Parents' Guide to Varsity Blues

Parents need to know that Varsity Blues is a football drama that contains profanity -- including homophobic language -- sexism, and some nudity. Exploring the negative aspects that can come with sporting success, main character Mox (James Van Der Beek) is the movie's moral center. But even he errs when seduced by his newfound popularity as the team's starting quarterback. Power is shown to corrupt coach Bug Kilmer (Jon Voight), who cares more about winning than people. Expect strong language throughout, including variants of "f--k," as well as the use of the homophobic slur "f--gots." The violence is minimal and mainly football-hit related, although the aftereffects are shown to be serious. There are sexual references throughout and the portrayal of female characters is stereotypically dated. Many are sexualized as cheerleaders, girlfriends, and strippers. Mox's girlfriend Julie (Amy Smart) is the exception, because she is attracted to him rather than his status as a football player. Characters drink underage at parties and at a strip club -- often to excess, making them ill and impairing their performance on the field. Prescription painkillers are used recreationally and shared out of necessity for footballers to "play through the pain."

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