Chances Are – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Chances Are

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1989

25%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A 1989 rom-com where a reincarnated man falls for his own daughter. Yes, really. It's as uncomfortable as it sounds.

6.5/10

66%

65%

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Chances Are

movie

PG, 1989

25%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A 1989 rom-com where a reincarnated man falls for his own daughter. Yes, really. It's as uncomfortable as it sounds.

6.5

66%

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6.5/10

66%

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be direct: this movie asks you to root for a romance between a reincarnated man and his own daughter. The film plays it as lighthearted comedy, but by any modern standard, this is deeply uncomfortable territory.

Even setting aside the ick factor, Chances Are is a thoroughly dated 1980s rom-com that hasn't held up. The middling ratings (6.5 IMDb, 3.1 Letterboxd) tell the story: this was forgettable even in its own era.

There are thousands of better romantic comedies, fantasy films, and family movies from any decade. This one belongs in the "what were they thinking?" archive, not on your watchlist. Hard pass.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media suggests 11+, but honestly, this isn't appropriate for kids at any age due to the inherently problematic romantic premise. Adults might watch it as a curiosity of 1980s cinema, but even then, it's a tough sell in 2025.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The central romantic premise is deeply problematic: a reincarnated man becomes attracted to his own daughter from his previous life. While the film plays this for comedy and romance, the inherent creepiness and pseudo-incestuous undertones make this emotionally unhealthy territory. The tone may be light, but the concept undermines any wholesome messaging about love or family.

Imaginative

Reincarnation as a plot device offers some creative potential, and the idea of remembering a past life has imaginative appeal. However, the execution is a fairly standard 1980s romantic comedy that doesn't push boundaries or invite deeper exploration of its fantastical premise. It's more 'high concept' than genuinely imaginative storytelling.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 11, and with a PG rating era (implied by context), there's likely no graphic content. However, the romantic attraction between a reincarnated father and his biological daughter—even if played for laughs—is conceptually disturbing and inappropriate. The film doesn't contain violence or gore, but the psychological discomfort of the premise creates a different kind of safety concern around normalizing inappropriate relationships.

Enriching

Beyond the novelty of its reincarnation hook, this film offers little in terms of cognitive growth, ethical development, or meaningful takeaways. The romantic comedy genre trappings are standard 1980s fare. The problematic central relationship doesn't provide opportunities for healthy discussions about love, identity, or family. Moderate ratings (6.5 IMDb, 65% RT audience) suggest it's forgettable entertainment at best.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If you're a completist studying 1980s high-concept romantic comedies, this is... certainly one of them
The reincarnation premise might spark discussions about past lives and memory (though the execution won't help)
Moderate critical ratings suggest some viewers found it charming in its era, though that charm has aged like milk

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What to Watch For

The entire romantic plot hinges on a man being attracted to his biological daughter from a past life—this is the central 'comedy' and it's deeply uncomfortable
1989 sensibilities around what's 'funny' in romantic comedies have not aged well at all
Even if played innocently, the pseudo-incestuous undertones make this inappropriate for family viewing
It's genuinely hard to watch by 2025 standards, both morally and entertainment-wise

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think some movies from the past have ideas that don't work anymore?"
"What makes a romantic comedy actually romantic versus just... weird?"
"How do you think filmmakers should handle fantastical premises like reincarnation without making things creepy?"

Stills

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Stacey Wallenstein's 80s movie nights from The Mint Chip Mama (themintchipmama.com), the PG titles first and then the PG-13 ones. Troop Beverly Hills is a fan favorite, The Goonies made the cut although she finds it scary, and she warns that an 80s PG can surprise you, as Innerspace did.

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