Abominable

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

77%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Kids help a magical yeti get home in this DreamWorks adventure that's basically E.T. meets Chinese tourism—and it totally works.

7/10

83%

7.5

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Abominable

movie

PG, 2019

77%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Kids help a magical yeti get home in this DreamWorks adventure that's basically E.T. meets Chinese tourism—and it totally works.

83%

7.5

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7/10

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7.5

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Screenwise Verdict

Abominable is that reliable DreamWorks movie you put on when you need something safe, pretty, and heartwarming without a ton of thought. It's not going to blow anyone's mind—it came and went in 2019 without much fanfare—but it's genuinely lovely to look at and has a sweet story about friendship and doing the right thing.

The Chinese cultural setting is a real strength here, offering kids a visual journey they don't often get in Western animation. The magical realism elements are fun without being scary, and the emotional beats land without being manipulative.

It's basically comfort food: not groundbreaking, but satisfying and safe. Perfect for a Friday night when everyone's tired and you just want something that won't stress anyone out. Your kids will enjoy it, forget most of it by next week, and that's totally fine.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-11. Young enough to be enchanted by a magical yeti, old enough to follow the cross-country adventure plot. Tweens might find it a bit young unless they're in a nostalgic or comfort-watch mood.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

DreamWorks family adventure centered on friendship, cooperation, and helping a magical creature return home. Models teamwork among misfit kids and emphasizes family bonds. The emotional tone is warm without being saccharine, and pacing is appropriate for younger viewers. Lacks the frenetic chaos of some modern animated films.

Imaginative

Features a magical yeti with special powers that interact with the landscape (growing blueberries, creating weather effects). The journey across China showcases beautiful, fantastical landscapes. While the 'kids help creature get home' premise is familiar (E.T., How to Train Your Dragon), the cultural setting and magical realism elements add fresh visual creativity. Not groundbreaking, but solidly imaginative.

Safe

Standard DreamWorks family fare with no major content concerns. Some mild peril as kids evade adults trying to capture Everest, but nothing traumatic or graphic. No death, gore, inappropriate content, or jump scares. The 'misfits' angle suggests some emotional themes around belonging and possibly family loss, but handled gently for the PG audience. Very predictable and safe territory.

Enriching

Offers exposure to Chinese culture and landscapes (Shanghai to Mount Everest journey). Themes of friendship, perseverance, and doing the right thing even when difficult. The 'misfit' characters likely deal with self-acceptance and finding your place. Solid emotional lessons without being preachy. Entertaining enough to hold attention but not particularly deep or memorable. TMDB 7.5 suggests decent audience satisfaction.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Gorgeous animation showcasing Chinese landscapes from Shanghai to the Himalayas—actual cultural exposure that doesn't feel like homework
Wholesome themes of friendship and helping others without the annoying hyperactivity of some modern animated films
The 'misfit kids' angle resonates with elementary-age feelings of not quite fitting in
Magical yeti powers are creative and visually delightful (blueberry fields, anyone?)
Safe, predictable entertainment that won't give you or your kids nightmares

⚠

What to Watch For

Some mild peril as kids are pursued by adults trying to capture Everest—nothing intense but might worry sensitive younger viewers
Likely themes around family loss or separation (the 'misfit' setup usually implies some backstory)
It's a 2019 DreamWorks film that didn't make huge waves—perfectly fine but not Pixar-level memorable

Conversation Starters

"If you could have a magical pet like Everest, what powers would you want it to have?"
"The kids had to decide between keeping Everest safe and doing what was right for him—have you ever had to make a hard choice like that?"
"What was your favorite place they visited on their journey? Would you want to travel across China like that?"
"Why do you think the kids felt like misfits? Have you ever felt like you didn't quite fit in?"

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Abominable – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise