Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Flubber is the cinematic equivalent of finding an old Tamagotchi in your junk drawer—nostalgic for parents, but kids will wonder why the graphics are so terrible.

Robin Williams does his best with the material, and there's genuine heart in the story about an inventor who gets so caught up in his work he forgets what matters. The flying green goo is creative, and younger elementary kids might enjoy the bouncing chaos and silly robot sidekick.

But let's be real: this movie is nearly 30 years old and feels every minute of it. The CGI looks like a PlayStation 1 cutscene, the jokes land with a thud, and the plot is thinner than the premise. The TMDB rating of 5.7 tells you everything—even at release, this was considered mediocre.

It's perfectly safe and mildly educational about persistence and innovation, but unless your kid is specifically into retro 90s movies or you're feeling deeply nostalgic, there are dozens of better family science comedies out there. It won't hurt anyone to watch, but it probably won't hold their attention either.

Age Fit

Best for 6-10 year olds who aren't yet spoiled by Pixar-level animation. Older kids will find it painfully dated, and younger ones might get bored by the slow middle section.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Classic family-friendly Disney comedy with positive themes of persistence, creativity, and romance. The absent-minded professor character models enthusiasm for science and learning, though the repeated wedding mishaps could read as insensitive. The tone is light and comedic without mean-spiritedness, appropriate for family viewing. Deducted points for some dated gender dynamics and slapstick that occasionally borders on chaotic.

Imaginative

68

The central concept of a bouncing, flying substance is creative and visually inventive, particularly for its era. The robot assistant Weebo and the applications of flubber showcase scientific imagination. However, the film is primarily about watching the invention rather than inspiring kids to create or explore themselves. The special effects were groundbreaking in 1997 but feel dated now, which diminishes the wonder factor for modern viewers.

Safe

82

Solidly safe Disney fare with no gore, nudity, sex, or genuinely frightening content. The slapstick violence is cartoonish (people bouncing, falling) and clearly comedic. Some mild peril and property destruction, but nothing traumatic. The villain subplot involves thugs trying to shut down the college, but it's handled in a goofy, non-threatening way. No surprise dark turns or inappropriate content for the family comedy genre.

Enriching

58

Celebrates scientific curiosity and perseverance, showing a professor who keeps experimenting despite failures. The film touches on themes of dedication and innovation. However, the educational value is superficial—flubber is magic movie science, not real chemistry. The romantic subplot about remembering what matters (his fiancée) adds some emotional growth. Entertainment value is moderate; the humor is broad and the plot predictable. Limited meaningful takeaways beyond 'science is cool' and 'don't forget important commitments.'

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Robin Williams brings his signature energy to a wacky professor role that celebrates scientific curiosity
Completely harmless family viewing with zero content concerns—pure Disney safety
The flying basketball scene and bouncing chaos might still get some giggles from younger kids
Could spark interest in chemistry and invention for elementary schoolers who aren't picky about CGI quality

⚠

What to Watch For

The special effects are ROUGH by modern standards—what wowed in 1997 looks pretty janky now
Some slapstick violence (people bouncing into walls, getting knocked around) but it's all cartoonish
The professor misses his wedding THREE TIMES which... yikes, but it's played for laughs
Pacing drags and the humor is very broad—modern kids may check out after 20 minutes

Conversation Starters

"If you could invent something that would help people, what would it be?"
"Why do you think the professor kept forgetting his wedding? What's more important—your work or the people you love?"
"The flubber could make things fly and bounce—what would you do with it first?"
"Do you think scientists really make discoveries by accident like in the movie?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Flubber? Put this WISE score on your site