American Dragon: Jake Long

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Descendant of dragons fights dark magic in NYC.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that some of the racial stereotypes are confusing. Though there is an attempt to present a representation of urban mixtures, there is not much respect in the characterization of cultural background. There can be violence against females in the fight scenes and some macho fronting by Jake.


What's the story?

AMERICAN DRAGON: JAKE LONG is about an Asian-American boy, Jake Long (voiced by Dante Basco), who lives in New York City. A typical teenager who loves to skateboard, Jake is protecting a family secret: He is in fact a dragon, and it's his duty to protect the magical creatures that live in New York City.


Is it any good?

 

While kids will enjoy the pratfalls and goofy behavior of Jake and his crew, parents might cringe at the awkward portrayal of urban life in this show. Jake's posturing when talking to his grandfather, who happens to be his spiritual master, goes against the Chinese tradition of respect for one's elders. Also confusing is the "ghetto" speak of his African-American friends. It's true that cultural differences in urban living are very real; perhaps this show would be better off sticking to the action, rather than the social commentary.

The pace of the show is bouncy and entertaining, though some of the fight scenes can present scary dark forces that Jake must defeat. Some humorous moments come through, but the iffy aspects of the show outweigh the treats here. In other words, there are better programs out there for young martial arts aficionados to pursue.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about what it would be like to keep a secret about heritage the way Jake and his mom and sister withhold information from Mr. Long.


This review was written by Joly Herman
Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
 
I love this show !!!
I think "American Dragon" is a fun, great show for everyone. Some good episodes are The Academy, The Ski Trip, and Breakout ! Good job Disney Channel !!

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Very entertaining, but...
This show is surprisingly entertaining. But it gets old after awhile, I couldn't see this exactly being someone's favorite show. There are a few bathroom jokes in most episodes. There is also alot of fighting. The main character isn't very respectful. Surprisingly, being set in New York, there is no drugs or alchohol or commercialism. But kids of different nations judge each other by their races. Overall this is an above average show.

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Awesome!!
This is my favorite show.me and my friends watch it whenever it's on. My mom even likes it. And she's 35! It's entertaining and even funny to watch Jake juggle his social life and his duties as the American Dragon.This show is a must watch. Some people don't approve of the violence or "bathroom jokes" but you gotta remember-it's Disney channel. Every show is rated g on disney channel. They wouldn't put anything that was really bad on Disney channel. Parents have to remember-it's just a tv show.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
My my my...
I am 13 years old but my godsister makes me watch this show alot. I gotta say. This show is RACIST! My worst fear (Being asian american myself) is that a child who watches the show may say to me somethign like "Look a chinese person! Do you think he can tur nint oa dragon?" This also misinforms the masses about chinese culture. Jeff Goode should be sued so disney can fall along with the many other incredibly (But subtly) racist shows it shows on TV.

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Teen, 18 years old
September 4, 2011
 
The last of its kind...
Seriously, CommonSense? Two stars? That's all you can give it? Why does it seem like you hate every good show? Oh, just because it has a little violence, it's automatically bad? American Dragon: Jake Long is the the last of its kind (as far as Disney Channel cartoons go), sadly. Jake is a great role-model (despite some of his disrespectful traits). There are also a few lessons in each episodes, which is a plus for parents. There is plenty of action and martial arts, but not too much to the point where it becomes unwatchable for kids. The humor is great, with the occasional inside joke and the episodes have actual plots, unlike most cartoons these days. Ignore CSM, their review does not make any sense. This is an awesome show!

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Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
 
boring!
i am 11 years old and this show stinks. it is boring and the kid jake talks and acts like a black kid from the hood. it is a take off from every tv show. there are bad jokes and they are not funny. the only way i laugh is watching how bad it is. my friends all agree with me

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
It's a decsent show
I don't see anything wrong with the language, including the accsents on any of the characters. The show isn't racist in any way and even though Jake isin't really respectful too his grand father it's not like a kids going to say 'Oh I'm going to act like Jake!' I like the show and I'm thirteen.

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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Jeremy
Jeremy- 6 and a1/2.

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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Fun and Fluffy!
American drogon janke long, is a show about a teen wo life is good, then he finds out he is the "Am-Drag", as he calls himself. This show is total check your brain at the door, slap-stick comedy fun-to-watch kind of show! Sometimes he disrespect and disobays his grandpa and parents, but he learns his lesson. Typical of whats is on disney chanel!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
A great show!
This is one of the greatest shows I've ever seen. Some cool fight scenes, and nice animation when Jake Dragons Up. Spud is a perfect dim witted sidekick and Trixie is the perfect person to knock sense into Jake. I enjoy this show.

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This review was written by Joly Herman
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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