A Working Man – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

A Working Man

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2025

32%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Dad-with-deadly-skills saves kidnapped girl in this paint-by-numbers action thriller that even critics couldn't get excited about.

5.7/10

47%

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A Working Man

movie

R, 2025

32%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Dad-with-deadly-skills saves kidnapped girl in this paint-by-numbers action thriller that even critics couldn't get excited about.

5.7

47%

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5.7/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, we all know this movie. Retired guy with lethal skills, missing girl, shadowy past comes roaring back. It's Taken but with a construction worker instead of Liam Neeson.

The audience liked it fine (87%), but critics and serious film fans were not impressed—that 2.3/5 on Letterboxd is rough. It's the kind of movie that exists to fill streaming queues, not to be remembered.

For parents: this is absolutely not for kids. Age 16 minimum, and even then, ask yourself if your teen needs another generic action thriller with child abduction themes. The violence, subject matter, and intensity all land firmly in mature territory.

If you've got an older teen who's burned through every Jason Bourne and John Wick movie and is genuinely desperate for more action content, fine. But there are dozens of better options in this genre. This one's forgettable at best.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (16+) and adults who enjoy formulaic action thrillers. The child abduction plot and counter-terrorism violence make it inappropriate for younger viewers, and the mediocre execution means even action fans might want to skip it for better options.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Action thriller centered on counter-terrorism and a kidnapped girl involves inherently dark subject matter. While the protagonist's motivation (being a good dad) is positive, the genre typically includes violence, morally gray decisions, and tense/scary scenarios that aren't emotionally healthy viewing for younger audiences. Common Sense Media's age 16 rating suggests mature themes throughout.

Imaginative

Standard action-thriller premise—retired operative with 'particular set of skills' returns for one last mission—is well-worn territory (Taken, John Wick, etc.). Nothing in the synopsis or reception suggests creative innovation. Letterboxd's 2.3/5 and critics' 47% suggest formulaic execution. Doesn't invite creative thinking or exploration, just passive consumption of genre tropes.

Safe

Counter-terrorism action thriller about child abduction is inherently unsafe for younger viewers. Expect violence, potentially disturbing content around kidnapping, and likely intense action sequences. Age 16 recommendation from Common Sense Media confirms mature content. No MPAA rating listed but genre conventions suggest R or hard PG-13. Not something that would surprise adults, but definitely not family-friendly.

Enriching

Mixed critical reception (47% critics, 52 Metacritic) and low Letterboxd score (2.3/5) suggest minimal artistic or intellectual merit. While father-daughter relationship could offer some emotional depth, the 'mythic figure returns to violence' narrative doesn't typically provide meaningful growth opportunities. Audience score of 87% suggests entertaining for action fans but critics found it lacking substance. Genre entertainment without depth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Audience score of 87% suggests action fans find it entertaining enough for a Friday night
Father-daughter relationship provides emotional anchor in otherwise standard thriller territory
If your teen loves Taken-style action and you've exhausted better options, it delivers genre basics
Widely available across streaming platforms if you're desperate for new action content

⚠

What to Watch For

Violence and action sequences typical of counter-terrorism thrillers—age 16+ is the floor here
Child abduction is the central plot, which can be disturbing even for older teens
Critics panned it (47% RT, 2.3/5 Letterboxd) so manage expectations—this isn't prestige action
The 'retired badass returns' trope has been done better elsewhere many, many times

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think so many action movies use the 'dad protecting daughter' storyline?"
"How realistic do you think counter-terrorism work is compared to how movies show it?"
"What makes a hero 'mythic' versus just really good at their job?"
"If you had special skills from a past career, would you want to use them again or leave them behind?"

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