Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers - TV-Y
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Toon Disney Cast: Jim Cummings, Corey Burton, Tress MacNeille
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there's little to worry about here except for some mild cartoon peril -- including chase scenes, falls, and collisions (injuries are rare). There's also some light suspense when scenes cut to breaks in the middle of the action. Villains are mostly benign animal characters, so they probably won't frighten young viewers. It's worth noting that the show's lone female character, Gadget, breaks gender roles by being the team's pilot, mechanic, and science-minded inventor; her smarts usually save her friends.
Families can talk about how Chip and Dale are different in this show than they are in classic Disney cartoons. Which version of the chipmunk buddies do kids like better? Why? Kids: Does anything about this show frighten you? Can you think of other shows that have scary villains? Is it ever fun to be scared? Why? Families can also discuss teamwork. Do you think the characters work well as a team? Why? How does being friends improve a team? What teams have you been part of?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
The mischievous chipmunk duo who first came to fame as two of Donald Duck's most persistent adversaries got their own cartoon series -- CHIP 'N DALE RESCUE RANGERS -- in 1989. Now, thanks to syndication (and DVD collections), a new generation of viewers can grin and giggle at the adorable pair's antics.
In Rescue Rangers, the chipmunks run a detective agency that fights oddball crimes and makes daring rescues. Though responsible and devoted to his work, Chip (voiced by Tress MacNeille) often finds himself dividing time between solving mysteries and keeping the more-impetuous Dale (Corey Burton) in check. Dale, on the other hand, finds that their worldly travels give him plenty of opportunity for fun and games (including video games, which he's been known to play) -- though he does pitch in when crunch time arrives.
The chipmunks' gumshoeing team is rounded out by three friends. Australian mouse Monterey Jack (voiced first by Peter Cullen and later by Jim Cummings) provides the team with both brawn and bravery, but he's easily distracted by his favorite treat -- cheese. His tiny green housefly sidekick, Zipper (Burton), proves there's no job too big (or small) for a dedicated team member. And hands-on girl Gadget (MacNeille) often comes to the rescue of the rescuers themselves, cranking out inventions that ward off enemies and save her friends from peril.
Together the gang sets out across the globe to right wrongs and free captives of all kinds. Through their adventures, they show that teamwork and friendship can always trump the errant ways of their enemies (who are all other animals, like a big grey tabby cat or a beefy bull).
Youngsters will love the group's adventurous escapades, and the series' smart writing and clever references to world locales and events, literature, movies, and cultural icons will appeal to parents (for example, Chip's flight jacket and fedora bear a strong resemblance to Indiana Jones' attire, and in one episode, the gang travels to the Spanish village of "Tramplonia" for the annual running of the bulls).
Some other fun choices for parents and kids include TaleSpin, Timon & Pumbaa, and DuckTales.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentBoth Chip and Dale have a crush on Gadget, but references to the subject are very mild, and she seems oblivious to the attraction. |
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ViolenceCartoon peril is played for humor: Characters crash into walls and walk away dazed, long-distance falls are cushioned by treetops, etc. Very occasional injuries are indicated by a bandage or crutch. |
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Social BehaviorThe group often refers to the importance of teamwork in solving crimes and overcoming challenges. The lone female character is hard-working and inventive, using her scientific and mechanical skills to design machines that help the team ward off enemies and escape tight spots. |
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