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Playing with Fire movie review: Cringe-fest for parents, but a fun time for kids

By Sandy C.

L-R: Tyler Mane, Christian Convery, Keegan-Michael Key, Brianna Hildebrand, John Leguizamo, Finley Rose Slater (back to camera), and John Cena in PLAYING WITH FIRE from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Doane Gregory.
L-R: Tyler Mane, Christian Convery, Keegan-Michael Key, Brianna Hildebrand, John Leguizamo, Finley Rose Slater (back to camera), and John Cena in PLAYING WITH FIRE from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Doane Gregory. /
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Playing with Fire movie is in theaters this weekend. If you’re on the fence about taking the family, we’re here to help!

Parents, I know what you’re thinking, the trailer for Playing with Fire is enough for you to know not to catch it in theaters. But hear me out! Your kids, especially young boys, are likely going to have a great time and learn a few things along the way. I suppose it all depends on how much you love your children! Joking aside, here’s what parents might love (and not so much) about Playing with Fire, starring John Cena.

The movie follows fire superintendent Jake Carson (Cena) and his team of firefighters. After the elite team saves three siblings, they must care for them until their parents pick them up in the morning. Carson and the others are prepared for any sort of emergency or challenge that may come their way, with the exception of babysitting. Suddenly, fires don’t seem as wild and unpredictable as kids can be.

There won’t be any spoilers here, but let’s just say the kids aren’t being completely honest about their parents. The movie is very predictable, and you’ll get what I’m talking about within the first half hour or the movie. Still, this is a children’s movie, so let’s treat and judge it as such.

Kids will remain oblivious to the predictable story and enjoy every minute of it. There are plenty of silly gags and jokes to go around, and the performances are particularly cringey, but children will find it all hilarious and even care for the characters. And hey, at least the movie is only 95 minutes.

L-R: Keegan-Michael Key, Finley Rose Slater, and John Cena in PLAYING WITH FIRE from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Doane Gregory.
L-R: Keegan-Michael Key, Finley Rose Slater, and John Cena in PLAYING WITH FIRE from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Doane Gregory. /

What’s the recommended age for the movie? I’m no expert, but as a mom I would say this movie can be enjoyed by children 5-years and up.

Don’t get me wrong, the movie is pretty forgettable. Without coming off as pushy, children learn family values and what’s better than family as we head into Thanksgiving? However, as much as my 6-year-old enjoyed it and wanted to play with firetrucks the rest of the day, all care for Playing with Fire was gone by the following morning. So whether you believe the movie is worth the big screen is up to you!

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Playing with Fire is in theaters Nov. 8 and also stars Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo, Brianna Hildebrand, and Judy Greer. 

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