Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Ron's Gone Wrong

film

Ron's Gone Wrong

2021

In a world where walking, talking, digitally connected bots have become children's best friends, an 11-year-old finds that his robot buddy doesn't quite work the same as the others do.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Generally suitable for children, but repeated peril, bullying, a parent’s death, an asthma emergency, implied corporate danger, and an emotional apparent loss may be intense for younger viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Products & advertising2/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

The plot prominently features a fictional, commercial robot product and its company, though the story critiques corporate influence and surveillance.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Barney’s mother died before the story, shaping his loneliness. Ron later shuts down while saving Barney, creating an emotional apparent death, but he is restored and implied to survive.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild name-calling and typical middle-school social bullying.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Children face pursuit, a storm, cold, a dangerous wilderness situation, an asthma attack, and the threat of being left to die.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Some comic robot fights, chasing, pursuit, and attempted destruction occur, with limited realistic harm.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Barney and Ron face bullying, pursuit, harsh weather, danger, and powerful adults while protecting one another and seeking justice.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The film sparks imaginative thinking about robot friendship, individuality, inventive problem-solving, and changing technology for humane purposes.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a multi-generational, multi-ethnic cast, including Barney's grandmother Donka.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers accessible lessons about algorithms, data privacy, social media, loneliness, friendship, and technology’s social effects.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness, empathy, and sacrifice are central to the emotional resolution of the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong positive messages about the value of genuine friendship, empathy, and being true to oneself despite societal pressures.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Barney learns responsibility and empathy; friends help him, while adults show mixed judgment and one executive behaves dangerously.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Ron's Gone Wrong would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Ron's Gone Wrong, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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