Monster Garage - TV-PG

Hot rod builders rev up the car-rehab genre.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Discovery Channel Cast: Jesse James Genre: Reality TV
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this car rehab show is one of the more original series in its reality TV subgenre. Star/host Jesse James is rough-looking and affects a tough-guy persona, but his kind actions belie his exterior. He works with a different group in each episode, from little people to convicts. Overall the show demonstrates that hard work can be satisfying and that you can turn a pleasure into a profession. James and the other car builders curse occasionally, and though most of the words are bleeped, many are obvious.

Families can discuss people's fascination with cars. Why do people -- particularly Americans -- go so crazy about their cars? What's the appeal of working on cars, either to fix them up or really trick them out? Do teens have a favorite car? If so, what's so great about it? Families can also talk about turning passions into profit. Is there anything you enjoy doing that you might be able to turn into a career? How would you go about it?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

In MONSTER GARAGE, self-made businessman/auto fabricator Jesse James transforms everyday vehicles into stylish, souped-up machines with the help of an ever-changing team of builders. One week he might turn a pickup truck into a gorilla transport with a group of animal experts and the next week work with a team of Folsom Prison convicts to rehab an old Chevy.

This unique approach to the car-rehab genre brings different personalities to each show, which keeps things fresh. Jesse's charisma -- mixed with a heart of gold inside a scrubby, tattooed, tough-guy exterior -- makes the rest of the show come together. Monster Garage is also one of the few shows of its kind that works with a limited budget, which adds a rougher, more do-it-yourself feel to the builds.

During the course of the transformations, the show profiles the different members of the build team. For the Folsom Prison build, for example, the bios included the crimes the men were convicted of, as well as the length of their sentence. Interviews with the prisoners were sometimes heartbreaking as they talked about losing time with their families and the circumstances that led to their arrest.

With its attention-getting camerawork and dramatic music, Monster Garage will probably keep teens' attention better than some other shows of its kind. That said, some cheesy staged moments detract from the episodes, and less attention is paid to math and engineering skills here than in shows like American Hot Rod and Biker Build-Off. But props are given for hands-on talents like welding and wiring. For people interested in cars, motorcycles, or anything mechanically oriented, this series can be a fun diversion.

Fans might also enjoy American Hot Rod, Biker-Build-Off, Trick It Out, and American Chopper.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence One episode addressed crimes that the prisoner builders had committed, but there were no details. Sparks fly frequently in the shop.
Language A fair amount of bleeped cursing.
Message
	Social Behavior Demonstrates the results of hard work, determination, and teamwork.
	Commercialism Car makes are mentioned regularly. One episode was sponsored by Chevrolet, and a builder made a very positive comment about Chevys during the show.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco The prison episode mentions crimes related to drugs.