Dickens & Rumi
Cover of How to Build a Better Boy

film

How to Build a Better Boy

2014

After inadvertently inputting the qualities of the ideal boyfriend into a high-tech government computer, two social outcasts named Mae and Gabby must contend with Albert, a cybernetic sweetheart with only one directive: to treat Mae to the perfect highschool romance.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Generally mild family entertainment, but children may need support with school humiliation, military peril, criminal hacking, and Albert’s emotional destruction and goodbye. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance3/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

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

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Typical corporate tie-ins expected of a Disney Channel production, but no blatant commercialization within the narrative.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Albert voluntarily initiates self-destruction and is destroyed after an emotional goodbye; the loss is significant but nonhuman and non-graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild school-level insults and teasing.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Teen crushes, dating, a fake boyfriend, a homecoming dance, kissing expectations, and new relationships are central to the story.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Brief moments of tension involving intruders and military pursuits, but not frightening.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes light sci-fi action, robot-enhanced feats, and military intervention, but no graphic or bloody violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The girls confront embarrassment, danger, official authorities, and difficult emotional truths; Mae courageously rejects a relationship that feels manipulated.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Inventive programming creates a cybernetic boyfriend, and the protagonists solve escalating problems through imagination, technical skill, and teamwork.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse lead cast in a standard high school setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental focus on STEM, particularly programming and robotics, though not deeply educational.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

The characters eventually support one another and learn to be kind to themselves and others.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes honesty, self-worth, emotional authenticity, friendship, and choosing real relationships over an artificially perfect partner.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists grow, learn from their mistakes, and eventually prioritize their friendship and integrity.

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. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in How to Build a Better Boy would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in How to Build a Better Boy, and what caused that change?
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