Finch – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Finch

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2021

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tom Hanks, a dog, and a learning robot walk across the apocalypse—it's sweeter than it sounds.

74%

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Finch

movie

PG-13, 2021

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tom Hanks, a dog, and a learning robot walk across the apocalypse—it's sweeter than it sounds.

74%

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Screenwise Verdict

Finch is a solid, heartfelt sci-fi fable that won't change your life but will probably make you feel something. Tom Hanks does what he does best—anchoring a high-concept story with humanity—and the robot Jeff is charming without being cloying.

It's not groundbreaking (the world-building is thin, the plot predictable), but it's earnest and well-executed. The themes of mentorship, legacy, and companionship give it real substance, and the ending is uplifting enough to balance the heavier moments.

For families with tweens and teens, it's a good pick for a movie night where you want something thoughtful but not traumatizing. Just know going in: it's PG-13 for a reason (language, peril, sadness), and it's more 'quiet road trip with feelings' than 'action-packed adventure.' If your kids are used to Marvel-level pacing, this might feel slow. But if they can sit with a slower, character-driven story, Finch delivers.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12 and up who can handle post-apocalyptic peril, some language, and the emotional weight of mortality. Younger tweens with a tolerance for sadness could watch with parents, but under-10s will likely find it too heavy or slow.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A genuinely heartfelt story about companionship, responsibility, and legacy. Finch's relationship with his dog and the robot he builds to care for it models dedication and selflessness. The emotional beats—teaching Jeff what it means to be human, the weight of mortality—are handled with tenderness rather than manipulation. Some language (PG-13 profanity) and the post-apocalyptic setting's inherent darkness (radiation storms, isolation, PTSD undertones) keep this from being squeaky-clean, but the core is warm and emotionally healthy.

Imaginative

The premise—a man, a dog, and a learning robot crossing a scorched America—has charm, and Jeff's evolution from clumsy newborn AI to thoughtful companion offers some creative moments. But Roger Ebert nailed it: this is more 'comforting, cutesy post-apocalypse' than bold sci-fi. The world-building is thin, the survival mechanics are light, and the film leans heavily on Tom Hanks' warmth rather than pushing boundaries. It's pleasant and watchable, not groundbreaking.

Safe

PG-13 rated with moderate content: some profanity, mild violence (a robot named Dewey dies, radiation storms create peril), and emotional intensity around illness and death. The real dog survives (critical for younger viewers), but the post-apocalyptic setting includes implied human loss and PTSD themes. No gore, nudity, or graphic violence. Common Sense Media pegs it at 13+, and kid reviews cluster around 12+. It's not a surprise-scary situation, but younger kids may need context for the heavier themes.

Enriching

Finch offers thoughtful themes: what does it mean to care for another being? How do we pass on values and knowledge? The mentorship dynamic between Finch and Jeff—teaching the robot empathy, humor, responsibility—provides real substance. It's a meditation on mortality and legacy wrapped in a road-trip adventure. Not preachy, but meaningful. The execution is a bit safe and predictable, so it won't blow minds, but it's more than popcorn fare.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Tom Hanks brings his signature warmth to a lonely survivalist role, making the emotional beats land without schmaltz
The robot Jeff's journey from awkward toddler-AI to thoughtful companion is genuinely endearing
Themes of mentorship, legacy, and what it means to care for another being offer real substance for family discussion
The dog survives (repeat: the dog survives), which matters a lot for younger or sensitive viewers
A post-apocalypse story that's more hopeful road trip than bleak survival horror

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What to Watch For

PG-13 language—some profanity scattered throughout, not constant but present
Emotional weight around illness, death, and loss; younger kids may need reassurance about the darker themes
A robot character dies (not the dog), which could upset some viewers
Post-apocalyptic setting includes radiation storms and implied human devastation—not graphic, but the world is desolate

Conversation Starters

"If you could teach a robot three things about being human, what would they be?"
"Why do you think Finch wanted Jeff to take care of Goodyear instead of doing it himself?"
"What do you think makes someone (or something) a good friend or caretaker?"
"How would you survive if you were the last person in your city? What would you miss most?"

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