EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

Edward Scissorhands is an interesting, funny film with a lively, imaginative plot. Its central character is an innocent figure trying to live in a fallen world marked by greed, lust, and hate. The story values compassion and recognizes that people sometimes must find another way to be who they are.

But the film’s innocence is surrounded by content that earns its −2 rating. The source review specifically flags roughly 10 obscenities and profanities, sexual innuendoes, violence, drinking, and breaking and entering. Those elements keep this from being a family movie, even though its moral concerns and unusual fantasy have real merit.

Watch it at home only if you are a discerning adult prepared to discuss both its tenderness and its darker material.

Edward was created in a gloomy mansion above a neat, uniform suburbia. His creator died before giving him ordinary hands, so Edward must make his way through life with scissors instead.

When Avon lady Peg Boggs brings Edward home to her family, his unusual gifts quickly attract the attention of the neighborhood. But his innocence and lack of experience leave him vulnerable when other people take advantage of him.

Three stars means a worthwhile but imperfect film. The story is lively, imaginative, interesting, and funny. Edward’s unusual abilities create much of the movie’s distinctive humor, while the suburban setting gives the fantasy a sharp, memorable contrast.

The film also offers a thoughtful central idea: innocence alone is not enough in a fallen world, where people need wisdom and discernment to recognize good and evil. Its weaknesses are the violence, blatant sexual innuendoes, and foul language that keep its imaginative story from being better suited to most viewers.

The film portrays Edward as an innocent, pre-lapsarian Adam struggling to adjust to a fallen world. He is all heart, and it never occurs to him to do evil. Around him, however, people display greed, lust, hate, selfishness, deception, and a willingness to use the vulnerable for their own purposes.

The movie exalts compassion and acceptance. It suggests that a person may need to find another way to be who he is rather than conforming to everyone else. It also recognizes that innocence needs wisdom. Experience and discernment between good and evil are necessary protections in a damaged world.

The film’s view of human brokenness aligns with the biblical recognition that sin distorts relationships and communities. But its solution is primarily human acceptance and practical discernment rather than redemption through God. Its central counsel is close to Jesus’ instruction: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Edward Scissorhands has a lively imagination and a compassionate heart, but its sexual innuendo, violence, drinking, and profanity make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, watch it at home rather than making it a family outing: WAIT FOR HOME — ADULTS ONLY. For gentler family viewing, see.