Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a beautifully shot, well-intentioned documentary that does exactly what it sets out to do: make you appreciate aviation. The problem? It's also kind of boring.

Don't get me wrong—the cinematography is stunning, Harrison Ford's voice is soothing, and the educational content is solid. If your family loves Planet Earth-style documentaries and can handle slower pacing, this delivers. It's the kind of thing you put on during a rainy afternoon when you want something enriching but low-key.

But let's be real: most kids won't ask to watch this twice. There's no story, no characters, no tension—just a series of beautiful shots and interesting facts about how airplanes changed the world. That's fine! But it means this works best as a one-time educational experience or background viewing, not a family favorite you'll return to.

The WISE components are strong—it's wholesome, safe, and legitimately enriching. But the watchability factor for modern kids is middling. If you've got a budding engineer, geography nerd, or documentary enthusiast, go for it. Otherwise, it might be a tough sell.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media's age-7 recommendation feels right—younger kids may struggle with the pacing and lack of narrative structure, while older elementary and middle schoolers studying geography or technology will get the most out of it. Teens and adults who enjoy nature documentaries will appreciate it, but it's not appointment viewing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

85

Documentary presents aviation's impact on global connectivity with a calm, wonder-filled tone. Harrison Ford's narration and James Horner's score create an emotionally healthy, reverent atmosphere. No conflict, drama, or negative modeling—just appreciation for human achievement and global connection. The pacing is measured and contemplative rather than chaotic.

Imaginative

72

Offers a fresh lens on something ubiquitous (air travel) by reframing it as miraculous rather than mundane. Spans 18 countries and all seven continents, inviting geographic curiosity. However, it's a passive viewing experience—a documentary that presents ideas rather than one that invites active creation or problem-solving. The 'fresh perspective' angle is imaginative, but execution leans educational rather than spark-your-own-ideas creative.

Safe

95

Common Sense Media rates it for age 7+. No violence, no scary content, no inappropriate material. As a documentary about aviation and global connectivity, there's nothing that would surprise or upset a young viewer. The only minor consideration is that some aerial footage might briefly unsettle kids afraid of heights, but that's inherent to the subject matter and not gratuitous.

Enriching

78

Strong educational value about geography, technology, history, and globalization. Helps viewers understand how aviation transformed human civilization in just one century. IMDb 7.3 and RT audience 74% suggest it delivers meaningful content. However, it's a straightforward documentary—informative but not particularly deep on critical thinking or ethical dilemmas. It teaches appreciation and provides context, which is enriching, but doesn't challenge viewers to grapple with complex ideas.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stunning cinematography across all seven continents makes the world feel both vast and connected
Harrison Ford's narration and an Oscar-winning score elevate it beyond typical educational fare
Reframes something mundane (air travel) as genuinely miraculous—great for sparking gratitude and wonder
Zero scary content, conflict, or inappropriate material—pure appreciation for human achievement
Strong geography and history lessons woven naturally into the narrative

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What to Watch For

This is a contemplative, slow-burn documentary—not a fast-paced adventure. Kids expecting excitement may zone out
At about an hour long, it requires sustained attention without a narrative hook or characters to follow
Some aerial footage might briefly unsettle kids who are nervous about heights or flying

Conversation Starters

"Before airplanes, it would take months to travel around the world. How do you think that changed what people knew about other countries?"
"What's something you've eaten or owned that probably came from another country by airplane?"
"If you could fly anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?"
"The movie says we take flying for granted. What other modern things do we not appreciate enough?"

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Living in the Age of Airplanes