TYSON’S RUN Parents Guide + Movie Review

Tyson’s Run is an uplifting and inspirational film guaranteed to tug at your heart. Is Tyson’s Run kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my Tyson’s Run Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!

TYSON’S RUN Parents Guide + Movie Review

Tyson’s Run is a movie inspired by a real boy. Fifteen year old, Tyson, has been homeschooled his entire life. In an effort to get closer to his disconnected father, he asks to attend public school. Tyson’s dad, is the school’s popular football coach. Albeit nervous, his parents agree and send him to school.

Tyson’s father, Bobby, has seemed to always struggle with his son’s autism diagnosis. In fact, he says that Tyson is “in his own world.” He is completely disconnected from his child, and sadly, seems to care more about the kids he coaches. Tyson’s mother, Ellie, even says, “I’m sorry I couldn’t give you the son you wanted.” Unfortunately, Tyson’s dad needs a good wake up call to get his priorities in check.

Tyson befriends a marathon runner, Aklilu, and asks him to teach him to be the “best runner on a certain day.” Will Tyson’s parents allow him to run a marathon? Will others believe in him? Can he believe in himself?

Is Tyson’s Run kid-friendly? Here’s your parents guide:

Tyson’s Run has an MPAA rating of PG for thematic elements and some language including offensive slurs. It has a runtime of 1 hour 43 minutes. I will say that I feel maybe 15 minutes or so could have been shaved off. There were some scenes that seemed to drag a bit.

Tyson is a 15 year old boy who has autism. He faces some bullying in school and is referred to as a “retard.” There is also the stigma that because Tyson is “different,” he isn’t capable of accomplishing the same things as others. Amy Smart plays Tyson’s mother, Ellie, and she is one heck of a mama bear. Smart does a phenomenal job in her role. As a mother myself, I could easily place myself in her position and was cheering her on. Ellie’s advocacy for Tyson is admirable.

Tyson’s Run has a few moments of peril throughout the film. Whenever Tyson gets upset, hid reaction is to runaway. This puts him in some situations that could be dangerous.

While there is a touch of faith in Tyson’s Run, I wouldn’t classify this as a religious film. More so there’s a message of having faith in yourself and others.

Although this movie is only rated PG, I wouldn’t classify it as a children’s film. That is not a bad thing by any means. It just was not made for kids. The target audience of Tyson’s Run will be parents, or those looking for an inspiring story.

Overall Thoughts

Tyson’s Run is an emotional and heartwarming journey. It tackles so many important themes throughout the film. Tyson’s autism plays a key role in this movie, and you’ll be rooting for his character the whole way through. Parents will be able to relate to the difficult part of letting their children go, but also the beautiful part of believing in them with your whole heart. The message of putting your family first is honorable and something we all need to be reminded of once in awhile. Tyson’s Run is in theaters nationwide March 11th.

Tyson’s Run Synopsis

When fifteen-year-old Tyson attends public school for the first time, his life is changed forever. While helping his father clean up after the football team, Tyson befriends champion marathon runner Aklilu. Never letting his autism hold him back, Tyson becomes determined to run his first marathon in hopes of winning his father’s approval. 

With the help of an unlikely friend and his parents, Tyson learns that with faith in yourself and the courage to take the first step, anything is possible.

I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS TYSON’S RUN PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE WATCHING?!

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