Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2020

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Presidential history through a rock & roll lens—fascinating for adults, likely a snooze-fest for most kids.

7.6/10

95%

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Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

movie

18A, 2020

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Presidential history through a rock & roll lens—fascinating for adults, likely a snooze-fest for most kids.

7.6

95%

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7.6/10

95%

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: this is a well-made, critically-acclaimed documentary that adults will find fascinating. The premise—Jimmy Carter's presidency through the lens of his relationships with rock stars—is genuinely interesting.

But let's be honest about who's actually going to watch this. If you have a high schooler taking AP US History or a kid who's really into politics or classic rock, this could be a great watch. For everyone else? It's a documentary with talking heads discussing 1970s politics. That's not exactly TikTok-level engagement.

The WISE scores are solid—it's safe, wholesome, and enriching for the right audience. But the watchability factor for most kids is low. This isn't a family movie night pick unless your family's idea of fun is C-SPAN with a guitar soundtrack.

If you're looking for something educational that won't put your teen to sleep, this works better as a "watch this for your history project" recommendation than a "let's all gather around" experience.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media says 10+, but realistically this is for teens 14+ who have a genuine interest in history, politics, or 1970s music. Younger kids will check out fast—this isn't Schoolhouse Rock.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary presents a respectful, humanizing portrait of a political figure through the lens of music and cultural connection. Models civility, service, and the power of art to bridge divides. Tone is earnest and positive without being preachy.

Imaginative

While the documentary offers an interesting angle on presidential history through music, it's fundamentally a talking-heads retrospective rather than something that sparks creative thinking or exploration. The connection between Carter and rock music is novel but doesn't invite much active engagement or imagination from viewers.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 10+. Documentary format with historical footage and interviews. No concerning content, violence, or inappropriate material. The 1970s music and political context is all family-friendly. High safety score for a straightforward, educational documentary.

Enriching

Strong educational value about American history, the intersection of politics and culture, and how authenticity can resonate across different spheres. Excellent critics scores (95% RT, 73 Metacritic) suggest substantive content. Offers perspective on civic engagement and the humanizing power of art. However, entertainment value for younger audiences is limited.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Unique angle on American history that shows how culture and politics intersect in unexpected ways
Humanizes a political figure through his genuine love of music—models authenticity and staying true to yourself
Great for older kids interested in history, civics, or music who can appreciate a slower documentary format
High critical acclaim (95% on Rotten Tomatoes) suggests quality filmmaking and storytelling
Could spark interest in both 1970s music and political engagement

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What to Watch For

This is a talking-heads documentary, not a music video—expect lots of interviews and archival footage, which will bore younger viewers
The 1970s political context requires some background knowledge to fully appreciate
Best suited for kids already interested in history or politics, not as general entertainment

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think music helped Jimmy Carter connect with voters? What does your favorite music say about you?"
"Do you think politicians today use music and pop culture the same way? How is it different now?"
"What surprised you about seeing a president as just a regular person who loves music?"
"If you were running for class president, what would your campaign song be and why?"

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