The Guilt Trip – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Guilt Trip

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2012

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen road-trip through awkward mother-son bonding—and even more awkward reviews.

35%

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The Guilt Trip

movie

PG-13, 2012

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen road-trip through awkward mother-son bonding—and even more awkward reviews.

35%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is one of those movies where the concept sounds cute—Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand as son and overbearing Jewish mother on a cross-country road trip! What could go wrong?

Apparently, a lot. With a 35% critic score and 39% audience score, this isn't just 'critics were harsh'—regular people didn't like it either. The 5.8 IMDb rating and 2.6/5 on Letterboxd tell the same story: this is mediocre at best.

The wholesome family themes are there, sure, but they're wrapped in a package that's just not that entertaining. It's not offensive or harmful, but it's also not particularly funny, insightful, or memorable. There are dozens of better options for family bonding content that will actually hold your kids' attention.

If you're a huge Barbra Streisand fan or you're looking for something extremely mild to watch with your own mother, go for it. Otherwise, this is a skip.

Age Fit

Common Sense says 13+, which feels right for the mild adult themes and humor. But honestly, even teens might find this boring—it's more of a 'watch with your actual mom if she's into Barbra Streisand' situation than a 'fun teen movie night' pick.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A road-trip comedy about a mother-son relationship that explores family dynamics, reconciliation, and understanding across generations. The premise models spending time with aging parents and working through interpersonal challenges. However, the film's humor relies on tension and guilt-based dynamics that, while realistic, aren't always the healthiest emotional modeling. No major toxicity or mean-spiritedness.

Imaginative

A fairly conventional road-trip comedy with a predictable premise (inventor trying to sell his product while bonding with mom). No particular creative risks, unique storytelling approaches, or world-building that would spark curiosity or creative thinking. The 'invention' plot device is present but not explored in ways that inspire innovation or problem-solving.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, suggesting some mild adult themes but nothing shocking or traumatic. No violence, gore, or sexual content that would surprise a viewer. The main 'unsafe' elements are likely some awkward adult conversations and mild language typical of PG-13 comedies. No sudden trauma or disturbing imagery.

Enriching

Limited takeaways beyond 'appreciate your parents' and 'communication matters.' The low critical scores (35% RT critics, 39% audience, 5.8 IMDb) suggest the execution doesn't deliver meaningful insights or memorable moments. While there's potential for conversations about family relationships, the film doesn't appear to explore these themes with depth or nuance that would make it truly enriching.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stars two powerhouse performers (Streisand and Rogen) who have genuine chemistry despite the age gap
Explores realistic family dynamics—the push-pull of adult children and their parents
Could spark conversations about appreciating parents before it's too late
Inoffensive enough for family viewing without shocking content

⚠

What to Watch For

Universally weak reviews suggest this is a slog—35% on RT means critics really didn't like it
The 'guilt trip' premise means lots of cringe-inducing nagging and passive-aggressive moments
Some adult humor and awkward conversations that might go over younger kids' heads
At 13 years old, the comedy style may feel dated to modern viewers

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt like someone in our family nags too much? What's the difference between caring and annoying?"
"If we took a road trip together, where would you want to go?"
"Do you think it's important to spend time with family even when it's uncomfortable?"
"What would you invent if you could create any product?"

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