Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brainy, charming, eco-friendly animated adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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WALL-E
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 111 parent reviews
Parents say this film is beautifully crafted, with a poignant message about consumerism and environmental responsibility, making it resonant for both children and adults. While many appreciate its charm and humor, some express concerns about its violence and complexity, suggesting it's better suited for slightly older kids due to some intense scenes.
- emotional impact
- environmental message
- age appropriateness
- violence concerns
- family appeal
Summarized with AI
Based on 207 kid reviews
Kids say the movie offers a mix of emotional storytelling and important environmental lessons, highlighting themes of love, determination, and the consequences of consumerism. While many find it charming and nostalgic, some viewers criticize it for being boring or too mature for younger children, leading to mixed opinions on its suitability for different age groups.
- emotional storytelling
- environmental lessons
- charming and nostalgic
- mixed suitability
- love and determination
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
WALL-E begins on an Earth, more than 20 centuries into the future. It's a bleak, garbage-strewn place whose only inhabitant seems to be WALL-E (Ben Burtt) -- short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class -- a sanitation robot who loves the musical Hello, Dolly! Then one day, a spaceship drops in for a pit stop and leaves behind an egg-shaped robot. Her name is EVE (Elissa Knight), and she's sleek, speedy, and stunning -- and WALL-E is immediately smitten. But before the two can make beautiful musicals together, an unexpected discovery hurtles her back to humankind's current home: a giant spaceship called Axiom, where humans float on personal hovercrafts, interact with others via screens, and have grown so sedentary that they've forgotten how to walk. Determined not to lose his new companion, WALL-E follows EVE to the ship -- and sets in motion a chain of events that just might put people back on a healthier path.
Is It Any Good?
This Pixar film manages to be moving, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Much of the credit is due to director/co-writer Andrew Stanton, who fills the film with tributes to silent films and classic musicals. (Kudos to Burtt for adding such emotion to WALL-E's squeaks and bleeps.)
Early scenes in which WALL-E wonders at the waste left behind by humans are especially poignant, particularly when juxtaposed against the massive pile of waste he's meant to get rid of. Ultimately, the movie's pro-planet message is refreshing, but its depictions of fat people and hoverchair users as lazy and greedy should prompt further discussion with your children.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about WALL-E's messages. What does it say about the media's effect on people? Do you think the future humans in the movie were exaggerated to be funny, or could that really happen? How is satire used to drive home the movie's message on the environment and big business?
This film has very little dialogue in the beginning. What do you think would be the challenges in making a movie about a robot who doesn't speak any human language?
Why is WALL-E so fascinated by Hello, Dolly? What does he learn from the movie?
What is the film saying about fat people? What about hoverchair users -- and to a broader extent, wheelchair users? How might the film have gotten its message across without resorting to harmful stereotypes?
How do the characters in WALL-E demonstrate perseverance, courage, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 27, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : November 17, 2008
- Cast : Fred Willard , Jeff Garlin , Sigourney Weaver
- Director : Andrew Stanton
- Studio : Pixar Animation Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Robots
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 28, 2026
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