Parents' Guide to

The Secret: Dare to Dream

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Self-help book inspires so-so romance; some peril.

Movie PG 2020 107 minutes
The Secret: Dare to Dream Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 14+

Based on 3 parent reviews

lindsmariewilliams7
lindsmariewilliams7 Adult
November 13, 2020
age 14+

Under Directs the Point

It's a beautiful funny little family film. However for a film that could introduce the notion of 'The Secret' (it's strengths and weaknesses) into the world a little better it under directs it. The notion that we magnetically attract what we want is true and this film proves that in a sense. However the conflict is in how - in what believe, what we nurture etc. The man was driven by (some moral standing) but mainly guilt. He felt guilty that he survived and the other bloke didn't. She was driven by despair. Her husband died and she was left in darkness. 'Control your emotions, or they will control you' - Bruce Lee (Philosophy)
ashishszone
ashishszone Adult
November 10, 2020
age 10+

Good Positive Message; Some inapp words and scenes

This title has:

Great messages
Too much swearing
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Adapted from Rhonda Byrne's similarly titled bestselling self-improvement book, THE SECRET: DARE TO DREAM stars Katie Holmes as Miranda Wells, a widow who's struggling to raise three kids on her own. When a hurricane hits her Louisiana town, a stranger named Bray (Josh Lucas) comes to her aid, carrying with him a secret wisdom that changes her family's life forever.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (5):

You could call this low-conflict lollygagger Intro to Manifestation, given that its purpose seems to be to intrigue viewers who are new to the concept of "The Secret." The Secret is about believing that the universe is a genie of sorts: Believe you can have or achieve something, and you will. Or, as Secret-follower Bray explains to Miranda's kids: Your thoughts are like a magnet, using an invisible force to draw what you think about to you. To the unfamiliar, it may sound like a bunch of new-age mumbo-jumbo -- or, as the kids' grandmother says to Vanderbilt professor Bray, "Are you sure you're not from California?" However, the way The Secret: Dare to Dream lays it out, it's more about your attitude. Think positive. Believe in yourself. And, as the title indicates, it's OK to be a dreamer.

Just like Byrne's original how-to book, money and material goods are the rewards of using The Secret. It's less noticeable here -- Miranda has significant financial debts she's trying to dig out from under -- but, ultimately, even a child's grandiose wish comes true, which might make parents a bit uncomfortable. And it's hard to overlook a giant common-sense hole in the story. Bray didn't really have to be so mysterious, and you're going to have to suspend your disbelief to really enjoy this film. It's hard to prove that a life theory works in the context of a fictional story, so the messaging is a bit weak. But, then again, the point seems to be to get audiences to go do some research and likely buy the manual. While the content is family friendly, most kids and teens aren't that interested in middle-age romance. Bottom line? The Secret: Dare to Dream is a nice but not terribly entertaining film that does no harm -- nor does it do as much good as it intends.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about their beliefs in The Secret's ideas about "the law of attraction," manifestation, and the power of positive thinking. Do you agree with the movie's position? Why or why not?

  • The book that inspired this movie has also been made into a documentary. If you're trying to get a message across, what are the advantages and disadvantages of filmed nonfiction vs. fiction?

  • What do you think the filmmakers want you to take away from watching this movie? How does it promote gratitude, integrity, and curiosity?

  • Is the drinking in the film glamorized? Do you think showing typical real-life use -- offering someone a beer who volunteered to help, celebrating with champagne at a party, or having wine in the afternoon while visiting family -- promotes alcohol use?

  • Of all the film genres available, why do you think the inspirational book was adapted into a romance? How does this film compare to other romance movies you've seen?

Movie Details

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