Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

The Age of Adaline has a genuinely compelling premise—what if you stopped aging and had to watch the world move on without you?—but the execution is frustratingly safe and conventional. Critics weren't impressed (55% RT), but audiences liked it well enough (67% RT, 7.2 IMDb), which tells you this is a perfectly pleasant movie that won't blow anyone's mind.

For teens 13+, it's a solid pick if they're into romantic dramas and can handle some heavy themes around mortality and loneliness. Blake Lively is watchable, the costumes are pretty, and there's enough emotional substance to spark good conversations about what makes life meaningful and whether connection is worth the risk of loss.

That said, it's slow, predictable, and doesn't fully capitalize on its own interesting concept. It's more interested in being a romance than a thought-provoking fantasy. If your teen is expecting something mind-bending or action-packed, they'll be disappointed. But for a cozy movie night with some depth? It'll do just fine.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17, especially teens who enjoy romantic dramas and can handle contemplative pacing. Adults might find it pleasant but forgettable. Younger kids would be bored, and the romantic content isn't appropriate for them anyway.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

A romantic drama that centers on meaningful relationships and emotional authenticity. The protagonist navigates complex family dynamics and the fear of connection with genuine emotional depth. Models thoughtful decision-making about relationships and the value of vulnerability, though some themes around isolation and loss may be heavy for younger viewers. The pacing is measured and contemplative rather than chaotic.

Imaginative

68

The central premise—a woman who stops aging after an accident—offers a fantastical 'what if' scenario that invites contemplation about time, mortality, and identity. However, the film leans heavily on romance genre conventions rather than deeply exploring the imaginative possibilities of its concept. It's more contemplative than actively creative or exploratory in execution.

Safe

75

Common Sense Media rates it for age 13+, suggesting some mature romantic content but nothing extreme. The PG-13 rating typically indicates mild language, some kissing/romance, and potentially brief sensuality. No indication of graphic violence, gore, or shocking content. The emotional themes around loneliness and loss could be heavy but aren't traumatic. Romantic content is likely tasteful given the film's tone and middling critical reception suggesting it's fairly conventional.

Enriching

58

The premise invites reflection on mortality, the passage of time, identity, and what it means to truly live versus merely exist. Themes around family relationships, fear of loss, and choosing connection over safety offer some depth. However, the 55% Rotten Tomatoes critic score and 51 Metacritic rating suggest the execution is middling—likely more focused on romance than meaningful philosophical exploration. It's watchable entertainment with some substance, but not particularly illuminating.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The 'what if you couldn't age' premise is genuinely interesting and invites teens to think about mortality, identity, and what makes life meaningful
Blake Lively carries the film with emotional authenticity, and the romantic storyline is earnest without being overly saccharine
Explores themes of fear versus connection, and whether protecting yourself from loss is worth the isolation—solid discussion material for older teens
Visually polished and the period costume/setting changes across decades are well-executed
Audience scores (67% RT, 7.2 IMDb) suggest it's more enjoyable than critics gave it credit for—solid date-night-with-your-teen material

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What to Watch For

Romantic content appropriate for teens 13+ but includes kissing and likely some sensual moments—not explicit but present
Themes around death, loss of loved ones, and profound loneliness could be emotionally heavy for sensitive viewers
Critics found it derivative and predictable (55% RT, 51 Metacritic)—it's a perfectly fine movie but don't expect anything groundbreaking
The pacing is slow and contemplative, which might bore younger teens expecting action or comedy

Conversation Starters

"If you could stop aging at any age, would you want to? What would be the hardest part about watching everyone you love grow old?"
"Adaline keeps her secret for decades—do you think that was the right choice, or would you have handled it differently?"
"The movie explores whether it's worth risking heartbreak to have real connection. What do you think—is love worth the pain of eventual loss?"
"If you had to live for over a century, how do you think your sense of identity would change? Would you still be 'you'?"

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