Is the new Marvel television series on Disney+ ok for children? WandaVision Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parent guide to the Disney Plus streaming TV show. No spoilers! #WandaVision May contain commissioned links.
WandaVision Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide
I’ll admit, I’m pretty lax when it comes to my kids watching Marvel movies. Even with all of the language, adult jokes, and life-like violence, Marvel has a way with superhero storytelling that always inspires, uplifts, and keeps my children coming back to watch again and again.
But a live-action Marvel show with a Twilight Zone kind of twist? That’s a horse of a different color. (Yes, I admit that’s a lot of strange references in a couple of sentences.)
Is the new WandaVision series on Disney+ ok for children to watch? In this WandaVision Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the Wanda Maximoff and Vision story, a full PG rating explanation, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested for one of the first Marvel/Disney television mini series. A no spoiler parent review – does this show have the same feel as the live-action Marvel movies?
Or will this classic Scarlet Witch and Vision superhero spinoff debut a reboot of children’s nightmares?
Visuals
Creative meets throwback in this live-action Marvel television series. And it’s in the subtlety that you notice how interesting the visuals are. From black and white scenes to sepia tones to bold CGI colors, it may take a few re-watches to fully appreciate WandaVision for the visual feast it is. But don’t expect wow-factor, jaw drop Avengers fight scene kind-of visuals. At least…not yet.
Story
Marvel sitcom, the words don’t exactly roll off the tongue. But after waiting over a year for a new MCU release, all eyes are on WandaVision, a new television based sitcom series. The classic TV nod with a hint of peculiar, Marvel certainly doesn’t try to hide that their newest venture is unlike anything Marvel fans have ever experienced, and it shows. (Shows, get it?)
After screening the first 3 episodes, I have to agree. The first episode is like coming off of a tilt-a-whirl. It takes the entire 27-minute episode to get your bearings, take in the dizzying atmosphere, and understand the pacing of the show. It wasn’t until the very last second before the closing credits that the ah-ha Marvel moment came. But stopping after episode one won’t give you the full Marvel effect.
It wasn’t until I watched episode two that things began to click, chemistry between Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany started to “jive” (you’ll understand), and the story shift starts get your Marvel intuition gears moving. By episode three, you’re somehow weirdly drawn into this alternative WandaVision universe that’s cute, clever, and full of Marvel Easter eggs, classic television sitcom nostalgia, and fabulous co-stars.
But through all three 30-minute-ish episodes, the pacing is slow. There’s just enough Marvel intrigue to keep you hooked, but not enough to satisfy. It’s the first time that Marvel explores television series script writing. It’s wildly creative, maybe too much so for the hardcore Marvel movie junkie. And the adult innuendo is showing – even for the first PG-rated MCU anything. WandaVision may not have the same grasp on children as the films do.
That PG Rating Explained
Is WandaVision kid-friendly? Notably, Marvel movie releases have been at a steady parent predictable rating of PG-13. Lots of action, violence, language, and adult humor one liners. But as a Marvel first, this television mini series is getting it’s first ever PG rating.
It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all child age ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language??). With film ratings unpredictable these days, PG rating oscillating between Incredibles 2 intense to Christopher Robin calm, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show is truly family friendly – and worth paying those Disney+ subscription fees. (Soul movie review, am I right?)
Why is WandaVision rated TV-PG? The WandaVision is rated TV-PG for “action, adventure, comedy.” Is this WandaVision Review | Safe for kids? Here’s what to expect for parent guidelines for this first ever PG rated Marvel television series. But warning: I only had access to preview the first 3 episodes of the series. So this PG rating breakdown is strictly for the first 3 episodes only.
Violence. This is NOT the action-packed “kick-butt” kind of Marvel entertainment you’re used to. But even through all of the hokey TV references, there are a few blood, gore and squeamish “health” moments to consider if you’re watching with your kids.
There is one “cut with glass” scene where there is a small to moderate amount of blood shown on-screen. There’s a choking scene that made me even cringe. And Wanda has a very intense “health” moment (again no spoilers) that may make kids uncomfortable also. The choking and health scene have no visible blood or gore – but the noises, faces and actions are slightly intense to take in (but not even a comparable level to killing a person or alien in Marvel films).
Language. Yes, there are some foul language references used in WandaVision. In 3 episodes though, I count only 3 swear words, one per episode. One “dammit” (said by a supporting character) and two “damn” references(stated by a main character). Very mild considering the heavy use of language of say Guardians or Avengers.
Adult Themes. Innuendo has never been a classic Marvel Cinematic Universe trait, something that many parents appreciate as they watch the MCU lineup together for family movie night. On the scale of Marvel sexy – WandaVision would fall between Guardians of the Galaxy Quill and the pink woman and the Spider-Man Homecoming “masturbation” scene. While we don’t quite say the word (how many kids were asking their parents about the M-word?), it’s obvious that there are adult relations between Wanda (a human) and Vision (a robot/cyborg/alien being). There’s one very, VERY mild bedroom scene (no nudity), and a few choice word references to man/women relations, “seduction techniques,” and a play on the word “mastication.”
There is also heavy dialogue as compared to the usual action-packed super hero films. Again, some adult conversations will go over the kids’ heads, while some may get a few questions. There are a few references to drinking alcohol in episode 2 and some intense health scenes in episode 1 (choking) and 3 (Wanda).
What WandaVision Age Rating is Recommended for Children?
Is WandaVision safe for kids? WandaVision is officially the first ever Marvel Studios project to get the lowest age rating of TV-PG for any of it’s MCU releases. And while Disney+ has been notably a streaming service to cater to more family-friendly content, I’ll admit that the WandaVision series is unlike any other television show option out there. So how does that affect the WandaVision age rating for kids?
I’ll compare to the innuendo of Shrek. Some lines will go over your children’s heads. But more of the physical moments may have your kids scratching their heads. While not overtly sexual at all (thank you, Marvel), there are casual references to seduction, “the bedroom,” drinking alcohol and possible language that may encourage parents to preview before watching with kids. And let’s not forget the blood and health squeamish moments for kids with weak stomachs and lots and lots of heavy dialogue driven story, but in easy to watch 30 minute segments.
What age is recommended to watch WandaVision? So with all of that in mind (and again, only 3 episodes screened before making this WandaVision age recommendation), I would recommend for kids in the 8-9 year old range, unless your child is a diehard Wanda and Vision lover. But I honestly don’t even see my 12-year old son or 8-year old daughter being that interested. But overall, WandaVision is the most family friendly of the MCU. Period.
***Update Episode 8: Did you notice the TV-14 rating on this episode? If you have been happily watching WandaVision as a family, be warned. The opening scene of this episode is intense and may need to be pre-screened for young kids. My 8-year old had to bury her face until the scene was over. Features disturbing images of people and death.
The Overall
WandaVision is unlike any other MCU entertainment available. The first MCU/Disney mini streaming series, the first creative MCU entertainment venture, the first heavy MCU adult-relational content laden show, the first Easter egg, fan-driven, classic show/pop culture nod, MCU original, ambitious tangent. It’s weird, funny, and clever – in a head tilted to the side, inquisitive way. But…
there’s just enough intrigue to dip into your psyche and make you question what is truly reality. It’s stranger than Dr. Strange…and that’s saying something. But the build is slow, like painfully slow. With 9 episodes releasing between now and March 5, 2021, if your instant gratification can’t handle (or be able to avoid the spoilers), you may want to wait until March 5th to binge watch all of the 30 minute episodes at once. No end credit scenes either.
But from the nostalgic opening MCU theme song scroll to the last possible second of the episodes, you’re oddly hooked. The sitcom-like easily digestible story, the seamlessly woven Marvel superhero nods, the witty one-liners – but it’s the chemistry between Bettany and Olson that will have you utterly Scarlet Be-witched.
Your overly attached and sensitive Marvel intake will betray you. But if you stop at the first episode, you won’t truly get it. Hold on, tune in and adjust your internal antenna. WandaVision is the weird reality TV escape we didn’t know we needed in 2021.
Follow WandaVision on social media:
- Website: https://www.marvel.com/tv-shows/wandavision/1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandavisionofficial
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wandavision
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandavision/
- #WandaVision
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I was invited to screen the first three episodes in exchange for this WandaVision Review | Safe for Kids? All photos courtesy of Disney/Marvel. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
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