Wake Up Sid – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Wake Up Sid

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2009

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Spoiled Mumbai man-child gets a reality check and finally grows up in this warm Bollywood coming-of-age story.

7.6/10

83%

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Wake Up Sid

movie

2009

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Spoiled Mumbai man-child gets a reality check and finally grows up in this warm Bollywood coming-of-age story.

7.6

83%

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7.6/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Wake Up Sid is that rare coming-of-age movie that doesn't sugar-coat the growing-up process. Sid is genuinely annoying and entitled at the start, which makes his eventual transformation feel real rather than manufactured. The film earns its emotional beats.

The Bollywood setting and 2009 production might feel slightly dated to teens raised on Netflix's hyper-polished teen dramas, but the core story about privilege, purpose, and growing the hell up remains relevant. It's refreshingly honest about how some kids coast on their parents' money and status without developing any actual skills or self-awareness.

Not a masterpiece, but a solid watch for families with teens navigating the 'what now?' phase of life. The romance subplot works without overwhelming the personal growth arc, and Mumbai looks gorgeous throughout. Just prepare for some eye-rolling at Sid's behavior in act one - that's intentional, and it pays off.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14 and up. The themes about post-college aimlessness and finding your career path will resonate most with high schoolers facing similar questions. Mild adult content (drinking, sex references) makes it inappropriate for younger kids, but it's tame enough for mature teens.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Coming-of-age story with positive messages about taking responsibility, finding purpose, and growing up. Models healthy character development as Sid transforms from spoiled and lazy to self-aware and driven. The romantic relationship develops naturally without manipulation. Some pub scenes and casual conversations about sex keep it from being squeaky clean, but the emotional core is healthy and the tone is warm.

Imaginative

Solid character study with Mumbai as a vibrant backdrop, but follows fairly conventional coming-of-age beats. The photography angle (Sid's eventual career) offers some creative expression, and the film captures the energy of young adult life in Mumbai with style. Not groundbreaking in structure or concept, but executed with enough charm and visual flair to feel fresh within its genre.

Safe

Very safe for teens and up. No violence, gore, nudity, or frightening scenes according to parent guides. Mild profanity, some alcohol/smoking depiction, and pub dance scenes with casual conversations about sex. Nothing shocking or traumatic. The 'man-child with mommy issues' dynamic noted in Reddit discussions might be eye-roll inducing but isn't harmful content.

Enriching

Strong themes about personal responsibility, finding your passion, and the reality that privilege doesn't equal purpose. Sid's journey from entitled college grad to self-sufficient adult offers real lessons about work ethic and self-discovery. The film doesn't preach but shows consequences and growth organically. Good discussion fodder about career paths, parental expectations, and what success actually means.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Refreshingly honest about privilege and entitlement - Sid is genuinely annoying at first, which makes his growth feel earned
Strong message about finding your own path rather than following parental expectations or societal pressure
The romance develops naturally between two people at different life stages, offering nuance about timing and maturity
Mumbai itself becomes a character - vibrant cinematography that makes the city feel alive and full of possibility
Solid 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.6 on IMDb suggests it resonates with audiences beyond typical Bollywood fare

⚠

What to Watch For

Mild profanity, drinking scenes, and casual conversations about sex - nothing graphic but present enough to note
The 'man-child falls for older woman who helps him grow up' dynamic has drawn some criticism for the mommy-issues undertones
It's a 2009 Bollywood film - pacing and style may feel different from contemporary Western teen movies
Sid is intentionally insufferable for the first act, which is the point but might test patience

Conversation Starters

"Do you think Sid's parents did him any favors by giving him everything he wanted? How would you handle a kid who refused to take responsibility?"
"What do you think about the age gap between Sid and Aisha? Does it matter when someone is more mature?"
"Have you ever felt lost about what you want to do with your life? How did you (or how would you) figure it out?"
"The movie shows that finding your passion sometimes means trying things you fail at first. When have you experienced that?"

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