Willow – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Willow

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2022

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A sequel series to the 1988 fantasy film that critics liked more than actual humans did—and it shows.

84%

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Willow

show

TV-14, 2022

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A sequel series to the 1988 fantasy film that critics liked more than actual humans did—and it shows.

84%

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84%

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: critics gave this 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, but actual viewers gave it 65% and a dismal 5.7 on IMDb. That gap tells you everything.

This is a legacy sequel banking on nostalgia for a 1988 film that most modern kids have zero connection to. The production looks fine, the fantasy elements are serviceable, but the execution is messy—uneven pacing, forced humor, and a story that never quite finds its footing.

It's not unsafe or inappropriate for teens, but it's also not particularly enriching or engaging. If your 14-year-old is desperate for fantasy content and has already burned through everything else, sure, give it a shot. But don't be surprised if they wander off after three episodes.

The show was canceled after one season, which should tell you how Disney felt about its performance. There are just better fantasy options out there.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ who enjoy fantasy adventure and can handle uneven storytelling. The violence and themes are manageable but not for younger kids, and honestly, even teens might bail halfway through given the mixed reception.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The series aims for a tone of camaraderie and heroism, but reviews suggest uneven pacing and forced humor that undercuts emotional resonance. The 'misfit heroes' setup models cooperation, but execution feels scattered rather than genuinely warm or emotionally grounded.

Imaginative

Fantasy adventure with magical elements and world-building, but the 'world beyond their wildest imaginations' promise feels derivative rather than genuinely inventive. Critics praised visuals but noted predictable plotting and lack of fresh ideas beyond the original 1988 film.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, suggesting fantasy violence and some mature themes but nothing graphic or traumatic. Disney+ Kids Mode availability indicates platform considers it manageable for families. No reports of shocking content, though action sequences may be intense for younger viewers.

Enriching

Limited meaningful takeaways beyond basic fantasy tropes of good vs. evil and teamwork. The entertainment value itself is questionable given the stark divide between critic scores (84% RT) and audience reception (65% RT, 5.7 IMDb). Doesn't offer substantial cognitive or ethical depth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Decent production values and fantasy visuals that look good on screen
Ensemble cast dynamic could model teamwork and friendship (when the writing cooperates)
Introduces classic fantasy adventure tropes for teens who haven't been oversaturated yet
Available on Disney+ with Kids Mode, so platform accessibility is solid

⚠

What to Watch For

That 5.7 IMDb rating isn't a typo—audience reception was lukewarm at best, so manage expectations
Fantasy violence and peril appropriate for 14+ but may be too intense for tweens
Pacing issues and uneven tone mean kids might lose interest or get confused
Heavy reliance on nostalgia for a 1988 film your kids have never heard of

Conversation Starters

"What did you think made this group of heroes 'misfits'? Do you ever feel like that?"
"If you could have one magical ability from the show, what would you choose and why?"
"The show is a sequel to a movie from 1988—do you think it's weird watching something that continues a story from before you were born?"

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