Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kids go on strike in gritty, historical musical.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Newsies
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say that this film is a nostalgic family favorite that blends fun musical elements with historical themes, making it worthwhile for children, even though some content may not be entirely kid-friendly. While many appreciate its catchy songs and dance numbers, some parents expressed concerns about the violence and language, suggesting it might be better suited for slightly older children.
- family favorite
- historical themes
- fun musical
- some adult content
- valuable discussions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say this movie features an entertaining plot, catchy songs, and impressive choreography, making it great for children despite some mild language and violent scenes. Many appreciate its positive messages about friendship, teamwork, and standing up for rights, although it’s noted that the Broadway adaptation is favored by some fans due to character depth and storytelling.
- good message
- catchy songs
- entertaining plot
- family friendly
- minor language
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Loosely based on actual incidents, the musical NEWSIES follows New York City newspaper tycoon Joseph Pulitzer (Robert Duvall) as he engages in a circulation war with rival William Randolph Hearst. The greedy Pulitzer raises the rates at which the "newsies" buy the "papes" every morning. The street-savvy kids decide to form a union of all newsboys in the city, to defy not just Pulitzer but also Hearst and anyone who pushes them around. Leading the strike are orphan Jack Kelly (Christian Bale) and David Jacobs (David Moscow), who works to help support his family. Pulitzer refuses to negotiate. He fights back viciously with hired muscle, "scabs," and blackmail. David and his household also become targets in between the singing. But the Manhattan-based newsies learn to organize across boroughs, past the East River into seedy Brooklyn, and pull together a movement that they hope will be enough to beat back corporate greed.
Is It Any Good?
With its energetic score and large-scale dance gymnastics, this musical hits a note between pop-fantasy ragtime and gritty realism. Dramatically, there's some surprisingly strong stuff here, and perhaps Newsies would have come across better without the tunes. Even with its upbeat finale, most adult characters come across as the worst kind of abusive authority figures -- domineering, brute-force guardians -- though a few adults support the boys. There's pretty strong Goliath vs. David sense of injustice and helplessness, with police and hired muscle who attack and incarcerate the kids. Ruthless, immoral corporations control everything, and mainstream media isn't to be trusted -- especially when its own investments are threatened. But with its pro-union message and rousing calls to arms, it'll be difficult to come away from Newsies without feeling fired up and ready to defend people who work hard and deserve living wages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the newsboys' strike of 1899 that Newsies is based on. Does the film make you more curious about the history of labor movements?
The cast of Newsies is almost entirely White and male. Strike leaders Jack Kelly and David Jacobs are non-disabled. How does this compare to the true story? Consider delving deeper into the histories of "Kid Blink," "Black," "Joan of Arc," and other real-life newsies who aren't explored in this film.
The film has a strong pro-union message. Does is resonate today? Does Newsies communicate its message well? Why, or why not?
How did it feel to see adults attacking kids and teens with weapons? Did it seem fair for the newsies to "fight back" with fists and slingshots? How do you think this level of violence compares to what happened in real life? Do these events happen today? If so, how are they similar to what happened in 1899, and how are they different?
How does the film celebrate teamwork and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 10, 1992
- On DVD or streaming : January 15, 2002
- Cast : Christian Bale , David Moscow , Robert Duvall
- Director : Kenny Ortega
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Queer Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : parental guidance
- Last updated : March 27, 2026
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