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+?
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WALL-E
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 108 parent reviews
Parents say this film beautifully captivates audiences of all ages with its charming protagonist and touching messages about love, perseverance, and the environment. However, some critics point out that the film's violence may not be suitable for younger viewers and that its deeper themes might be challenging for very young children to understand.
- emotional depth
- environmental message
- suitable for older kids
- mixed views on violence
- charming protagonist
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 203 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a delightful and important watch, filled with stunning animation, humor, and strong messages about environmental care, love, and friendship, making it a favorite among families. While many appreciate its charm and educational value, some find parts of the movie potentially scary or boring for younger viewers, leading to mixed reactions about its overall appeal.
- charming and cute
- great animations
- environmental message
- mixed reactions
- educational value
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
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- 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 : December 11, 2025
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