Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, I'll be straight with you: this movie bombed for a reason. With a Metacritic score of 22, a 1.7 on Letterboxd, and Roger Ebert calling it 'borderline incomprehensible,' Max Steel is the kind of film that makes you wonder how it got greenlit.

The good news? It's relatively safe—PG-13 action violence without gore, one mild swear word, and some themes about family loss that could actually be meaningful if the movie weren't so muddled. Common Sense Media says 10+, which tracks.

The bad news? It's boring. Critics describe it as 'forgettable,' 'bland,' and 'unfunny.' The plot is confusing, the pacing drags, and even kids in the target demographic will likely check their phones. If your tween is desperate for superhero content and has literally exhausted every Marvel, DC, and animated option, then sure, this exists. But there are about 47 better ways to spend 90 minutes.

It's not offensively bad—just aggressively mediocre in a way that makes you appreciate how hard it is to make a good superhero movie.

Age Fit

Best for 10-13 year olds who specifically want superhero content and aren't picky about quality. Younger kids may find it confusing or scary; older teens will recognize it as the critical flop it is.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

55

The film promotes some positive themes—teamwork between Max and Steel, dealing with the loss of a parent, and communication with family. However, the execution is so bland and confusing that these messages get lost in repetitive action sequences. The humor from Steel's sarcasm is mild but the overall tone feels emotionally flat rather than genuinely heartwarming or engaging.

Imaginative

38

Built on a toy line and animated series, the concept of a teen harnessing alien energy could be creative, but critics universally describe it as 'borderline incomprehensible,' 'forgettable,' and 'bland.' The world-building is muddled, the pacing repetitive, and the story lacks the spark that makes superhero origin stories compelling. It doesn't invite curiosity or wonder—just confusion.

Safe

72

PG-13 for sci-fi action violence with energy blasts, explosions, and near-explosion scenes. Common Sense Media rates it 10+, Dove gives it 12+. Violence is present but not graphic—no blood or gore. One light obscenity total. The action may be intense for sensitive younger kids but is standard superhero fare without shocking content or mature themes beyond the violence.

Enriching

32

While there are themes about coping with loss and responsibility, the film is too poorly executed to deliver meaningful takeaways. Roger Ebert calls it 'bland,' Common Sense Media says it's 'forgettable and unfunny,' and with a Metacritic score of 22, it's clear this doesn't offer cognitive growth or genuine entertainment. Kids won't learn much or be particularly engaged.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Safe superhero action for 10-12 year olds who want PG-13 thrills without blood or mature content
Explores themes of loss and family communication that could spark conversation about grief
Steel's sarcastic alien sidekick provides mild humor without offensive language
Short enough (under 2 hours) that you won't lose an entire afternoon to it

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What to Watch For

Frequent energy-blast fights and explosions that may be intense for sensitive kids under 10
Plot is confusing and repetitive—even adults will struggle to follow what's happening
With a Metacritic score of 22 and universally poor reviews, manage expectations way down
Your kid might get bored rather than scared—the action is described as surprisingly dull

Conversation Starters

"Max lost his dad when he was really young. How do you think that affects the way he acts in the movie?"
"If you could have a superpower like Max's energy abilities, what would you want it to be?"
"Max and Steel have to learn to work together even though they're really different. Who's someone you've had to learn to cooperate with?"
"The movie shows Max keeping secrets from his mom. When do you think it's okay to keep secrets, and when should you tell a parent?"

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