The Main Event

The Main Event

movie

2020, Family, Comedy

WISE
42%

WISE Score

29

Avg. Tomatometer

Kid gets magical wrestling mask, enters WWE competition—sounds fun but critics and audiences agree it's a faceplant.

IMDb4.8
RT Critics29%
MC52
TMDB6.4
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a tough one to recommend. The concept—kid finds magical wrestling mask and enters WWE competition—should work for young wrestling fans. It's safe, it's wholesome enough, and it won't traumatize anyone.

But here's the brutal truth: it's just not good. A 29% critic score and 26% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes means even forgiving family audiences couldn't get behind it. The 4.8 IMDb rating and 2.1/5 on Letterboxd tell the same story. It's formulaic, poorly executed, and forgettable.

If you have a 7-year-old who's obsessed with WWE and will watch literally anything wrestling-related, fine—put it on. They might enjoy it. But for everyone else? There are so many better family films that deliver the same underdog message with actual entertainment value. This one's a skip unless you're really desperate for new Netflix content on a rainy afternoon.

Age Fit

Best for 6-9 year olds who are WWE fans or love underdog sports stories. Older kids will find it painfully generic and boring, while younger kids might not follow the competition plot. Adults will struggle to sit through this one.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
68

Family-friendly WWE wrestling film with an underdog story that promotes perseverance and self-belief. Models determination and following your dreams, though the wrestling context involves staged combat. Tone is appropriate for kids, with positive messages about believing in yourself despite being an outsider. No major emotional manipulation or inappropriate content.

Imaginative
52

The magical mask concept offers a fantasy twist on the sports underdog formula, but execution is formulaic and predictable. WWE wrestling provides some spectacle, but the story follows a paint-by-numbers template without meaningful creativity or originality. Doesn't invite much exploration or creative thinking beyond the basic premise. It's imaginative enough for younger kids but lacks the spark that makes something truly inventive.

Safe
78

Age-appropriate for its target audience with Common Sense Media rating it for 7+. Wrestling violence is staged and cartoonish, fitting the WWE context. No inappropriate content, gore, nudity, or unexpected trauma. The combat is clearly performative sports entertainment. Some mild peril and competition tension, but nothing that would shock or disturb young viewers. Straightforward family film safety profile.

Enriching
45

Delivers standard underdog/believe-in-yourself messaging but with minimal depth or nuance. Could spark interest in wrestling or perseverance themes, but the magical mask shortcut undermines genuine skill-building narratives. Limited cognitive engagement or meaningful character development. Entertainment value exists for WWE fans and younger kids, but critical reception (29% RT critics, 26% audience, 4.8 IMDb) suggests it's forgettable and poorly executed. Doesn't offer much beyond basic moral platitudes.

Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great

  • Safe, wholesome underdog story for younger elementary kids who love WWE
  • Promotes perseverance and believing in yourself despite obstacles
  • Might spark interest in wrestling as entertainment/sport for the right kid
  • Inoffensive family viewing with no concerning content
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What to Watch For

  • Staged wrestling violence (punches, slams) that's cartoonish but still combat-focused
  • The quality is genuinely poor—26% audience score means even families didn't enjoy it
  • Magical shortcut to success somewhat undermines the 'work hard' message
  • Extremely formulaic plot that older kids will find boring

Conversation Starters

  • "If you had a magical mask that gave you superpowers, what would you want to be great at?"
  • "Do you think it's fair to use magic to win a competition? Why or why not?"
  • "What's something you want to get better at, and how could you practice?"
  • "Have you ever felt like an underdog or outsider? What helped you feel more confident?"
Stills
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