Scorpion King: Book of Souls – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Scorpion King: Book of Souls

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

28%

WISE Score

4.6

IMDb

The fifth direct-to-video Scorpion King movie nobody asked for—low-budget fantasy that even die-hard fans struggle to defend.

4.6/10

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Scorpion King: Book of Souls

movie

PG-13, 2018

28%

WISE Score

4.6

IMDb

The fifth direct-to-video Scorpion King movie nobody asked for—low-budget fantasy that even die-hard fans struggle to defend.

4.6

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4.6/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, I'll be straight with you: this is the fifth direct-to-video Scorpion King movie, and the franchise was already running on fumes by number three. The ratings tell the whole story—4.6 on IMDb, 1.9 out of 5 on Letterboxd. That Letterboxd score is brutal and earned.

The premise is fine (magical book, evil warlord, warrior team-up), but the execution is bargain-basement. If your teen is somehow a completist for this franchise or desperate for any fantasy content, it won't traumatize them. But there's literally no reason to choose this over better options.

Pass on this one. Life's too short for direct-to-video sequel number five.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media suggests 13+, which tracks for the fantasy violence. But honestly, even teens deserve better—there are dozens of superior fantasy action films that won't feel like homework.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Fifth installment in a direct-to-video franchise shows generic action-adventure tone with fantasy violence. While it features a female warrior partnership, the overall execution is thin and lacks meaningful character development or positive modeling. Pacing is uneven and production quality is noticeably low-budget.

Imaginative

Generic fantasy quest plot (find magical artifact, defeat evil warlord) with no original ideas. The Book of Souls concept is standard fantasy fare. No creative spark or world-building that would inspire curiosity or imaginative play. Feels like a paint-by-numbers action fantasy.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, suggesting moderate fantasy violence typical of the action-adventure genre. No indicators of graphic content, but expect sword fights, combat, and peril consistent with the Scorpion King franchise. The low IMDb (4.6) and Letterboxd (1.9) scores suggest poor execution rather than content concerns.

Enriching

Extremely low critical reception (IMDb 4.6/10, Letterboxd 1.9/5) indicates minimal entertainment or educational value. Direct-to-video quality with no notable creatives, awards, or meaningful themes. Offers no skill-building, ethical insight, or cognitive growth. Pure low-budget action filler.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Features a female warrior co-lead (Tala) in an action role, which is something
Inoffensive fantasy violence for teens who've exhausted better options
Short enough that you won't lose too much of your life if curiosity wins

⚠

What to Watch For

Expect sword fights, combat, and fantasy peril appropriate for 13+
Production quality is noticeably cheap—think SyFy original movie vibes
The 1.9/5 Letterboxd rating isn't a typo; this is genuinely hard to sit through
Your teen will likely ask to turn it off within 20 minutes

Conversation Starters

"What makes a good action movie versus one that just goes through the motions?"
"Have you seen any fantasy quests that felt more original than this?"
"Why do you think some franchises keep making sequels even when quality drops?"

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