Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a grown-up crime thriller, plain and simple. The decent reviews suggest it's competently made - not a masterpiece, but a solid genre entry if you're into gritty NYC crime stories with a darkly comedic edge.

The WISE score is low because this isn't family content and shouldn't pretend to be. It's got violence, it's got crime, it's set in a 'dangerous underworld' - all the things that make for an entertaining R-rated thriller but terrible content for kids.

For parents of older teens (16+), this could be fine if your teen is mature enough for crime thrillers and you're okay with the violence and language that comes with the territory. But honestly? This is more of an adult date-night pick than something to put on with the family.

The ex-baseball player angle is mildly interesting, and the 1990s setting adds some nostalgic grit, but don't expect profound life lessons here - it's entertainment, not enrichment. If you want a crime thriller for a Friday night and your kids are old enough or in bed, go for it. Otherwise, keep scrolling.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (16+) and adults. The crime thriller premise with violence, mature language, and dark themes makes it inappropriate for younger viewers. Adults who enjoy gritty crime dramas with comedic elements will be the target audience.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

A crime thriller set in the criminal underbelly of 1990s NYC is inherently not wholesome. The 'dangerous struggle for survival' premise and crime/thriller genre indicate violence, morally gray characters, and likely profanity. Common Sense Media's age 16+ rating suggests mature content that doesn't model positive behavior for younger audiences.

Imaginative

58

The premise of an ex-baseball player thrust into NYC's criminal underworld offers a fish-out-of-water scenario with potential for creative storytelling. The 1990s period setting adds nostalgic texture. However, crime thrillers tend to follow familiar genre beats. Decent critical reception (84% RT critics, 3.5/5 Letterboxd) suggests competent execution but nothing groundbreaking.

Safe

20

Crime thriller about survival in a criminal underworld will contain violence, likely graphic at times. Age 16+ rating from Common Sense Media indicates mature content including probable strong language, intense violence, and potentially sexual content or drug use. The 'dangerous struggle' and 'treacherous underworld' descriptors signal this isn't safe for younger viewers and will contain triggering content.

Enriching

45

Solid critical reception (84% RT critics, 65 Metacritic) suggests quality filmmaking. The 1990s NYC setting offers period atmosphere and the protagonist's forced adaptation could provide character study elements. However, as a crime thriller, enrichment is primarily entertainment-focused rather than educational or deeply meaningful. The comedy element might provide levity but doesn't significantly boost developmental value.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Strong critical reception (84% on RT) suggests well-crafted filmmaking with solid performances
1990s NYC setting provides gritty period atmosphere for viewers who appreciate that era
Fish-out-of-water premise (athlete forced into crime world) offers character-driven tension
Comedy-crime-thriller blend might provide dark humor alongside intense action for mature audiences who enjoy genre mashups

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What to Watch For

Violence and criminal activity throughout - this is about survival in a dangerous underworld
Age 16+ rating means expect strong language, intense sequences, possibly sexual content or drug use
Not a family movie despite any comedic elements - the crime thriller core dominates
The 'struggle for survival' framing means characters will be in genuine peril with likely graphic consequences

Conversation Starters

"How do you think Hank's baseball background might help or hurt him in this completely different world?"
"The movie's set in the 1990s before smartphones - how would that change the story if it happened today?"
"What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in a dangerous situation you never expected?"
"Do you think people can be forced to become someone they're not, or does their true character always show through?"

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