 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Beyblade: Metal Fusion
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
So-so anime is heavy on marketing, light on messages.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this anime series is closely tied to a line of trading cards, toys, and games, so kids are sure to be drawn to the merchandise after seeing the show. The content centers on an ongoing battle between civic-minded heroes and a gang of bad guys out to take over the world by mastering the Beyblade battles and defeating their opponents. The good news is that the “weapons” in this show are spinning tops that knock into each other for points, so no one is hurt in the process. The bad news? The show relies on flashy animation, unrealistic characterization, and the aforementioned marketing ties to keep kids’ attention, and it doesn't take advantage of the opportunity to send positive messages to its young audience.
What's the story?
In BEYBLADE: METAL FUSION, groups of kids team up to battle each other with powerful spinning tops called Beyblades, which have mystical powers associated with the astrological signs. Nefarious Kyoya (voiced by Peter Cugno) and his gang, Dark Nebula, are out for world domination -- but when blading master Gingka (Robert Tinkler) arrives in town and stands in Kyoya’s way, battles ensue. Soon the lines between good and evil start to blur, and the bladers’ games intensify as the stakes get higher.
Is it any good?
Metal Fusion is the latest incarnation based on the Beyblade manga franchise, which (not surprisingly) is accompanied by an extensive line of toys, trading cards, and games. The show falls short on worthwhile content, since it rarely strays from the good-vs.-evil storyline, features lots of bullying behavior from the thug-like bad guys, doesn’t relate to real life, and resorts to battles in every instance of disagreement. Any attempt to inject reminders about acknowledging personal strengths and standing up for what’s right is lost amid the flashy animation and loud anime style.
Only minor changes separate this latest installment from its predecessors, so kids familiar with the previous storyline will have no problem settling into the show's new characters and adjusted plot. On a slightly positive note, unlike similar anime series like Bakugan, this show does dehumanize the objects being sent into battle by the kid characters, so there’s no risk of the clashes being upsetting to kids. Overall, though, there are plenty more worthwhile choices (with fewer marketing strongholds) for impressionable kids.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about coping with bullies. Have you ever encountered a bully? If so, what did you do? Which characters in this show are bullies? How do they intimidate others? What are their weaknesses?
Kids: Does this show make you want to buy your own Beyblade toys? How do you think the toys you see in the store will differ from the ones in the show? How do shows like this influence what you want?
How does this show compare to others like it? Were the characters more or less likable? Did you like the Beyblades as weapons? What would you change about it if you could?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 10 years old
April 12, 2011
AGE
Boring.
Boring, boring, boring. I like Bakugan, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Pokemon all better! But it's okay, I guess...
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
November 4, 2010
AGE
Any age would be my guess
When I had Beyblade tops, my friend told me about a show that was based on the TV show. That should be why everybody watches Beyblade, they have one!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A 30 minute commercial for collectible toys which cost $8-$15
If ever there was a show that's deserving of five $ for consumerism, this is it. The Beyblade tops, which are the focus of the show, cost $8-$15, and kids collect them. The let it rip Beyblade motto puts you at risk for incessant passing gas jokes once the show is over. My kids can't explain why they like the show, which other than being a commercial from start to finish, is fairly harmless. The top toys are at least relatively sturdy and fun for groups of kids, but if that's not fun you want for your family, you probably want to steer the kids clear of this serial commercial disguised as a tv show.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Ha ha! A parody of Naruto and... Wait, this isn't a parody? Oh, awkwaaaard...
Well, I must say, this is a laugh. When I heard a character stick up his thumb and yell "Believe it!" I groaned. Already copying from other animes. And one more thing... How can you have wooden acting in an animated show? That should get you thinking. This is a really bad show in my opinion. Of course, Bakugan fans might like this. Pretty good for all ages, since there isn't much real violence.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
September 30, 2010
AGE
good show for 8+
perfect for 8 and up
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
September 14, 2010
AGE
cool
love it and i have some bey myself plus ginku never gives up
and the girl is smart and dosent thake riskis and kento is also smart
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Hard to find anything suggetive or innapropiate
LOL. I watched the whole series and i had a HARD time finding anything innappropiate except some on the stuff ryuga says but anyway STILL
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
March 29, 2011
AGE
Good for tweens and little kids
Great show! I like the theme song which I always like to sing and know all the lyrics to. Me and my brother have a beyblade battle everyday and it is very fun!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
August 7, 2010
AGE
even girls use it
yea i'm a girl(mayba a tomboy)but that website is awesome!!!:D!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
April 3, 2011
AGE
Its just sad how many people hate this show.
Before I was into beyblades, I heard the theme song to this show and I thought beyblades were terrible. Gosh was I wrong. The toys are addicting, and the show is just great. NOTHING is innappropriate in any way. Plus, it has a fantastic storyline. Too bad people hate this show.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Jason Deline, Peter Cugno, Robert Tinkler |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
