Ride On – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Ride On

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023

65%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Jackie Chan and a stunt horse go viral in this formulaic but sweet action-comedy about family, debt, and one very good boy (who's actually a horse).

64%

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Ride On

movie

PG, 2023

65%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Jackie Chan and a stunt horse go viral in this formulaic but sweet action-comedy about family, debt, and one very good boy (who's actually a horse).

64%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is Jackie Chan doing what Jackie Chan does—physical comedy, heart, and a horse. It's not going to win awards for originality (Metacritic's 50 tells you critics found it middling), but families looking for a gentle, feel-good adventure will find it perfectly serviceable.

The formula is familiar: aging performer, estranged family, viral video saves the day. But Chan's charisma and the genuine sweetness of the horse storyline elevate it above pure schmaltz. Yes, there's a fart joke. Yes, there's a cringe costume moment. But there's also a real message about showing up for the ones you love—human or equine.

It's not essential viewing, but if you need something safe, warm, and mildly entertaining for a family movie night with 10-year-olds, you could do a lot worse. Just don't expect Pixar-level depth or innovation.

Age Fit

Best for kids 10+ who can handle mild threat and some emotional family drama. Younger Jackie Chan fans (8-9) could watch with parents ready to discuss the scary debt collector scenes and that one discrimination joke. Teens might find it a bit formulaic but could enjoy it as a nostalgic Chan vehicle.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A sweet-natured family film about an aging stuntman reconnecting with his estranged daughter while trying to save his beloved horse. Models responsibility, perseverance, and caring for animals. The emotional core—confronting aging, debt, and family estrangement—offers genuine heart without being preachy. Mild slapstick violence is stylized and comedic in classic Jackie Chan fashion. One brief discrimination moment (Native American costume joke) and a horse-fart gag keep it from scoring higher, but overall tone is kind and age-appropriate.

Imaginative

This is a formula-driven action-comedy that leans heavily on Jackie Chan's established physical comedy style rather than breaking new ground. The premise—viral video saves the day—feels a bit paint-by-numbers. While the horse-stunt sequences offer some visual creativity and Chan's charisma shines, critics noted it follows a familiar template. It's competent but not particularly original or thought-provoking. Doesn't invite creative expression or exploration beyond passive viewing.

Safe

BBFC rates it PG with mild violence (stylized martial arts), mild threat (debt collectors threatening to take the horse), very mild profanity ('hell'), and brief discrimination (costume joke). No nudity, sex, drugs, or graphic content. IMDb parental guide reports 'none' for most categories except 'some emotional parts.' The threat to the horse and tear-jerker moments might be intense for very young or sensitive kids, but nothing shocking or inappropriate. A few teachable moments around the discrimination element, but overall very family-safe for the 10+ crowd.

Enriching

Offers solid messages about family reconciliation, taking responsibility, caring for animals, and perseverance through hard times. Jackie Chan's character confronting aging and financial struggles provides some real-world grounding. However, the film prioritizes feel-good entertainment over deeper exploration—it's a 'sentimental but fun' ride that won't challenge viewers much. Introduces younger audiences to Chan's physical comedy legacy, which has cultural value, but doesn't offer substantial skill-building or cognitive growth. Entertaining with modest life lessons.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Classic Jackie Chan physical comedy introduces younger viewers to his legendary stunt work in a family-friendly package
Genuine heart in the father-daughter reconciliation story, with messages about responsibility and caring for animals
Light, feel-good tone makes it an easy watch for families looking for uncomplicated entertainment
The horse is legitimately charming and the bond between stuntman and animal is sweet
Decent ratings across the board (77% audience on RT, 6.3 IMDb) suggest it delivers what it promises

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What to Watch For

Brief discrimination joke (Native American costume) that warrants a quick conversation
Mild threat when debt collectors come for the horse—sensitive kids might find this upsetting
A few tear-jerker moments around aging and family estrangement that could hit emotional kids hard
Horse-fart humor if you're trying to avoid that level of comedy

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the stuntman's relationship with his horse is so important to him?"
"What would you do if you had to help save something (or someone) you really cared about?"
"The movie shows how something embarrassing (fighting debt collectors) became popular online—have you ever seen something go viral? Why do you think people share certain videos?"
"How do you think the daughter felt about her dad at the beginning versus the end?"

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