Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this live-action show focuses on the importance of fulfilling civic duty and respecting other people's property. Although this series is suitable for all ages, parents might want to help viewers under 4 understand the difference between slapstick humor and violence.
Families can talk about why it's important to be a good citizen. When is it appropriate to help someone in need by yourself, and when you should you ask someone (like the authorities) to help? What should you do if you witness a crime? Why is it wrong to steal?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Deirdre Sheppard
BRUM honks the horn when it comes to civic duty. Currently motoring about on Discovery Kids, Brum is a little yellow car with an eye for mischief. In each episode, he escapes his garage and saves the streets of London from distress.
The delightful Brit can accomplish anything by putting in his best effort. In one episode, for example, Brum rescues a dog who was stolen for his jeweled collar. Another segment features the car returning a birthday cake to its rightful owner. Some of the villains may be scary for younger viewers, but any frightening elements are overshadowed by lighthearted humor.
Jazz music serves as the show's backdrop and is certainly a prime ingredient in its charm. As in a silent film, dialogue is almost nonexistent. There's a little bit of narration, but the plot is largely dependent on the characters' physical comedy. This quality heightens some of the humor, but the fact that the heroes and villains' actions aren't verbally explained could prove confusing for younger viewers.
Brum's goal is to depict stories with humor. But since the show is live action, simple acts of humor could be mistaken for violence if parents don't explain them. For example, in the episode about the dog theft, the crook attempts to remove the jeweled collar with an overly large pair of garden shears. It's handled hilariously on screen, but it could be a perplexing message for kids.
When watching Brum, expect loud costumes, catchy music, silly dancing, and comedic choreographed coincidences. Since it moves much faster than most kids' programming, Brum is a good fit for kids with shorter attention spans and for parents who can't always stomach the monotony of other kids' shows. Overall, it's a great pick -- just be sure to know when to fill in the gaps!
Fans of Brum might also enjoy Thomas and Friends and Go, Diego, Go.
Rate It!
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ViolencePhysical comedy could be mistaken for violence without parental explanation. Sometimes Brum drives uncontrollably; garden shears are used to steal a jeweled collar; wet pavement is used to trap villains. |
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Social BehaviorBrum proudly demonstrates the importance of civic duty and responsibility. |
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