Information for Parents

Escape from New York

Escape from New York

Common Sense Media Age 16

Parents Need To Know

Positive Messages
The rotten Big Apple here represents the worst that could happen under a harsh, uncaring government. Along with that comes a theme of mistrusting authority and "the Man." There are no real heroes; the closest thing is a commando-turned-robber, motivated entirely by self-interest (or other people coercing him). Even he is disgusted by the callous attitude of the hostage US president (and, by extension, the society that president represents).
Positive Role Models & Representations
Violence
Gunfire, explosions, beat-downs, and gladiatorial death bouts with fists and clubs. A severed head. Characters stuck with arrows and knives. Implication that high-tech tiny time bombs are implanted in someone's head. A hijacked plane crashes into a Manhattan skyscraper as in 9/11, but only a radar-readout is shown.
Sex
Blink-and-you'll-miss-them bare breasts, as NYC prisoners manhandle a girl. Low-cut outfits for the leading lady. Plissken makes an angry joke about "playing with myself." He has a suggestive tattoo around his crotch.
Language
The s-word, the f-word, "a-hole," "Jesus Christ," "bastard," SOB.
Consumerism
Chock-Full-a-Nuts and Coca-Cola signs visible.
Education Value
Ease of Play
Privacy
Tough-guy cigarette smoking. Drunken-derelict type characters in a skid-row setting, mention of junkies.
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