The Tuxedo – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Tuxedo

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2002

35%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Jackie Chan in a magic tuxedo fights bad guys—sounds fun, but critics and audiences agree: it's really not.

22%

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The Tuxedo

movie

M, 2002

35%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Jackie Chan in a magic tuxedo fights bad guys—sounds fun, but critics and audiences agree: it's really not.

22%

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22%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, I'll be straight with you: The Tuxedo is not good. With a 22% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 2.4/5 on Letterboxd, this is one of Jackie Chan's career low points. The premise—cabbie puts on a high-tech tuxedo and becomes a spy—has potential, but the execution is a mess of unfunny jokes, generic action, and zero heart.

It's safe enough for tweens (cartoonish violence, no real scares), but the bigger question is: why would you subject yourself to this in 2025? There are dozens of better family action-comedies that are actually entertaining. If your kid is into spy gadgets, show them the good Spy Kids movies or even Agent Cody Banks. If they want Jackie Chan, go with Shanghai Noon or the Rush Hour series.

The Tuxedo isn't harmful—it's just aggressively mediocre and dated. It's the kind of movie you stumble onto on cable at 2pm on a sick day and think 'I guess this is my life now.' Skip it unless you're truly desperate.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media's 12+ rating feels right for the action and chaos, but honestly, most kids over 10 will find this boring and dated. This is a movie from 2002 that even 2002 didn't love.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A fish-out-of-water comedy with a generally positive protagonist who stumbles into heroism. Models some problem-solving and partnership, but relies heavily on slapstick violence and dated humor. The tone is goofy rather than mean-spirited, but the pacing is chaotic and the character development is paper-thin. It's not unwholesome, just aggressively mediocre.

Imaginative

The premise of a high-tech tuxedo that gives its wearer spy abilities has potential, but the execution is utterly formulaic. Every beat follows the standard action-comedy playbook with zero originality. The gadgetry is generic James Bond lite, and there's no invitation to think creatively or explore ideas. It's imaginative in concept, derivative in execution.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 12+, which tracks with PG-13 territory. Expect cartoonish action violence, some mild innuendo, and slapstick chaos, but nothing graphic or traumatic. No surprise deaths, gore, or inappropriate content that would shock a tween. The main safety concern is that it's just loud and frenetic, which might be overwhelming for younger or sensitive kids.

Enriching

This movie teaches you absolutely nothing except that Jackie Chan's physical comedy can't save a bad script. There's a vague 'believe in yourself' message buried under the noise, but no meaningful character growth, ethical dilemmas, or skill-building. It's pure empty calories—entertaining for some in the moment, but you'll forget it five minutes after the credits roll.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Jackie Chan's physical comedy and charm are always watchable, even in a weak vehicle
The gadget-suit concept might appeal to kids who like spy gear and action sequences
Harmless, low-stakes entertainment if you need background noise on a rainy afternoon
Brief runtime means it won't overstay its welcome (though it might still feel long)

⚠

What to Watch For

Cartoonish action violence and slapstick chaos throughout—fine for tweens, potentially overwhelming for younger kids
Dated early-2000s humor that often falls flat, including some mild innuendo
Universally poor reviews mean expectations should be basement-level
The frenetic pacing and noise might be grating for parents stuck watching with kids

Conversation Starters

"If you had a suit that gave you superpowers, what would you want it to do?"
"Jimmy had to pretend to be someone he wasn't—have you ever felt like you had to fake it? How did that go?"
"The movie's pretty silly—what made you laugh, and what just felt dumb?"

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