Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Need for Speed

film

Need for Speed

2014

The film revolves around a local street-racer who partners with a rich and arrogant business associate, only to find himself framed by his colleague and sent to prison. After he gets out, he joins a New York-to-Los Angeles race to get revenge. But when the ex-partner learns of the scheme, he puts a massive bounty on the racer's head, forcing him to run a cross-country gauntlet of illegal racers in all manner of supercharged vehicles.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Products & advertising4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5
  • Diverse representation2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising4/5
Why this rating?

Heavy focus on high-end luxury car brands and the film is based on a video game franchise.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A primary character dies in a car wreck, serving as the central motivation for the protagonist.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Injuries are implied rather than graphically depicted; a character is injured in a car crash.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Moderate profanity or name-calling may occur in this PG-13 action film, but the supplied passages do not document specific language.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A romantic subplot develops between the protagonist and his passenger.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Deadly races, fatal crashes, ambushes, police pursuits and characters in repeated life-threatening danger make the action quite intense.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild romantic tension; no sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No significant substance use is described; occasional background social drinking may occur, but evidence is limited.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent high-speed crashes and vehicle-based stunts. Some fist-fighting occurs.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face significant physical danger to achieve their goals.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on technical ingenuity in modifying and repairing vehicles.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The cast features a diverse group of friends and characters.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal educational value; focuses on mechanical repair and driving skill.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty and help the protagonist in his quest.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Themes of justice and redemption are present, though the means to achieve them are illegal.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist displays loyalty but engages in dangerous illegal activities.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Need for Speed would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Need for Speed, and what caused that change?
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