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Schoolhouse Rock! Earth (NR)

common sense media says

Catchy, smart content for kids; green reminder for adults.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that heavy issues, such as our oceans being poisoned, our planet in peril, and our weather patterns spiraling out of control, might weigh on sensitive minds. But such is the state of our planet that our children are inheriting, sadly. On the other hand, great practical ideas and catchy tunes make this DVD an important educational tool, encouraging families to make changes in their homes to reduce the impact on the environment.

Positive messages: Educational and catchy, these tunes educate viewers about what we need to do to save our environment from peril. Female characters aren't prominent, but for one song. Puzzling, since the old Schoolhouse Rock spots featured women equally.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Dolly Carton, who gets whistles when she comes on stage in one song, is a curvy country singer.
Language: Good examples of language use -- rhymes meant to save the environment.
Consumerism: If anything, reminders to recycle bottles, reuse packaging, reduce waste, and unplug electronics remind us of how responsible we need to be for our consumption in this day and age.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Schoolhouse Rock! Earth

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what they can do to save the planet. Can you name 10 steps that you can take to make your home friendlier to the environment? When was the last time you rode your bike to school or a friend's house? What will you do today to help the planet?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The Schoolhouse Rock! troupe is back to save the planet from peril. In fact, these songs are intended to educate the viewer as to what he or she can and must do to save the planet. A very tall order for our small audience to follow. But catchy songs that say "If you're not saving water, you ought to," and, "We've got to work together in this fight to save the weather," make this task more tolerable. Might as well make these heavy issues catchy and do-able for the generation that is going to be burdened with increasing environmental concerns.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Though the segues between the songs are rather lame, the songs themselves serve as a great introduction into responsible stewardship of our planet. Songs for the ages, like "Solar Power to the People," informs the viewer that "All those rays coming down for free/ Can be stored in a solar battery." And "FatCat Blue: the Clean Rivers Song" explains what happens to our rivers when they are polluted by toxic stew. "Don't Be a Carbon Sasquatch" outlines steps that kids can take to reduce their carbon footprint, while explaining what a watt and a megawatt is and pointing out how much energy we use every day. Parents who remember the sad planet singing the "Energy Blues" from the original series will be grateful that more environmental issues are being addressed in this well-done series of cartoon shorts. It's about time!

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Bob Dorough
Cast: Bob Dorough, Jack Sheldon, Lynn Ahrens
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 50 minutes
DVD release: March 31, 2009
MPAA Rating: NR
MPAA explanation: Not Rated
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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