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Popular Mechanics for Kids: X-treme Sports and Other Action Adventures (G, 2005)

common sense media says

Sports and outdoor adventures mixed with science.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a terrific video for kids who love action. The show's teenaged hosts play sports from hockey (with an NHL pro) to sandboarding, and have a great time doing it. The girls get to do as much of the rough stuff as the boys, and many of the featured athletes are women as well. Along with the wild rides is plenty of the science behind them --how sports shoes are designed and made, the physics of snowboarding, and why your feet can smell bad are just a few examples. The production values are terrific, and the shows are very entertaining. Some of the activities, however, are quite dangerous. Although they are always performed with all the requisite safety equipment, parents will want to be sure their kids understand what "don't try this at home" means.

Positive messages: Good role models.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Some brand name sporting products are shown, but not promoted.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Popular Mechanics for Kids: X-treme Sports and Other Action Adventures

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the science behind the sports covered in this program, and can do some research on the science behind other sports.

What's the story?

What's the story?

PMK features four young hosts who travel around the world seeking out adventure. They ride luges down roads, play sports with professional athletes, hunt for poisonous snakes in the desert, and try some pretty outrageous stuff, like kite waterskiing. What makes this more than just a lot of fun riding around is the explanations of the science behind the fun. The physics of the different sports are explained, and there are hands-on projects, ranging from building your own zip line to how to collect water in the desert. There are cartoons, and funny sequences featuring Charlie, the show's least competent host, who happens to be an adult.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Whether you're an armchair athlete or an extreme sports addict, this video will entertain and inform. The show is sensitive to gender issues, letting the girl hosts do plenty of wild stunts, and featuring female professional athletes in a number of sports. The photography and animation are top notch, and the science and fun are seamlessly woven together. This is a well-made show, one that kids and parents will both enjoy.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Koch Vision
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release: March 8, 2005
DVD release: March 8, 2005
MPAA Rating: G
MPAA explanation: all audiences
This review was written by Sarah Wenk
 
 

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ON: Content is 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
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