Is the newest Star Wars film ok for children? Star Wars: The Force Awakens Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parent review to the Disney sequel film. No spoilers! #TheForceAwakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Movie Review | Safe for Kids?
First off, let me say that I solemnly swear not to reveal any of the plot secrets of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. There will be no spoilers in my movie review today, so please rest at ease. However, I must say three words to sum up this movie.
Worth The Wait. There, I feel better.
Unlike other movie reviews you see around the web, this Star Wars: The Force Awakens Movie Review has one focus in mind, your kids. Is the newest Star Wars movie safe for your kids to see? Should those little eyes watch the newest Star Wars film?
We will get to that in a second, but first, let me gloss over the amazing awesomeness in a keeping-my-promise-of-no-spoilers way. And let me tell you folks, it was SO HARD to not give anything away!
The Effects
J.J. Abrams is brilliant. While a master of using new technology and film making techniques, you could really get a sense of his restraint in his efforts to give credit to the original films. The effects were not overwhelmingly CG and filled with fake “fluff.” You could tell that everything was well thought out and planned while on Star Wars hiatus. There was a huge nod to George Lucas’ legacy in that respect. The big explosions were bigger. The camera angles were fun-er. The new characters are very intricate. And you certainly can get a sense of J.J.’s fingerprints all over this film. Yes, Sci-Fi definitely seems to be his specialty. The effects overall were just what this movie needed, a blend of the old and the new in a seamless transition.
The Plot (WITHOUT The Spoilers)
It was clever. It was funny. It was hokey and nostalgic. There’s running….a lot of running. There’s blaster shooting and Millennium Falcon maneuvering. There are amazing cameos and inside jokes. There are some kick-BUTT women in this film! And if you didn’t love BB-8 already before the release, you certainly will now. While fulfilling enough to satisfy the long awaiting Star Wars fans, there were definitely big plot holes that need to be filled. Remember the J.J. Abrams TV show, Lost? I giggled as soon as the movie ended with a “Way to go, J.J.!” under my breath. Yup, every bit as plot holed as that show. And of course, Star Wars ends leaving you hungry for more.
That PG-13 Rating
Is Star Wars: The Force Awakens safe for kids? Remember that Episode III reference? Keep in mind that movie also had a PG-13 rating. Star Wars: The Force Awakens also has a rating of PG-13, this one unhelpful with the label of “sci-fi action violence.” So is The Force Awakens kid friendly? Or should little ones skip Episode VII?
Adult themes. Very mild. A bar scene with presumable alcohol consumption. But that’s it. Mild in the love department.
Violence. I found the violence pretty level with Episode III. The lightsaber up close action sequences were definitely the biggest focus of that rating. While nothing wildly “grotesque,” certainly a level of violent intensity and bit of blood is present and implied deaths.
Language. Surprise. This Star Wars film has snuck in some swear words without anyone knowing. Words of “d@mmit” and H-E-double-hockey-sticks are present in this “family film.” Kind of disappointing since almost all of the other Star Wars movies so far have done so well without them.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Age Recommendation for Kids
As a parent, I would be perfectly ok with bringing my 7 year old son to see this film, keeping in mind that he has already seen all of the Star Wars movies (you can see his thoughts on the movies HERE).
However, if you child has NOT seen all of the other movies prior to this one, I would consider a trial run before running to the theaters for The Force Awakens, keeping in mind this is very dark and similar in theme to Episode III. There’s no vulgar humor. The violence is limited to usual Star Wars battle sequences. A few last second cut away of deaths that are implied.
Overall | The Star Wars Legacy Continuum
Sitting in that movie theater with the iconic music playing and the words fading up into the screen…it was just like riding a bicycle. You felt at home in that theater with the big sound, big screen and big story. My eyes misted within the first 10 seconds of the film. Darn it, you may need tissues. Tears definitely dropped throughout the movie, as memories flooded back to my parent’s house and lightsaber fights with my brothers. Worth. The. Wait. This movie was the perfect long awaited sequel for Star Wars fans.
Now I will say this from the genius’ mouth (aka J.J. Abrams). There is no scene after the credits. No need to wait in your chair for the last possible second. You won’t find a teaser for Episode VIII. So go ahead and sadly get up from your seat and exit the theater when the credits are done. I know; I didn’t want it to end either.
Though 30+ years have passed, it “almost” seemed as if nothing had changed. It was a seamless transition from Episode VI to Episode VII. I couldn’t have been more pleased. As a Star Wars fan, and now a mom and a movie critiquing blogger…
“This is the Star Wars Movie I’m looking for.”
Have you been following along my #StarWarsEvent journey? Catch up on all of the exclusive Star Wars: The Force Awakens press events here!
- Exclusive Harrison Ford Interview
- Exclusive Daisy Ridley Interview
- Exclusive John Boyega Interview
- Photo Tour of the Star Wars Global Press Event
- FREE Star Wars: The Force Awakens Coloring Sheets & Kids Activities
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is coming to theaters December 18, 2015!
- Website: https://www.starwars.com/the-force-awakens/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarWars
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/starwars
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwars/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/starwars
Willing you be bringing the kids to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
I was invited to attend a media screening for this film in exchange for this Star Wars: The Force Awakens | Safe for Kids? posting. All opinions are my own. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more honest movie reviews for parents, crafts, recipes and more!
Sarah Schreffler says
I am SO glad to know there is nothing after the credits. My husband was just saying he was hoping they did NOT put a teaser or bloopers or anything at the end because none of the other movies have them.
We will not be taking our 8 year old to the movie. He can’t handle suspense in movies (we had to leave Frozen 3 times! And he won’t even watch it at home anymore) and I’m pretty sure this movie is going to have suspense.
christie says
Hi Sarah, Thanks for reading the review! 🙂 There’s definitely suspense, so be warned!
MichelleCat says
Thank you! This is the question I have been wondering! I have 3 kids ages 9, 9 & 6 who all love Star Wars but, was wondering how it would go on the big screen. Yes, I understand the PG-13 but, Star Wars has kept it clean and glad to hear they continued this legacy.
christie says
It was so relieving to know they kept the “family-friendly” legacy intact! Thanks for reading, Michelle
Clare says
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review of the movie. Our family has special movie days set aside (15,13, 12, 9 y.o. children) and Star Wars, the Force Awakens, was next on the list. Our nine year old son will be thrilled that he has been given the green light to come along. Have a wonderful year. God bless you.
christie says
Thank you for reading, Clare! Hope your 9 year old enjoys!
Randy Fulgham says
gotta get paid so i can take my grand kids to see this–nice review