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Ax Men

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Melvin Lardy, Jay Browning, Mike Pihl, Where to watch: History, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Rugged docu worthwhile despite some rough edges.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The logging business relies on teamwork to be successful. Most of the loggers seem proud of what they do. The dollar value of the wood they harvest is constantly discussed. All the loggers featured are Caucasian men.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Logging is presented as a dangerous business. Loggers handle axes, chain saws, and other cutting tools that can result in loss of limbs. Loggers are shown getting injured, though no blood is seen. One featured logger has a prosthetic hand due to an accident. Loggers are constantly dodging falling timber. Occasional arguments between the loggers.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Frequent use of words like "stupid" and "idiot." Other audible language includes "damn" and "hell." Words like "bitch" and "f--k" are bleeped out.

  • Consumerism:

    The four featured logging companies are frequently mentioned by name.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One logger refers to himself and his team as "winos."
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ax Men

Parents need to know that this reality series -- which follows four Pacific Northwest logging crews as they risk life and limb to cut timber in remote mountain areas -- highlights the dangers associated with logging (including some of the wounds sustained on the job, like one man's severed fingers). Loggers are occasionally shown getting hurt, and although no blood or graphic images are actually visible, some of these intense moments may be scary to young viewers. Perhaps not surprisingly given the stressful nature of the loggers' lifestyle, there's also a fair amount of strong language ("ass" and "damn"; words like "bitch" and "f--k" are bleeped out).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the appeal of shows about dangerous jobs. What do you think compels people to do them? What makes watching them on the job interesting? Do you think these jobs are as dangerous or dramatic as they seem on television, or is that played up for entertainment value? Families can also discuss what loggers and fisherman do to protect the environment while they do their jobs. Can television be used to help these efforts?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    lisa.greenwalt
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    LOVEN IT

    nice to see our locals being reconized for that they are out there doing!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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