Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the movie equivalent of gas station sushi—technically edible, but why would you choose it?

The Man from Toronto is aggressively mediocre Netflix content that disappeared from cultural consciousness about 47 seconds after release. The TMDB score of 6.4 tells you everything: not offensively bad, just profoundly forgettable. Kevin Hart does his Kevin Hart thing, someone plays a tough guy, they bicker and bond, roll credits.

The bigger issue is the tonal weirdness of making torture and assassination the comedic backdrop. It's not graphic or traumatizing, but it's a strange choice to play professional killing for laughs without any real satirical edge. Kids won't be scarred, but they also won't remember this movie exists by next Tuesday.

If your teen is begging to watch it, fine—it won't hurt them. But you could also just show them literally any other buddy comedy from the past 40 years and they'd have a better time. This is what plays in hotel rooms at 2am when you can't sleep.

Age Fit

Probably fine for 13+ if they're into mindless action-comedies, but honestly, there are way better options. Adults might tolerate it during a long flight when all other options have been exhausted. Not appropriate for younger kids due to violence and torture elements, even if played for laughs.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

45

Buddy-comedy premise offers some cooperation themes, but centers on assassination and violence as core plot drivers. The mistaken identity setup is lighthearted, but the 'deadliest assassin' framing means torture, killing, and physical harm are played for laughs throughout. Limited emotional depth or genuine modeling of healthy relationships.

Imaginative

35

Generic action-comedy formula with zero originality—mistaken identity plots have been done to death. The 'bumbling guy meets deadly professional' trope is straight from Central Casting. No world-building, no creative visual language, no invitation to think differently. It's paint-by-numbers Netflix filler that doesn't inspire curiosity or creative thinking.

Safe

50

Action-comedy violence throughout, including torture scenes played for laughs, shootouts, and physical combat. While likely bloodless and cartoonish (typical PG-13 fare), the premise involves a professional killer and the humor derives from violent situations. No sexual content or language concerns expected, but the violence level and torture elements would be jarring for younger viewers despite the comedic framing.

Enriching

25

Minimal takeaways beyond 'unlikely friendships can work.' No meaningful character growth, ethical complexity, or skill-building. Pure popcorn entertainment without substance—the TMDB 6.4 rating suggests even audiences found it forgettable. Doesn't challenge viewers intellectually or emotionally. Entertainment value is also questionable given the generic execution.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Harmless buddy-comedy energy if you need background noise while folding laundry
Kevin Hart's physical comedy can land with pre-teens who aren't picky about plot
Short enough (113 min) that it won't waste your entire evening
The 'fish out of water' setup occasionally produces a chuckle

⚠

What to Watch For

Violence throughout, including torture scenes played for comedy—not graphic but tonally weird for kids
Zero nutritional value—this is cinematic junk food without even being that tasty
The premise glorifies assassination as cool/funny, which is a strange message
Likely some language and crude humor typical of PG-13 action comedies

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think movies make violence funny? Does that change how serious it feels?"
"If you were mistaken for someone dangerous, how would you handle it?"
"What makes a good comedy partner—why do opposites sometimes work together?"

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