An American Pickle – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

An American Pickle

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2020

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Seth Rogen plays both a 1920s pickle factory worker and his modern great-grandson in a high-concept comedy that critics liked more than audiences did.

73%

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An American Pickle

movie

PG-13, 2020

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Seth Rogen plays both a 1920s pickle factory worker and his modern great-grandson in a high-concept comedy that critics liked more than audiences did.

73%

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73%

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Screenwise Verdict

An American Pickle has a genuinely interesting premise and Seth Rogen clearly committed to the bit, but the execution just doesn't land for most viewers. That 43% audience score and 5.7 IMDb rating tell the real story: critics appreciated the ambition, but regular people found it slow, predictable, or just not that funny.

The themes about family, immigration, and generational conflict are worthy, and there's discussion value here for families with teens. But let's be honest—this is a movie that sounds better in the pitch meeting than it plays on screen. The culture-clash comedy feels tired, and the emotional beats don't quite earn their payoff.

If you've got a 13+ kid who loves Seth Rogen or is interested in immigrant stories, it might spark some good conversations. But if you're looking for a reliably entertaining family movie night, the audience scores suggest you should probably pickle this one and try something else.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ and adults who enjoy quirky, high-concept comedies. The language, themes, and some crude humor make it inappropriate for younger kids, while the mixed audience reception suggests even the target demographic found it hit-or-miss.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The film explores family connection and immigrant experience with heart, though the relationship between the two leads involves significant conflict and bickering. The protagonist shows determination and work ethic, but also stubbornness and cultural insensitivity at times. Some crude humor and language keeps this from being fully wholesome, but the core message about family reconciliation is positive.

Imaginative

The premise of a 1920s immigrant preserved in pickle brine for 100 years is creative and offers fish-out-of-water comedy potential. However, the execution leans heavily on predictable culture-clash tropes rather than truly exploring imaginative possibilities. The contrast between old-world values and modern Brooklyn provides some interesting moments, but doesn't push boundaries or invite much creative thinking from viewers.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 13+, suggesting some language and thematic elements that aren't appropriate for younger kids. The film likely contains moderate profanity, some crude humor, and potentially adult themes around business ethics and social media. No indication of violence, gore, or sexual content, but the conflict between characters can be emotionally intense. Generally predictable in content without major surprise triggers.

Enriching

The film touches on meaningful themes: immigrant experience, family legacy, generational differences, and what it means to succeed in America. However, mixed-to-negative audience reception (43% RT audience, 5.7 IMDb, 2.8 Letterboxd) suggests the execution doesn't fully deliver on these themes. The culture-clash premise offers some insight into changing values, but appears to prioritize comedy over depth. Some discussion value around tradition vs. modernity and family obligation.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Explores immigrant experience and generational differences through an absurd but heartfelt premise
Seth Rogen's dual performance offers comedy and pathos as two very different family members
Raises questions about tradition, assimilation, success, and what we owe our ancestors
Short runtime means it doesn't overstay its welcome

⚠

What to Watch For

Language and some crude humor make this inappropriate for younger kids (13+ recommended)
The 30-point gap between critic and audience scores is a red flag—many viewers found it boring or disappointing
Conflict between the two main characters can be frustrating and emotionally tense
Some stereotypical immigrant characterization may feel outdated or uncomfortable

Conversation Starters

"If you could talk to your great-grandparents about how the world has changed, what would surprise them most?"
"The movie shows how social media can make or break someone quickly—have you seen that happen in real life?"
"Do you think we owe something to our ancestors, or should we just focus on our own lives?"
"What traditions from your grandparents' generation do you think are worth keeping?"

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