For over 40 years, fans of all ages have scrambled to see the latest Star Wars film featuring the Skywalkers. Episode 9 – The Rise of Skywalker marks the end of an era. But is The Rise of Skywalker kid-friendly or is it too violent for kids? Find out in this SPOILER-FREE parent review.
Photo courtesy: Walt Disney Studios
I’ve said it before – I’m a HUGE Star Wars fan. I’ve yet to encounter a film I didn’t like. Yes, that includes the prequels. And my kids have seen all of the movies. And I’ll be taking my youngest, who isn’t so young anymore, to see it.
But that doesn’t mean it is for all ages! And hopefully, this spoiler-free review will help you decide if you want to take your kids or not.
What is The Rise of Skywalker Rated?
The movie is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action. But The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi were also both rated PG-13, so this isn’t anything new.
Photo courtesy: Walt Disney Studios
How long is Star Wars Episode 9?
The clocked runtime is 2 hours and 22 minutes. Which isn’t too bad in the days of 3+ hour-long movies.
But it is slightly long for toddlers and young children to sit through. At least for my kids, it would have been. They’d have been restless and need potty breaks. Heck, I’m concerned my 12-year-old won’t make it through without a bathroom run.
And trust me when I say – the movie is so action-packed you won’t want to leave your seat, even for a potty stop.
Are there swear words in the film?
I heard a “damn”. And there could have been a few other minor cursies. Beyond the one, I was too enthralled in the film to catch any others.
But curse words are not foreign to my young ones, so sometimes I don’t notice them as much as I should.
Update – just saw The Rise of Skywalker for the second time and heard a second swear word – Ass.
How much violence is in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker?
We don’t censor much, so lightsaber battles and wonky shoot outs with Stormtroopers are not a big deal for us. And there have always been more than a few deaths in the films.
This the end of a war that has been going on for more than 40 years. The battles are mighty. Everyone is leaving everything on the battlefield, wherever that might be.
And I feel there was a little more graphic violence in The Rise of Skywalker. Not gory or overly bloody, but we do see a few wounds up close.
Are there sensitive topics in Star Wars Episode 9?
The Resistance is still reeling from the deaths of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker and those deaths are addressed in the film.
And again this is war. There will be deaths on both sides.
There isn’t anything overly sexual in the movie.
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So, is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker kid-friendly?
I have a hard time saying The Rise of Skywalker is not kid-friendly, because I was watching Star Wars from a very young age and my kids have too.
But I would be wary of taking kids younger than six. Unless they have seen The Force Awakens and/or The Last Jedi. If they have seen either of those films, they should be able to handle Episode 9.
I don’t want to give anything away, so I’m being vague on purpose. I highly suggest parents – go see it first and then decide to take you kids. Especially if you have sensitive wee ones.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios
Did I like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker?
I loved it. The movie lived up to everything I needed it to. Bring a box of tissues. I shed more than enough tears during the movie.
It was heartwrenching, emotionally moving and gave me the closure I would expect from the final chapter.
And let me say, it can be a bummer to watch an epic film with a less than enthusiastic audience. You knew there weren’t many diehard Star Wars fans sitting in those seats, because there was only a handful of us cheering, clapping and crying at any given moment.
Stay tuned because I will be doing a more in-depth review after opening weekend!
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About Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron’s journey continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle commences.
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