The Union

The Union

movie

2024, Action, Comedy

WISE
38%

WISE Score

35

Avg. Tomatometer

Construction worker meets high school sweetheart who's now a spy—it's as generic as it sounds.

IMDb5.5
RT Critics35%
MC44
TMDB6.1
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Where-to-watch data byJustWatch
Screenwise Verdict

Look, The Union is the definition of 'Netflix and actually chill because you'll probably fall asleep.' It's got that 6.1/10 energy written all over it—competent enough that you won't turn it off, forgettable enough that you won't remember it next week.

The premise has been done to death, and nothing here suggests they've found a fresh angle. Construction worker becomes spy? Cool. With his high school girlfriend? Sure. But we've seen this movie a dozen times with different faces.

For parents, this is background noise while you fold laundry, not appointment viewing. If your teen wants to watch it, it's probably fine—standard action violence, nothing groundbreaking or particularly concerning. Just don't expect anyone to be quoting it at the dinner table.

The real question isn't whether it's good—it's not. It's whether it's good enough to kill 109 minutes, and apparently 6.1 million people thought 'sure, why not.'

Age Fit

This is squarely adult entertainment, likely appropriate for teens 14+ depending on action intensity. The premise and execution are aimed at grown-ups looking for mindless Friday night Netflix fare, not family viewing.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
58

Action-comedy spy premise with a regular-guy-turned-spy storyline offers some aspirational elements and likely includes themes of second chances and reconnection. However, typical spy genre includes violence, deception, and morally gray situations that undercut wholesome messaging. Without specific content details, the genre conventions suggest moderate emotional health at best.

Imaginative
42

Generic 'ordinary person becomes spy' premise has been done countless times (Chuck, Knight and Day, Spy, etc.). Nothing in the synopsis suggests creative innovation or fresh perspective. Construction worker to spy is a fish-out-of-water trope that's been exhausted. TMDB rating of 6.1/10 suggests audiences found it serviceable but unremarkable. No awards recognition indicates lack of creative distinction.

Safe
55

Action genre typically includes gunfights, explosions, hand-to-hand combat, and potential casualties. Spy movies often feature betrayal, torture scenes, and morally complex violence. Without an MPAA rating visible, but given it's a 2024 Netflix action film, likely PG-13 with moderate action violence. No content rating data means we can't confirm intensity of violence, sexual content, or language. Comedy elements may lighten tone but action sequences are inherent to genre.

Enriching
35

Formulaic action-comedy offers pure escapist entertainment but limited meaningful takeaways. May touch on themes of rekindling old relationships and stepping outside comfort zones, but genre conventions prioritize spectacle over depth. TMDB 6.1 rating suggests competent execution but nothing memorable. No critical acclaim or awards attention indicates minimal cultural or artistic impact. Entertaining but disposable.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Easy-watching popcorn entertainment that doesn't require much brain power
  • Action-comedy blend may offer some laughs between explosions
  • Fish-out-of-water premise could provide relatable 'ordinary person in extraordinary circumstances' moments
  • Themes of second chances and reconnecting with your past might resonate with adults
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What to Watch For

  • Action violence typical of spy movies—gunfights, explosions, likely some hand-to-hand combat
  • Without an MPAA rating visible, content intensity is uncertain but likely PG-13 territory
  • Spy genre often includes morally gray situations, betrayal, and deception as plot points
  • Romance subplot between leads may include some sexual tension or mild content

Conversation Starters

  • "If someone from your past showed up with a wild opportunity, would you take it?"
  • "What skills from your everyday life do you think would actually be useful in a spy mission?"
  • "The movie shows an ordinary guy becoming a spy—what's something you think you couldn't do that you'd actually be good at?"
Stills
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