*batteries not included – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

*batteries not included

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1987

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Adorable robot aliens help elderly tenants fight a greedy developer—sweet concept, but 1987 is showing its age hard.

6.6/10

65%

64%

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*batteries not included

movie

PG, 1987

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Adorable robot aliens help elderly tenants fight a greedy developer—sweet concept, but 1987 is showing its age hard.

6.6

65%

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6.6/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, the premise is adorable: tiny alien spaceships that look like flying saucers arrive to help elderly tenants fight off a greedy developer. It's Spielberg-produced, heartwarming, and has all the right messages about community and standing up for what's right.

But let's be real: this is a 1987 movie, and it shows. The pacing is glacial, the special effects that were probably charming then look clunky now, and modern kids—raised on Marvel and Pixar—are going to check out hard. The 6.6 IMDb and middling reviews tell the story: it's fine, but not great.

The themes of elderly vulnerability and criminal intimidation are heavier than you might expect from a movie about cute robot aliens, so younger kids are out anyway. And for the 10+ crowd who could handle it? They're probably going to ask if they can watch something else.

This is a 'maybe if your kid is really into retro sci-fi or you're doing a family nostalgia night' situation, not a go-to recommendation for 2025.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media's age 10 recommendation feels right—younger kids might find the intimidation scenes scary and won't connect with the elderly protagonists. Honestly though, even 10-year-olds in 2025 will likely find this painfully slow and dated. This is more of a nostalgia watch for Gen-X parents than something kids will genuinely enjoy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A heartwarming story about community solidarity and helping neighbors resist greedy developers. Models kindness, cooperation, and intergenerational relationships. The elderly protagonists fighting to save their home is emotionally healthy and shows resilience. Some melancholy moments around aging and loss, but overall tone is hopeful and gentle.

Imaginative

The premise of tiny mechanical aliens who arrive to help humans is genuinely creative and charming for its era. The 'fix-it' aliens invite wonder about helpful technology and extraterrestrial life. However, the execution is somewhat limited by 1987 special effects, and the story doesn't push boundaries or invite much active imagination from viewers—it's more whimsical than truly mind-expanding.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 10, suggesting some content concerns. The film involves 'criminal methods' to force residents out, which likely includes intimidation and property damage. There's implied violence and threat, though nothing graphic. The themes of elderly vulnerability and potential homelessness could be emotionally heavy for younger kids. No gore, nudity, or sex, but the menace from the antagonists and some scary moments keep this from being fully safe for all ages.

Enriching

Explores themes of gentrification, community resistance, and caring for the elderly—all valuable topics. Shows the power of standing together against injustice. However, the entertainment value is dated, and modern kids may struggle to stay engaged with the slower pacing and 1980s sensibilities. The ethical lessons are there, but wrapped in a package that feels increasingly inaccessible.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely heartwarming story about community solidarity and standing up to bullies
The tiny mechanical aliens are charming and the 'fix-it' premise is creative
Models intergenerational friendship and shows elderly characters as protagonists with agency
Explores real-world issues like gentrification and corporate greed in an accessible way

⚠

What to Watch For

Criminal intimidation tactics including property damage and threats—some scenes may be scary for sensitive kids
Themes of aging, loss, and potential homelessness that could be emotionally heavy
The pacing is slow by 2025 standards and special effects are very dated—most modern kids will struggle to stay engaged
Some mild peril and tense moments throughout

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the little aliens decided to help the people in the building?"
"What would you do if someone was trying to force you out of your home?"
"The movie shows older people as heroes—what are some ways elderly people in our lives are strong and capable?"
"If you could invent a tiny robot helper, what would you want it to do?"

Stills

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