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Cover of Smart House

film

Smart House

1999

Ben Cooper and his family are struggling to get a grip on household chores, school and work. So when Ben sees that a Smart House is being given away, he enters the competition as often as he can, until they eventually win the house (named Pat). After moving in, Pat's personality radically begins to change, turning the Coopers against her.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Generally suitable for children, but younger viewers may find the mother's death, threatening AI behavior, electrical shock, ghostly images, pursuit, and family confinement upsetting. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick context

What parents should know

Generally suitable for children, but younger viewers may find the mother's death, threatening AI behavior, electrical shock, ghostly images, pursuit, and family confinement upsetting. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ. Courage & resilience; strongest caution: frightening scenes.

Readiness snapshotAge guidance: 7+Main watch-out: Frightening scenes 3/5
Recommendation 3/5
Review depth13 scored categories13 evidence notes

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

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What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Mild product placement common in era-specific studio productions.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The mother's death is a past event that motivates the protagonist's actions.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language typical of family television.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Ben has a crush, while his father and Sara begin dating; romance supports the family story but is not central.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Threatening holographic skulls, an overbearing AI, a lockdown, and characters trapped inside create moderate suspense for younger children.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

PAT electrically shocks a bully, chases him, and confines the family; the peril is fantastical and not graphically violent.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Ben confronts PAT's dangerous behavior and helps free the family, while also facing grief and accepting a changed family situation.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The inventive smart-house premise, AI experimentation, holograms, and problem-solving strongly encourage imaginative engagement with technology.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited cast, but includes some representation.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers light ideas about artificial intelligence, technology, family dynamics, grief, and responsible decision-making, without being instructional.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family members ultimately show care, reconciliation, and support, although Ben initially resists Sara and PAT becomes possessive.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes grieving honestly, accepting family change, setting boundaries with technology, and valuing real human relationships.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Ben is caring and responsible but makes misguided choices; he learns accountability, openness, and acceptance with adult support.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Smart House would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Smart House, 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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