 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Backyardigans: Tale of the Mighty Knights
- Review Date: January 14, 2008
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Gentle knightly adventure set to rock opera.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the colorfully animated Backyardigan buddies demonstrate bravery, a sense of duty, and great melodic chops as they undertake a grand adventure, backed by a rollicking rock 'n' roll operatic soundtrack. The action is gentle, the humor is sweet, and the characters are lovable, making this a perfect choice for young children. One scene involves a dragon chasing the friends, but the beast looks like a smiling, excited puppy.
What's the story?
Exhibiting the lively imaginations and diverse musical sensibilities that characterize the Backyardigans TV series, this DVD features five animated friends acting out a gentle adventure. The action opens in the backyard, which quickly transforms into a king's castle through the imagination of Tyrone the moose (voiced by Jordan Coleman) and Uniqua (LaShawn Jefferies), who imagine themselves as mighty knights, "never rude but always polite." King Pablo (Jake Goldberg) summons them for what they hope will be a daring task, but they are disappointed to learn involves only guarding an egg. Tyrone and Uniqua soon learn that this is no ordinary egg, and that keeping it safe will require not only knightly bravery but also the help of other characters they meet along the way.
Is it any good?
Lessons about duty, bravery, and teamwork, mild action, and gentle humor make this DVD a fine choice for preschoolers, while a catchy soundtrack that seems influenced by rock operas from the 1970s will make this bearable for parents fielding the inevitable request for repeat viewing.
The beautiful 3-D CGI animation is especially effective in scenes set in waterfalls and lava pits, and the accompaniment of crunchy electric guitars and wailing solos keeps the action moving along.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the disappointment that the knights feel upon learning what their mission is. Have you ever felt disappointed about something only to have it turn out to be even better than you'd hoped? Even though the Grabbing Goblin gives back his spoils if asked nicely, is it ever OK to steal? What kind of knight adventure could you and your family make up to play?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
You just need to explain it to your kids
I don't think there's any reason to steer away from this episode or The Backyardigan's in general just because the Goblin has some bad behaviors. Personally, I feel that this is a great way to open the door to explain these behaviors with your kids (stealing, rudeness). Whether it's your child or one of their friends, these behaviors will come up at some point. This gives you a relatively harmless outlet to show your children an unwanted behavior and the ability to explain the alternatives. On the whole, I love The Backyardigans and so does my daughter! This episode is no different.
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AGE
Why let kids view teaching shows that subvert integrity?
I noted that my 5 year old gleaned the message from the "Grabbing Goblin" that it is ok to steal. You only have to return the item if the person you stole from discovers it and asks you NICELY to return it. Took a patient lesson to undo that, to teach that taking without asking is NEVER appropriate.
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AGE
A little disappointed
My little 2 year old is obsessed with the Backyardigans! Mom and Dad love the show, too. But, I must say I was very disappointed with this episode. The music is awesome especially the song with Adam Pascal!! The story (for the most part) and the animation is also great. BUT- The grabbing goblin steals! He has a huge room full of things he has stolen. Another thing that bothered me was when Tyrone and Uniqua asked him for something back (they even said "pretty please") and he covered his ears and said, "lalalalalala". Not cool. These are not behaviors I want to teach my little one. Unfortunately, now- I feel like I have to "screen" each new episode to see if there is something questionable.
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AGE
When they said "pretty please" I covered my ears and went "la la la la la"ing
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AGE
Great show
I may be 17 but I watch this show when there is nothing else on XD Like early in the mornings getting ready for the day. Nothing wrong with it.
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AGE
learning
my granddaughter awakes daily and cannot wait for the backyardigans,she just adores this cartoon.
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| Studio: | Nick Jr. |
| Director: | Dave Palmer |
| Cast: | Jake Goldberg, Jordan Coleman, LaShawn Jefferies |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 60 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 14, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | February 26, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
| MPAA explanation: | Not Rated |
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