Playing with Fire (2019)
Synopsis:
Playing with Fire follows the story of Jake Carson, a no-nonsense fire superintendent, and his elite team of firefighters. When they rescue three siblings from a burning cabin, they find themselves in over their heads as they try to care for the kids until their parents can be located. The team, used to handling emergencies, quickly realizes that babysitting is a whole different challenge. As the firefighters navigate the chaos of their new responsibilities, they must also deal with the antics of the lively children. The movie is filled with comedic situations as the firefighters attempt to balance their professional duties with the unexpected task of childcare, leading to a series of humorous and action-packed events.
Where To Watch: Playing with Fire
Parental Feedback
Playing with Fire, released in 2019, is a family comedy that leans heavily into slapstick humor and heartwarming moments, making it a movie for kids. The film follows a group of rugged firefighters who find themselves in over their heads when tasked with babysitting three rambunctious siblings. While the movie is generally light-hearted and fun, parental reviews are mixed, with some appreciating its comedic elements and others finding it a bit too predictable or lacking in depth.
Why Kids Should Watch Playing with Fire
The movie offers a delightful mix of humor and heart, making it a fun watch for kids.
- Promotes themes of teamwork and responsibility.
- Features a strong character arc for the lead firefighter, who learns to adapt and care for the children.
- Includes visually engaging scenes with firefighting action and comedic mishaps.
- Offers a positive portrayal of family and friendship.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Playing with Fire
Some parents express concerns about the film's reliance on slapstick humor and mild peril.
- May include emotional moments that could be confusing for younger viewers.
- Some scenes involve risky behavior that might not be adequately addressed.
- The humor can be a bit over-the-top, which might not appeal to all children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its predictable plot and reliance on slapstick humor.
What Parents Should Know About Playing with Fire
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The firefighters demonstrate teamwork and responsibility, especially when caring for the children. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The children's backstory and their initial resistance to the firefighters may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the film shows how the characters learn from their mistakes and grow from their experiences. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The characters often work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie emphasizes the value of family, friendship, and adapting to new challenges. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Playing with Fire is praised for its humor and positive messages about family and teamwork. However, some parents feel the humor is too slapstick and the plot predictable. Engaging with your child during or after the movie can help clarify any confusing moments and reinforce the positive themes. For those seeking similar content, movies like "The Pacifier" or "Cheaper by the Dozen" might offer a more balanced mix of humor and heart.
Official Playing with Fire Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Playing with Fire
Playing with Fire's most common core values include Family love, Teamwork, and Responsibility. The movie showcases Family Love as the firefighters and the children form a bond that resembles a family, highlighting the importance of caring for one another. Teamwork is evident as the firefighters work together to manage both their professional duties and the unexpected task of looking after the kids, showing how collaboration can solve even the most chaotic situations.
Responsibility is a key theme as the firefighters learn to balance their duties with the new challenge of childcare, demonstrating to kids the importance of being accountable for their actions and commitments. These values are woven into the story, providing children with clear examples of how these principles can be applied in real-life situations.
Other Core Values Explored: Caring for others | Leadership | Friendship | Problem-solving | Perseverance | Bravery | Respect | Self-discovery | Growth mindset | Making good choices | Trust | Resilience | Emotional growth | Humor | Adaptability
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Playing with Fire
Importance of Family: In Playing with Fire, kids learn the significance of family as the firefighters and the siblings form a unique bond. The children, initially strangers to the firefighters, become like family as they navigate challenges together. This connection highlights how family isn't just about blood relations but also about the people who care for and support you.
Building Friendships: The movie shows how friendships can develop in unexpected situations. As the firefighters and the kids spend time together, they form strong friendships. This teaches children that friendships can blossom in the most unlikely places and that being open to new experiences can lead to meaningful connections.
Letting Go of Control: The firefighters, used to having control over emergency situations, learn to let go and adapt to the unpredictable nature of caring for children. This lesson shows kids that sometimes it's okay to not have everything under control and that flexibility can lead to positive outcomes.
Practicing Empathy: Throughout the movie, the characters learn to understand and share the feelings of others. The firefighters, initially focused on their duties, begin to empathize with the children's situation, showing kids the importance of putting themselves in someone else's shoes and being compassionate.
Working as a Team: The movie emphasizes teamwork as the firefighters and the kids work together to overcome various challenges. This teaches children the value of collaboration and how working together can help solve problems more effectively than working alone.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Unexpected Love | Learning from Mistakes | Supporting Your Friends
Why Kids Love Playing with Fire
Playing with Fire is a whirlwind of fun and chaos that keeps kids on the edge of their seats. The movie is filled with hilarious characters, like the no-nonsense fire superintendent Jake Carson and his team, who find themselves in over their heads when they have to babysit three mischievous siblings. Kids will love the slapstick comedy and silly jokes as the firefighters navigate awkward situations and cartoon-style chaos. The lively children bring pranks and mishaps that lead to laugh-out-loud moments. With cool gadgets and secret missions, the movie is an action-packed adventure where teamwork and bravery shine.
Animal friends add to the excitement, and the unexpected friendships formed between the firefighters and the kids are heartwarming. As the team learns to balance their duties with the chaos of childcare, kids will be captivated by the thrilling antics and the fun of proving themselves in unexpected ways. Playing with Fire is a rollercoaster of humor and excitement that keeps kids entertained from start to finish.