Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare kids' movie that actually gets what it's like to grow up with screens everywhere without being a sanctimonious lecture about 'phones bad, outside good.'

The premise is genuinely clever: in a world where every kid has a perfect AI companion that learns their preferences and connects them to friends, one awkward middle-schooler gets a defective one that can barely function. And—spoiler that's not a spoiler—the broken robot ends up teaching him more about real friendship than any algorithm could.

It's funny, it's got heart, and it doesn't talk down to kids about technology. The 94% audience score tells you everything: kids actually want to watch this, and parents can feel good about the messages around authenticity, real connection, and being yourself. At 2021, it's still fresh enough to feel current, and the animation holds up.

Is it Pixar-level genius? No. But it's a solid, entertaining watch that'll spark actual conversations about screen time, friendship, and what we're really looking for when we're scrolling. That's a win.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 7-12 crowd navigating early social media awareness and friendship drama. Older elementary and middle schoolers will especially connect with the 'everyone's online except me' anxiety, while it's accessible enough for younger siblings to enjoy the robot comedy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Models genuine friendship over digital validation, centers on an awkward middle-schooler learning social skills, and emphasizes kindness over popularity. The premise—a malfunctioning robot teaching what real friendship means—is emotionally healthy and age-appropriate. Strong audience scores (94% RT, 7.1 IMDb) suggest it resonates without being preachy or manipulative.

Imaginative

75

Takes a timely concept (social media/AI companions) and explores it through a creative lens: what if your perfect digital friend was broken? The malfunction premise invites questions about what we actually need from technology vs. real relationships. It's not groundbreaking animation territory, but it's a fresh enough take on the 'boy and his robot' trope for the social media age.

Safe

88

Common Sense Media rates it for age 8, suggesting mild content appropriate for elementary-aged kids. No MPAA rating listed but likely PG territory—animated adventure-comedy with no indicators of graphic content, scary violence, or inappropriate material. The 'social media backdrop' context suggests it handles tech themes without veering into dark territory. High audience satisfaction implies no surprise disturbing content.

Enriching

78

Directly tackles meaningful themes: authentic friendship vs. algorithmic connection, being yourself vs. curating a perfect image, and navigating middle school social dynamics. The 'journey to learn about true friendship' premise offers real emotional and ethical growth opportunities. Strong critical reception (82% RT critics) suggests it delivers substance alongside entertainment, not just empty animation calories.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Actually tackles screen time and social media in a way that's relatable without being preachy—kids get the 'everyone has a perfect digital companion except me' anxiety
Centers an awkward, lonely kid learning social skills, which is refreshingly real for a kids' movie
The malfunction premise is clever: what if the thing designed to be perfect for you was...broken? Turns out that might be better
Strong reviews across the board (94% audience on RT) suggest it's genuinely entertaining, not just educational vegetables
Timely without being dated—the themes of digital connection vs. real friendship will resonate for years

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What to Watch For

Some middle school social dynamics (exclusion, popularity pressure) that might sting for sensitive kids going through it
The movie's whole point is critiquing always-connected devices, so be ready for 'why do THEY get robot friends?' questions
Likely some mild peril/action sequences typical of animated adventure—nothing traumatic but could be intense for younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"If you had a robot that knew everything about you and did exactly what you wanted, would that actually be a good friend?"
"Barney feels left out because everyone else has these devices. Have you ever felt that way about something everyone else has?"
"Ron is 'broken' but ends up being a better friend. What makes someone a real friend vs. just someone who agrees with everything you say?"
"The movie shows how these devices know everything about kids. What do you think apps and games know about you?"

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