Lions for Lambs places heavy emphasis on political messaging, at times prioritizing ideology over cohesive narrative or character development. The film's dialogue-driven format can feel more like a lecture than organic storytelling, though at least characters have distinct backgrounds and motivations. Forced diversity or 'Mary Sue' elements aren't overt, but the film does at times feel like an ideological soapbox.

The movie offers a largely critical take on U.S. military engagement and questions traditional concepts of patriotism, heroism, and government authority. While it doesn't openly undermine family or religion, its skepticism towards mainstream national narratives and masculine ideals is clear. Traditional viewpoints are often portrayed as misguided or naïve.

Alternative perspectives (like pro-military or traditional patriotism) are presented, but generally only as viewpoints to be deconstructed or critiqued by more 'enlightened' characters. There is little sincere exploration or defense of those positions, which could leave non-woke viewers feeling unrepresented or condescended to.