Superintelligence

Superintelligence

movie

PG, 2020

WISE
45%

WISE Score

30

Avg. Tomatometer

An all-powerful AI voiced by James Corden threatens to wipe out Earth unless Melissa McCarthy can mend things with her ex-boyfriend.

IMDb5.5
RT Critics30%
MC41
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

An intriguing sci-fi hook — a godlike AI observing an average human to decide Earth's fate — gets bogged down in standard romantic comedy tropes. Melissa McCarthy works hard to lift the material with her usual physical energy, but the movie constantly retreats from its tech premise to focus on a predictable second-chance relationship story.

For families with middle schoolers, it works fine as low-stakes background movie night filler. Just don't expect clever satire about modern artificial intelligence or memorable comedy bits.

Age Fit

Best suited for kids around 11 or 12 who can handle mild sexual double-entendres and brief swearing. Older teens will likely find the comedic beats predictable and the sci-fi elements surface-level.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
58

Anchored by themes of empathy and human connection saving the day, though balanced out by physical slapstick, mild sexual double-entendres, and profanity.

Imaginative
42

The core hook of an omnipotent AI studying an average person starts with potential, but quickly devolves into predictable romantic comedy formulas.

Safe
75

Includes implied post-romance scenes, mild adult language, and an existential threat of global destruction, though the tone remains strictly comedic and light.

Enriching
38

Offers brief glimpses into questions about human worth and technology ethics, but doesn't engage deeply enough with them to leave a lasting impression.

Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great

  • Melissa McCarthy's physical comedy delivers a few genuine laughs if your kids enjoy classic slapstick and broad humor.
  • A core message about empathy framing human messiness and emotional connection as things worth saving.
  • Easy conversational bridge for discussing how AI is portrayed in movies versus how algorithms actually operate.
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What to Watch For

  • Mild sexual jokes and innuendo, including implied off-screen romance and banter about adult relationships.
  • Global apocalyptic threats treated with a breezy, flippant tone that might feel confusing if taken literally.
  • Slow middle stretch where the sci-fi stakes get put on hold for standard date-movie routines.

Conversation Starters

  • "If an AI were observing human behavior today, what is one weird habit we have that would confuse it the most?"
  • "Why do you think Carol's effort to reconnect with her ex was enough to convince the AI that people are worth keeping around?"
  • "Would you want an AI assistant that speaks in your favorite celebrity's voice, or does that feel intrusive?"

Deep Dive

A High-Concept Premise Trapped in a Dated Formula

On paper, Superintelligence has a setup that fits right into modern family conversations: what happens when artificial intelligence gets powerful enough to sit in judgment of humanity? Having the AI adopt James Corden's voice because the protagonist is obsessed with him is a fun meta-joke, but the film abandons its tech satire early on to run through standard date-movie routines.

If you want a film that prompts real thinking about artificial intelligence, this misses the target. The AI functions less like actual machine learning and more like a magical genie with access to the internet. Kids who use real-world AI tools every day will quickly notice how fake the technology feels on screen.

It isn't terrible or offensive, just uninspired. If your middle schooler loves Melissa McCarthy's slapstick, you will catch a few fun sight gags, but better family comedies are streaming right now.

What Parents Ask

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