Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

78%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

The engineers behind the moon landing finally get their spotlight—nerdy, earnest, and genuinely inspiring if you're into space stuff.

100%

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Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo

movie

NR, 2017

78%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

The engineers behind the moon landing finally get their spotlight—nerdy, earnest, and genuinely inspiring if you're into space stuff.

100%

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100%

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: if your kid is space-obsessed or loves engineering, this is gold. It's a well-made documentary that finally gives credit to the nerds in the room who made moon landings possible. The 100% critic score isn't a fluke—it's genuinely compelling storytelling.

But let's be real: it's still a documentary. There are no explosions, no CGI, just engineers talking about slide rules and mission protocols. For the right kid, this is fascinating. For others, it'll feel like homework. The 2017 production keeps it from feeling too dated, but it's not exactly TikTok-paced entertainment.

The WISE scores are strong across the board—wholesome teamwork, enriching STEM content, totally safe. The only reason the overall score isn't higher is that watchability depends heavily on whether your kid actually cares about this stuff. If they do? This is a fantastic choice. If they don't? You'll be watching alone while they scroll Roblox on the couch next to you.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who are genuinely interested in space, science, or history. Younger kids will struggle with the documentary format and technical content. Teens and adults who love space exploration will also appreciate it—this isn't just 'educational content,' it's legitimately good storytelling about real heroes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary celebrating teamwork, dedication, and cooperation among NASA engineers and flight controllers. Models professional collaboration and perseverance without cynicism or manufactured drama. Respectful tone throughout, honoring real people who accomplished extraordinary things through collective effort.

Imaginative

While a historical documentary rather than fiction, it captures the wonder of space exploration and human ingenuity. Shows creative problem-solving under pressure (Apollo 13 scenarios) and invites curiosity about engineering, science, and what humans can accomplish. However, it's more educational than imaginative in the creative sense—it documents rather than invents.

Safe

Extremely safe content—it's a straightforward documentary about NASA engineers. No violence, no scary content, no inappropriate material. Common Sense Media rates it for age 10+, likely due to technical complexity rather than content concerns. The only tension comes from historical mission challenges (Apollo 13), presented in a matter-of-fact documentary style without dramatization.

Enriching

Highly educational, offering insight into real STEM careers, problem-solving, and one of humanity's greatest achievements. Strong ratings (100% RT critics, 7.5 IMDb) suggest quality storytelling. Builds empathy for the unsung heroes behind famous astronauts and provides historical perspective on the space race. However, as a documentary, entertainment value may vary by interest level—space enthusiasts will be riveted, others may find it dry.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Perfect for STEM-interested kids who want to see real engineering heroes in action, not just astronauts
Shows authentic problem-solving and teamwork under pressure—these folks literally saved Apollo 13 with slide rules and determination
2017 production means decent pacing and archival footage that doesn't feel ancient (unlike actual Apollo-era documentaries)
100% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics—it's well-made and respectful without being boring hagiography
Celebrates unsung heroes and shows that you don't need to be in the spotlight to change the world

⚠

What to Watch For

It's a documentary, which means talking heads and archival footage—not exactly Marvel-level entertainment for kids expecting action
Technical jargon and mission control procedures may fly over younger viewers' heads
Best watched with a parent who can pause and explain context, especially if kids don't know Apollo history
Some kids will find this absolutely riveting; others will be checking their phones within 10 minutes—know your audience

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it would feel like to be responsible for keeping astronauts alive from the ground?"
"The movie shows how these engineers solved problems without computers like we have now—how would you figure out math for a moon landing?"
"Why do you think the astronauts got famous but these mission control people didn't? Is that fair?"
"Would you rather be an astronaut in space or an engineer in mission control? Why?"

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