Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Planes copycat has mild peril, cartoon violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wings
What's the Story?
WINGS follows the story of young Ace (Josh Duhamel), who yearns to compete as an aerobatic flyer. Through a series of misunderstandings, he is hired by a top team following the death of Hale, a great flyer who crashed during competition. The deceased flyer's dad, voiced by Tom Skerritt, must be coaxed out of his depressive retirement to coach Ace and teach him the team's programs. Ace is taunted by the winner of last year's competition, Cyclone, who is later revealed to have sabotaged his friend and rival, the departed Hale. Windy (Hilary Duff) provides the love interest.
Is It Any Good?
This is a weak knockoff of Disney's animated feature Cars as well as the better aviation-centered film Planes. Disney animation is always startlingly good, but it's in the script and plot category that these animated movies best Wings most vividly. The voice acting is all workmanlike and professional, but sadly the performers don't have much to work with. The plot is slow and downright confusing in some instances. The movie was originally created in Russian, and it may be possible that the Russian-language script was superior to the English. Best for plane-loving kids; others will be bored or confused.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to follow your passions and do what you love. What would you like to do when you grow up?
What can you do when you're competing against someone who does not play fair?
Practice can be boring, but does it make you better at the things you like to do?
How does this movie compare to the similar Planes and Cars?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 11, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : February 4, 2014
- Cast : Josh Duhamel , Rob Schneider , Hilary Duff , Tom Skerritt
- Director : Olga Lopato
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lions Gate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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