 | 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. |
Zoom: Academy for Superheroes
- Review Date: February 12, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Dull comic-book fodder for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's a ton of disrespectful behavior from both the adults and kids in this movie. Before warming up to the kids, Jack is downright mean, calling them names and treating them badly. There's also lots of crude behavior involving farting, burping, and a huge snot-bubble that bursts and covers everyone with green goo. In one scene, the kids trap a scientist in an environmental simulator and subject him to falling rocks, a cyclone, and a rainstorm, then laugh at him. Outtakes during the end credits show the cast singing "We like to poo in our pants." Also, the parents in this movie are conspicuously missing, and the superheroes form their own "family." There's some mild profanity and comic-book style violence (kicking, punching, throwing, shattering glass).
What's the story?
Thirty years ago, Jack Shepard (Tim Allen) was known as Captain Zoom for his incredible speed. At a secret facility known as Area 52, Jack led a group of superheroes known as Team Zenith, created by General Larraby (Rip Torn) and scientist Dr. Grant (Chevy Chase). Jack's older brother, Concussion (Kevin Zegers), became a villain, murdered most of the team before being sucked into a vortex. Now, Concussion is on his way back to the world through a growing spatial anomaly. Larraby recruits has-been Jack to train a new team of superhero kids: 16-year-old Summer (Kate Mara) is a telepath who can move objects with her mind; 17-year-old Dylan (Michael Cassidy) can make himself vanish; chubby 12-year-old Tucker (Spencer Breslin), can make parts of his body expand to superhuman size; and bratty 6-year-old Cindy (Ryan Newman) has super strength. The kids learn how to control their powers –- ,but they're unaware they'll face Concussion when he returns.
Is it any good?
The young superheroes are somewhat appealing, but this movie falls flat on just about every other account. The montage scenes get old fast, and the plot is predictable and covers the usual themes of teen angst, fitting in, and finding your own gifts. Chevy Chase still isn't funny, Rip Torn is like a maniacal cartoon character, and Tim Allen needs to find a different niche other than family movies –- maybe some obscure indie films with more of a Napoleon Dynamite flare.
Based on Jason Lethcoe's comic-book for young adults and featuring dated tunes by Smash Mouth, this movie is harmless fun for kids, but not a whole lot of new material here.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the definition of "family." Does it always refer to people who are biologically related, or can it mean people who are bonded in another way (like the superheroes)? Also, was it right for the kids to take out their anger with their superpowers? What's a better way to handle anger? Could Jack have had a better attitude about training the kids?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Meh superhero paroy.
This meh movie is okay, but needed more plot and effects.
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AGE
Just for kids.
I thought this movie was ok. I love Tim Allen, but I thought the acting in this movie (for all characters) was rather weak. It's funny for children, but I think teens and adults will find it a little boring.
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AGE
No thank you.
I watched this movie with my friends children, ages 8 and 12 and it's safe to say that only the 8 year old was interested. We talked about it afterwards and all agreed that the plot was missing, and the ending wasn't very good. They didn't like that the bad guy got away with doing all those bad things, and I didn't like it either. Also, there was some distasteful language. This movie overall was boring and the acting wasn't very good either.
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AGE
I laughed so hard!!
I didn't think this movie was inappropriate there was only one bad word (hell) and it wasn't that violent, there wasn't any blood. There were no sexual scenes execpt when Dylan accidently falls on top of Summer (if you would call that sexual). It just has the basic farting and burping, but that stuff isn't bad EVERYONE gets gas!!!I think this movie was one of the funniest I've ever seen and it was appropriate for children of any age! It teaches children about why family is important!
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AGE
My 8 year old enjoyed it!!
8 year old thought it was fun!
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AGE
morals and respect anyone?
Most of what I thought has already been covered quite well by this site, with one exception. Why is the bad guy just forgiven at the end with not a mention of anything he did? Oh gee, you killed people we loved, but that's okay, we won't even talk about it. What kind of message are we sending to our children? It's ok to kill...we forgive you! What garbage! The movie was just barely ok (as today's lack of respect standards go)up until then. The lack of punishment or mention of remorse from the bad guy really topped it off for me. Think twice. I will not rent this film when it comes out. Give me "Sky High" instead!
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| Topics: | superheroes, adventures |
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Peter Hewitt |
| Cast: | Chevy Chase, Spencer Breslin, Tim Allen |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 83 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 11, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | February 13, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | brief rude humor, language, and mild action |
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