Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Meet the Robinsons is that mid-tier Disney film that absolutely deserves more credit than it got. The 'keep moving forward' mantra isn't just a throwaway line—it's baked into the entire story, and it's genuinely one of the better growth mindset messages in kids' media without being preachy.

The adoption/orphanage storyline is handled with real sensitivity and heart. It doesn't shy away from Lewis feeling abandoned, but it also doesn't wallow in it. The resolution is satisfying without being saccharine.

Visually, it holds up surprisingly well for 2007. The future world is creative and fun, the Robinson family is delightfully weird, and the pacing keeps things moving. It's not Pixar-level, but it's solidly entertaining and doesn't feel like a chore to watch with your kids.

The time travel plot gets a little convoluted, and the villain is more goofy than threatening, but honestly? That's fine. This is a movie about a kid inventor learning to believe in himself and finding his family, and it nails that landing.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12. Younger kids will enjoy the visual creativity and humor, while older elementary kids will connect more deeply with the growth mindset themes and emotional arc. Tweens might find it a bit young but the message still resonates.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Emotionally healthy core message about perseverance, family, and embracing failure as part of success. Models kindness, cooperation, and acceptance across the Robinson family dynamic. The adoption/orphanage storyline is handled sensitively with a positive resolution. Some mild peril but overall tone is uplifting and optimistic.

Imaginative

92

Time travel premise with wildly creative future inventions and quirky Robinson family designs. Encourages problem-solving through invention and celebrates thinking differently. The 'keep moving forward' mantra explicitly promotes curiosity and persistence. Visually inventive with memorable futuristic gadgets and settings that inspire wonder.

Safe

85

G-rated Disney film with no inappropriate content. Some mild villain peril (Bowler Hat Guy and DOR-15) but nothing genuinely scary. The emotional weight of abandonment/adoption is handled gently without being traumatic. No violence beyond cartoon slapstick. Common Sense Media rates it 7+, which feels appropriate for the emotional themes rather than content concerns.

Enriching

86

Strong growth mindset messaging with 'keep moving forward' as the central thesis—explicitly celebrates learning from failure. Explores themes of family (chosen and biological), persistence, and self-belief. The inventor protagonist models problem-solving and resilience. Emotional intelligence around processing abandonment and finding belonging. Genuinely entertaining with heart.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The 'keep moving forward' message is genuinely powerful—teaches kids that failure is part of the process, not the end
Wildly creative future world with inventive gadgets and a delightfully weird Robinson family that celebrates being different
Handles adoption and belonging themes with real heart without being manipulative or heavy-handed
Still holds up visually and narratively—doesn't feel painfully dated like some mid-2000s CGI films
Solid entertainment value with humor that works for kids and parents

⚠

What to Watch For

The orphanage/abandonment storyline hits emotional notes that sensitive kids might need to talk through
Some mild peril with the villain and his robot hat—nothing nightmare-inducing but younger kids might find it tense
The time travel plot gets a bit twisty in the third act—younger viewers might lose the thread but won't care

Conversation Starters

"Lewis keeps failing at his inventions—what's something you've failed at that helped you learn?"
"The Robinsons celebrate failures by yelling 'You failed!' and high-fiving. How does your family handle mistakes?"
"If you could invent a time machine, would you want to see the past or the future? What would you want to know?"
"Lewis feels like he doesn't belong anywhere—have you ever felt like that? What helped?"
"What does 'keep moving forward' mean to you?"

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