Is Wisdom Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Wisdom is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Wisdom Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1986, Wisdom emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Action domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Unable to find work after a past felony, graduate John Wisdom and his girlfriend embark on a cross-country bank-robbing spree in order to aid American farmers. Unlike standard genre fare, Wisdom attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Wisdom features a noteworthy lineup led by Demi Moore . Supported by the likes of Emilio Estevez and Tom Skerritt , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Wisdom (1986) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Wisdom Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Wisdom is a Crime, Drama, Action film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Wisdom Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Wisdom attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Wisdom reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Wisdom Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Wisdom incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, action film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Wisdom adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Wisdom?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Wisdom Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $5.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Wisdom Budget
The estimated production budget for Wisdom is $6.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Wisdom
- Demi Moore – Karen Simmons
- Emilio Estevez – John Wisdom
- Tom Skerritt – Lloyd Wisdom
- Veronica Cartwright – Samantha Wisdom
- William Allen Young – Agent Williamson
Top Highlights
Demi MooreKaren Simmons
Emilio EstevezJohn Wisdom
Tom SkerrittLloyd Wisdom
Veronica CartwrightSamantha Wisdom
William Allen YoungAgent Williamson
Charlie SheenCity Burger Manager
Richard MinchenbergAgent Cooper
Ernie LivelyBill, Motel Manager
Bill HendersonTheo
Gene RossSheriff
Where to Watch Wisdom Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
FilminParents Guide & Age Rating
Wisdom is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, Wisdom stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1986 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wisdom movie hit or flop?
Wisdom has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Wisdom worth watching?
Wisdom is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Wisdom online?
Wisdom is currently available for streaming on Filmin. You can also check for it on platforms like Filmin depending on your region.
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How Wisdom Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Wisdom
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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