Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Gracie has its heart in the right place. It's about a girl fighting sexism to play soccer in 1978, based on a true story, with solid themes about perseverance and gender equality. The problem? It's a 2007 indie that feels every bit of its 18 years old.

The mixed reviews tell the story: critics gave it a lukewarm 62%, audiences 58%, and Metacritic landed at 52. That's 'fine, not great' territory. The message is strong, but the execution is conventional—think Hallmark-movie-meets-sports-drama vibes. For modern kids, especially those raised on faster-paced storytelling, this will likely feel slow and earnest to the point of being a bit of a slog.

The sibling death adds real emotional weight, which is both a strength (depth, stakes) and a caution (heavy stuff for younger viewers). If your tween is passionate about sports, feminism, or historical underdog stories, this could resonate. But if they're looking for entertainment first and lessons second, they'll probably check out.

Bottom line: Worthy but watchability-challenged. Great conversation starter, mediocre movie night.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-16 who can handle themes of sibling death and family grief, and who are interested in sports or gender equality stories. The 13+ rating is spot-on—younger kids might struggle with the emotional weight, while older teens may find it a bit earnest and dated.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Models determination, perseverance, and challenging gender barriers in sports. The protagonist fights for women's right to play competitive soccer, demonstrating healthy ambition and advocacy. Tone is earnest and family-friendly, though the drama centers on grief (the death of Gracie's brother) which adds emotional weight. Generally positive role modeling around fighting for equality and pursuing dreams despite obstacles.

Imaginative

42

Straightforward sports drama following a fairly conventional underdog narrative. Based on true events (the Shue family story), which grounds it in reality but limits creative flights. The 'girl fights to play on boys' team' premise was more novel in 2007 but feels well-trodden now. Doesn't invite much creative exploration or offer surprising perspectives—it's earnest and sincere but not particularly inventive in its storytelling approach.

Safe

72

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, likely due to the central plot point of a sibling's death and the resulting family grief. Some thematic heaviness around loss and mourning. Based on the sports drama genre and PG-13 territory, likely contains mild language and intense emotional scenes but no graphic violence, sexuality, or inappropriate content. The death is a significant emotional trigger but handled in a dramatic rather than shocking way. Generally safe but emotionally weighty.

Enriching

68

Tackles meaningful themes: gender equality in sports, perseverance through grief, challenging institutional barriers, and women's empowerment. Set in 1978, it provides historical context for Title IX and women's sports progress. Offers discussion opportunities about sexism, determination, and advocacy. However, mixed critical reception (62% RT critics, 52 Metacritic) suggests execution may be pedestrian. The message is strong but delivery appears conventional. Builds empathy and understanding of gender barriers in athletics.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Tackles gender equality in sports head-on, showing a girl fighting institutional barriers to play the game she loves
Based on a true story (the Shue family), offering real historical context about women's sports pre-Title IX expansion
Models determination and advocacy—Gracie doesn't take no for an answer and inspires change
Explores grief and family dynamics in a sports context, showing how loss can fuel purpose
Could spark meaningful conversations about how far women's sports have come (and how far they still need to go)

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What to Watch For

The brother's death is the inciting incident—expect grief, mourning, and family tension throughout
Set in 1978, so expect period-appropriate sexism and dismissive attitudes toward women athletes (that's kind of the point, but still)
It's a 2007 indie sports drama, so pacing may feel slow and production values modest by modern standards
Mixed reviews suggest it's more 'worthy message movie' than 'compelling cinema'—your mileage may vary

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think it was so hard for girls to play on boys' teams back then? What's changed since 1978?"
"How do you think Gracie's grief over her brother affected her determination to play soccer?"
"Have you ever had to fight for something you believed in when people told you no? How did that feel?"
"What would you do if your school or team had rules you thought were unfair?"
"Do you think there are still barriers for girls in sports today? What are they?"

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