Finding Forrester is a solid, earnest drama with a big heart and important themes about mentorship, talent, and breaking through stereotypes. Sean Connery and Rob Brown have genuine chemistry, and the movie treats writing and literature with real respect—rare in Hollywood.

That said, it's 25 years old and feels every minute of it. The pacing is deliberate (read: slow by 2025 standards), the basketball scenes are dated, and some plot beats are predictable. It's basically Good Will Hunting's less edgy cousin—still worthwhile, but you'll need a teen who's okay with dialogue over action.

The WISE components are strong: wholesome mentorship, enriching themes, reasonably safe for teens. But the watchability factor takes a hit because let's be real—most modern kids will struggle to stay engaged with this one unless they're already into character-driven dramas or have a specific interest in writing. It's a 'vegetables are good for you' recommendation more than a 'you'll love this' one.