Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this movie is bad. Like, really bad. The original 1975 'Stepford Wives' was a chilling feminist horror film that still resonates today. This 2004 remake takes that brilliant premise and turns it into an unfunny, tonally confused mess that satisfies nobody.

The ratings tell the story—25% on Rotten Tomatoes, 30% audience score, 5.4 on IMDb. This isn't a hidden gem that critics missed. It's a genuine misfire that wastes a talented cast (Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler) on a script that can't decide if it's horror, comedy, satire, or camp.

Even if you're interested in discussing gender roles and autonomy with your teen, there are dozens of better options. The premise itself—men literally turning women into compliant robots—is disturbing, and the movie doesn't earn that discomfort by being smart or funny enough to justify it.

Skip this one. If your teen is interested in the concept, point them toward the original or literally any other feminist satire. This is 93 minutes you won't get back.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media suggests 15+, which feels right given the disturbing themes. But honestly, even teens would probably find this boring and dated. This is more of a 'watch the 1975 original if you're interested in the concept' situation.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

The 2004 remake takes a dark premise about controlling women and plays it for laughs, but the humor often falls flat and the tone is inconsistent. The underlying concept—husbands turning wives into robotic, subservient versions of themselves—is inherently disturbing, even when played as satire. The movie doesn't model healthy relationships or cooperation, and the chaotic pacing undermines any positive messaging about individuality or autonomy.

Imaginative

45

The high-tech twist on the original 1970s concept (robotic wives instead of brainwashed ones) shows some creative updating, and the satirical take on suburban perfection and gender roles has potential. However, the execution is clumsy and derivative—it doesn't invite viewers to think deeply or explore ideas in meaningful ways. The camp aesthetic feels forced rather than genuinely inventive.

Safe

40

Common Sense Media rates this for ages 15+, and that tracks. While not graphically violent or sexual, the premise itself is deeply unsettling—women being controlled, replaced, or transformed against their will. There are themes of spousal manipulation and loss of autonomy that could be disturbing. The PG-13 rating suggests some innuendo and mild language. The horror-comedy tone means some scary/creepy moments that aren't appropriate for younger viewers.

Enriching

30

Despite tackling themes of gender roles, autonomy, and suburban conformity, the movie squanders its satirical potential with poor execution. The abysmal critical reception (25% RT critics, 30% audience, 42 Metacritic) suggests it fails to deliver meaningful commentary or entertainment. It's neither smart enough to provoke real discussion nor fun enough to justify watching. There's little skill-building, empathy development, or genuine insight—just a muddled mess that wastes its premise.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Could spark conversations about gender roles, autonomy, and what 'perfection' means in relationships
The premise itself—examining suburban conformity and control—has potential for discussion
Might serve as a cautionary example of how NOT to adapt classic material
For film students: a masterclass in squandering a good concept

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What to Watch For

Deeply unsettling premise about men controlling and replacing their wives—disturbing even as 'comedy'
Early-2000s humor that feels painfully dated and often misses the mark
Some scary/creepy imagery and themes of spousal manipulation
It's genuinely boring—25% on Rotten Tomatoes isn't a typo
The tonal whiplash between horror and comedy doesn't work

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the husbands wanted to change their wives instead of just... talking to them?"
"What does this movie say about what society expects from women? From men?"
"If you could design a 'perfect' community, what would actually make it perfect?"
"Why do you think this remake was so poorly received compared to the original?"

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