Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spoiled gamer learns lessons in offbeat comedy; bullying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Too Old for Fairy Tales
What's the Story?
In TOO OLD FOR FAIRY TALES, a young and talented video gamer named Waldek (Maciej Banas) has a pretty entitled life with lots of sweets and video games. But when his mom gets sick and has to leave for treatment, his colorful Auntie comes in with a wake-up call and a bit of tough love. Waldek's aunt gets him on a new regimen of exercise and discipline, even if that means yelling at him to keep riding his bike from the window of their apartment. Understandably their relationship starts off rocky, but will the two be able to learn something from one another?
Is It Any Good?
While Too Old for Fairy Tales has an endearing plot, it takes a while to get to the good stuff. Waldek is really into video games, and that aspect might draw some viewers into the plot, but it quickly gets intense as Waldek's mother gets very ill and his eclectic aunt steps in as his caregiver. He's used to having everything done for him, even holding his mother's hand as he crosses the street. It's fun to watch Waldek go from needy and spoiled to more independent. While there's some shaming with Waldek's weight and immobile state when he's playing games for hours, the movie does highlight some diversity in the gaming world (girls can be as talented as the boys) and the way friendships can be built online and in real life.
It's nice to see Auntie representing an older demographic and bringing not just wisdom but energy and fun to the kids in the film. She's often seen hanging from the ceiling or tall branches in colorful outfits with goggles. Like much of the movie, it isn't until well into the story that more of her tale is revealed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's theme of being capable of more than you think. What did you think about Auntie's methods for getting Waldek to exercise and do things for himself?
Auntie used some tough love on Waldek. How would you respond to that kind of strict structure?
Waldek and his friend learned not to judge a book by its cover when it comes to who's good at video games. Has there ever been a time you've been surprised by someone after your first impression of them?
How did Waldek demonstrate character growth in the movie? What were some of the things Auntie did to help him grow? What are tools and methods that help you grow?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 18, 2022
- Cast : Maciej Karas , Amelia Fijalkowska , Dorota Kolak , Patryk Siemek
- Director : Kristoffer Rus
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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