Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a perfectly fine animated adventure that takes the Gremlins IP and makes it kid-friendly. Critics loved it, which means it's well-crafted, but that IMDb 6.9 tells the real story: it's good, not great.

The 1920s Shanghai setting is a nice touch, and having kid protagonists on a "return the magical creature home" quest is classic adventure storytelling. It's wholesome enough, imaginative enough, and designed for the 7-10 crowd who want something with a bit more edge than Bluey but aren't ready for anime fight sequences.

The elephant in the room: the original Gremlins movies were legit scary. This animated prequel is explicitly designed to be gentler, but it's still Gremlins—expect some chaos, mild peril, and mischievous moments. If your kid handles typical animated action (think Avatar: The Last Airbender lite), they'll be fine.

Bottom line: It's a solid choice for elementary-aged kids who want adventure with a bit of attitude. Just don't expect it to become anyone's favorite show—it's more "yeah, that was pretty good" than "we need to rewatch this immediately."

Age Fit

Common Sense Media says 8+, which feels right—younger elementary kids who can handle mild cartoon peril and some mischief. Teens will likely find it too young unless they're nostalgic Gremlins fans or animation enthusiasts.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Set in 1920s Shanghai with child protagonists (ages 10 and 12) on an adventure to return Gizmo home. The premise centers on responsibility and helping a creature get back to safety, which models caring behavior. As an animated prequel to the Gremlins franchise, it's designed for younger audiences than the original films. However, the Gremlins IP inherently involves some mischief and chaos, so pacing may lean chaotic at times. Common Sense Media's age 8+ rating suggests generally appropriate emotional content.

Imaginative

78

Strong imaginative elements with the fantastical Valley of Jade setting, magical Mogwai creatures, and 1920s Shanghai backdrop. The adventure-quest structure (returning Gizmo home) invites exploration and world-building. The Gremlins universe has always been creative and whimsical, and an animated series allows for more visual imagination than live-action. The prequel angle adds lore and origin-story curiosity to a beloved franchise.

Safe

68

Common Sense Media rates it 8+, suggesting age-appropriate content for elementary-aged kids. Available on HBO Max with kids mode, which is a positive signal. The original Gremlins films were notably scary and violent for their time, but this animated prequel appears designed for younger viewers. That said, Gremlins by nature involve some peril, mischief, and likely mild cartoon violence. Without detailed content warnings, there's some uncertainty about jump scares or intense sequences that could surprise younger viewers. The franchise DNA suggests some chaos and potential scary moments.

Enriching

70

Adventure-quest narrative with child protagonists taking responsibility for a creature's welfare teaches empathy and follow-through. The 1920s Shanghai setting offers historical and cultural exposure, though execution quality is unknown. The journey home structure provides narrative arc and problem-solving. IMDb 6.9 and Metacritic 78 suggest decent quality, while RT 100% (critics) indicates professional polish. However, as a franchise prequel, it's primarily entertainment-focused rather than deeply educational. Skills in friendship, cultural awareness, and responsibility are likely present but not groundbreaking.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Critics loved it (100% on RT, 78 Metacritic)—it's polished and well-made animation
Child protagonists on a responsibility-driven quest teach empathy and follow-through
1920s Shanghai setting adds cultural flavor and historical context without being preachy
Expands Gremlins lore for fans while being accessible to newcomers
HBO Max kids mode available, so it's designed with younger viewers in mind

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What to Watch For

Gremlins franchise means some chaos, peril, and likely cartoon action—preview first if your kid scares easily
IMDb 6.9 suggests it's fine but not blow-your-mind amazing; kids may lose interest between episodes
The original Gremlins films were nightmare fuel for '80s kids—this is tamer, but the DNA is still there

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it would be like to take care of a magical creature like Gizmo?"
"Why do you think Sam and Elle decided to help Gizmo get home instead of keeping him?"
"What was the coolest thing about 1920s Shanghai in the show?"
"If you found a Mogwai, what rules would you follow to keep it safe?"

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Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai