Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Next Gen is a decent Netflix original that tries to be Iron Giant meets Big Hero 6 but doesn't quite reach those heights. The 86% critic score vs 69% audience score tells you what you need to know—it's competently made but doesn't fully connect.

The good: It tackles real feelings of loneliness and isolation in a way that'll resonate with tweens who feel like outsiders. The robot-human friendship is genuinely sweet, and there are meaningful conversations to be had about AI, technology, and what makes relationships real.

The meh: It's action-heavy in a way that feels like it's compensating for something. The 'evil bots and scheming madman' setup is pretty paint-by-numbers. And while the emotional core is there, it doesn't quite nail the landing the way the classics do.

Bottom line: If your 10-12 year old likes animated action and you've exhausted the Pixar catalog, this is a solid rainy afternoon watch. Just don't expect it to become anyone's favorite movie. It's fine. And sometimes fine is exactly what you need.

Age Fit

This is solidly tween territory—10-13 year olds who can handle action violence and heavier emotional themes about loneliness. Younger kids will find it too intense; older teens will likely find it a bit juvenile despite the action.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

The movie centers on friendship and overcoming loneliness, with positive themes of connection and standing up to bullies. However, it involves significant action violence against robots and bots, plus a 'scheming madman' villain. The emotional tone deals with a 'lonely girl' which suggests some heavier emotional content. Models cooperation between human and robot, but the action-heavy plot and combat sequences keep it from being fully wholesome.

Imaginative

72

Animated sci-fi premise with a 'top-secret robot' and futuristic setting offers solid imaginative appeal. The friendship between human and AI is a creative concept that invites thinking about technology and relationships. However, it's largely an action-adventure framework rather than deeply exploratory or creativity-inspiring. The 'evil bots' and 'scheming madman' setup is fairly standard genre fare, not particularly original.

Safe

65

Common Sense Media rates it for age 11, suggesting moderate intensity. The synopsis promises 'bullies, evil bots and a scheming madman' with action sequences throughout. As an action-adventure, expect robot combat and destruction, though likely not graphic since it's animated. The premise of a 'lonely girl' suggests some emotional heaviness around isolation. No red flags for inappropriate content, but the action violence and emotional themes mean younger kids might find it intense or scary.

Enriching

70

Deals with meaningful themes of loneliness, friendship, and finding connection. The human-robot relationship offers opportunities to think about technology, AI, and what makes relationships meaningful. Standing up to bullies and facing challenges provides some character growth modeling. The 86% RT critic score suggests quality storytelling. However, it's primarily an action vehicle rather than deeply thought-provoking content. Entertaining but not exceptionally enriching.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong friendship story that tackles real feelings of loneliness and isolation in a relatable way
The human-AI relationship offers good conversation starters about technology, emotions, and what makes connections meaningful
Action sequences keep tweens engaged while delivering positive messages about standing up to bullies
86% critic score suggests solid storytelling and animation quality for a Netflix original
Empowering for kids who feel like outsiders—shows that being different can be your strength

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What to Watch For

Plenty of robot-on-robot violence and destruction—it's animated but still intense action throughout
The 'lonely girl' premise means there's real emotional weight here about isolation and possibly family issues
Rated for age 11 by Common Sense Media, so probably too intense for younger elementary kids
The 69% audience score (vs 86% critics) suggests it might not land for everyone—some kids may find it trying too hard

Conversation Starters

"If you could have a robot best friend, what would you want them to be like? What makes a real friend different from just a cool gadget?"
"The main character feels lonely—have you ever felt that way? What helps when you're feeling left out or alone?"
"Do you think robots or AI could ever really be friends with humans? What would that look like?"
"How did she stand up to the bullies in the movie? What are good ways to deal with bullying in real life?"

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