insults about bod…
F-word and s-word lines pepper every chase, including insults about bodies and politics. Even tender moments snap into profanity
Sex / nudity A sex scene continues through a gunfight, with the couple visibly havin…
A sex scene continues through a gunfight, with the couple visibly having sex as shots are fired around them. There is brief breast and rear nudity. Brothel scenes and sexual jokes add to the adult content
Drugs / alcohol Background bar talk and a throwaway burger-joint line. Substance use is…
Background bar talk and a throwaway burger-joint line. Substance use is not a plot driver
Frightening A baby in mortal danger and sudden ambushes keep tension high. The comi…
A baby in mortal danger and sudden ambushes keep tension high. The comic tone blunts but does not remove the stress
Child peril / abuse A newborn is passed through firefights, car chases, and kidnapping atte…
A newborn is passed through firefights, car chases, and kidnapping attempts. The film treats the baby as a prop in the action, which can still unsettle parents
Gore / death / weapons Blood sprays, bone marrow jokes, and inventive kills fill the runtime.…
Blood sprays, bone marrow jokes, and inventive kills fill the runtime. It is comic-book gore, still frequent and messy
Mental health Smith carries trauma hints in brief lines. The film does not dwell on t…
Smith carries trauma hints in brief lines. The film does not dwell on therapy or healing
Grief / bereavement Talk of murdered mothers and orphans motivates the conspiracy. Loss is…
Talk of murdered mothers and orphans motivates the conspiracy. Loss is mostly fuel for action
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
- Smith acts like a guardian while shooting dozens of people. Can a film be playful about violence and still feel too much for teens?
- The script keeps debating gun culture in monologues. Do those speeches change how you see the action, or just add noise?
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Shoot 'Em Up
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