Spare Parts

Spare Parts

movie

PG-13, 2015

WISE
79%

WISE Score

58

Avg. Tomatometer

Undocumented high schoolers build a robot from car parts and take on MIT—based on a true story that'll make you believe in STEM miracles.

IMDb7.3
RT Critics58%
MC50
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Where-to-watch data byJustWatch
Screenwise Verdict

Spare Parts is the kind of movie that makes you want to sign your kid up for robotics club immediately. It's got heart, real STEM content, and a genuinely inspiring true story about kids who had every reason to give up but didn't.

The critics were lukewarm (58%) because, let's be honest, it follows the inspirational-teacher-underdog-sports-movie playbook pretty closely. But audiences loved it (82%), and that gap tells you something: this movie works emotionally even if it's not reinventing cinema. The 7.2 IMDb rating is solid.

It's a 2015 feel-good movie, which means it's earnest, a little slow, and won't blow anyone away with flashy editing. Modern kids raised on faster-paced content might need a nudge to stick with it. But if they do? They'll learn about robotics, immigration, perseverance, and what it means to bet on yourself when no one else will.

Great for families who want STEM inspiration with substance, and who are ready to have real conversations about opportunity, documentation, and what 'merit' actually means in America. Just don't expect Spielberg-level filmmaking—expect a solid, heartfelt story that'll make you root for the kids.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-16 who are curious about STEM, underdog stories, or real-world problem-solving. Younger kids might get bored; older teens might find it a bit earnest and predictable, though the true story still lands.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82

Models perseverance, teamwork, and mentorship in a genuinely uplifting way. Four undocumented students work with a supportive teacher to achieve something remarkable despite systemic barriers. The tone is earnest and positive, focusing on cooperation and determination. Avoids cheap sentiment while celebrating real achievement and community support.

Imaginative
78

Centers on hands-on robotics engineering and creative problem-solving with limited resources. The premise of building a competitive robot from $800 and scavenged car parts showcases resourcefulness and STEM innovation. While it's a true story (which constrains creative liberties), it inspires viewers to think about what's possible with ingenuity rather than money.

Safe
88

Common Sense Media rates it 11+, suggesting minimal content concerns. Based on a true story about high school robotics competition, unlikely to contain graphic violence, sexual content, or major trigger warnings. The main tensions are academic/competitive pressure and immigration status anxiety, which are handled sensitively. No indication of gore, nudity, or shocking content.

Enriching
85

Strong STEM education value paired with themes of perseverance, immigration, mentorship, and overcoming socioeconomic barriers. Audiences learn about robotics, engineering, and the real-world impact of believing in yourself. The 82% RT audience score and 7.2 IMDb rating suggest it resonates emotionally. Provides meaningful conversation starters about equity, education access, and the immigrant experience.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Genuine STEM inspiration—kids see real engineering problem-solving and resourcefulness in action, not Hollywood magic
  • Humanizes the immigration experience without being preachy; these are just kids trying to learn and compete
  • Strong mentorship model: a teacher who actually shows up and believes in students who've been written off
  • Based on a true story that's legitimately remarkable—underdogs beating MIT isn't fiction
  • Celebrates teamwork, persistence, and community support in a way that feels earned, not saccharine
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What to Watch For

  • Immigration themes include anxiety about undocumented status and limited opportunities—great for discussion but may be heavy for sensitive kids
  • Classic 2015 inspirational movie pacing—it's earnest and a bit slow by Marvel-era standards; some kids may find it draggy
  • The 58% critic score reflects 'formulaic feel-good movie' concerns—it hits familiar beats, so don't expect groundbreaking cinema
  • May prompt questions about college access, documentation status, and systemic barriers—be ready to talk

Conversation Starters

  • "What would you build if you only had $800 and access to a junkyard?"
  • "Why do you think the students wanted to compete even when everyone said they couldn't win?"
  • "What does it mean that some kids can't go to college even if they're really smart? How does that feel fair or unfair?"
  • "If you were their teacher, how would you have helped them?"
  • "What's the coolest thing you've ever built or made with your hands?"
Stills
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