 | 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. |
Generator Rex
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Thoughtful sci-fi cartoon with monsters is best for tweens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sci-fi/adventure cartoon is better suited for tweens than it is for kids due to a good deal of violence (guns, knives, and large explosions, for instance) with little real-world consequence and plenty of monsters of all shapes and sizes. What’s more, the intricacies of Rex’s struggles with his own identity and good decision-making are too weighty for kids to grasp. That said, the show is a rare find for tweens, blending a mature storyline about a teen’s inner battle between his sense of responsibility and his very different personal desires with an enticing plot of mystery and adventure.
What's the story?
In a recent global accident, Earth was infected by microscopic machines called nanites, which link with humans’ DNA and can turn their hosts into dangerous monsters. Rex (voiced by Daryl Sabara) was no exception, but inexplicably this remarkable 15-year-old amnesiac is able to control his nanites and transform his body at will, making him the secret weapon in the Providence agency’s battle against the mutant creatures, called Exponentially Variegated Organisms, or E.V.O.s for short. Together with his Providence team – Dr. Holiday (Grey DeLisle), Agent Six (Wally Kurth), and his chimpanzee friend, Bobo Haha (John DiMaggio) – and “regular” pal, Noah (Fred Savage), Rex must stare down evil in all forms while he searches for the truth to his past.
Is it any good?
If your tweens (especially boys) think they’re too old for cartoons, GENERATOR REX is up to the challenge of changing their minds. This enjoyable show is full of adventure in an ongoing battle of good vs. evil, and the subplot surrounding Rex’s questions about his past is a dangling-carrot mystery that will retain the interest of this more mature audience. True, much of the cartoon is doused in violent exchanges between Rex and a host of mutants, but even here the show’s thoughtfulness is apparent, as rather than killing the monsters, Rex uses his powers to restore their humanity.
This content is all well and good for the tween set, but it’s the very stuff that makes this an iffy choice for younger kids. An ever-changing cast of monsters, recurring villains with truly evil intentions, inner struggles with emotion, and an uncertain self-image may raise more questions than answers for youngsters, so better save this one until the littlest ones have gone to bed.
What families can talk about
Families can discuss responsibility. Can you relate to Rex’s frustration over having responsibility thrust upon him? How does he cope with the pressure? What responsibilities weigh heaviest on you? What coping techniques do you use to manage?
Parents and tweens can talk about violence on TV. Tweens: What did you think about the violence in this show? Would you say there was too much of it, or was it OK? Did you find it realistic? Do you think it was intended to be realistic? What standards do you think should exist for violence on TV?
Tweens: How would you define “self-image?” How is your self-image influenced by people around you? Do you fall victim to the media’s messages about who you should be? If so, which ones affect you most? Why is it sometimes difficult to have a strong self-image?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
From the Creators Of Ben 10...
From the Creators of Ben 10 comes Generator Rex, a new show that takes after it's predecessors in action, heroism, and character drama.
Accounting for the action sequences and EVO appearances, this show is ON for kids 11-12+. A new episode goes "suspense" style, in a "lock-down with a monster" twist. Such episodes are what make it 11-12+, along with the somewhat iffy content of girls in bikini's and obvious flirtation.
It's adventurous style, and consistent storyline elements make it a fun show for kids.
Moreover, as it's created by "MAN OF ACTION," you can expect the same dramatic elements of Ben 10, making it a great recommendation for fans of the show.
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AGE
Good for tweens, a little scary for younger kids
Very fun show for my kids. Full of excitement and adventure but monsters might be too scary to younger kids. My 9-year-old loves it.
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AGE
good for kids 8+
The best show ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Kid, 12 years old
May 16, 2010
AGE
great show!
very good!
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Watch it for longer than six minutes and ...
From the amazing creators of the original Ben 10 (the creators that aren't affiliated with Alien Force or any of this other Ben 10 garbage they show nowadays), this show is beautifully animated and has great action sequences. There are plenty of positive messages, including Rex's desire to 'cure' everyone negatively infected with the nanomachines. There are instances when he is ordered to kill the infected humans but he typically is able to rise above and cure them.
It's a wonderful show and I hate missing it. Give it a bigger chance than six minutes because it's simply not a show that you can judge in such a short amount of time. *points to the review far below* Really.
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AGE
Great animated Action Cartoon for 9+
This is a great action adventure animated show for older kids as it is rated TV-PG and for good reason. The violence is taken up a few notches. There are deaths an consequences and a lot of the Evo Monsters can be quite frightening .
I personally think that the risks the show takes are great, but some close minded parents who have a limited view on what animation should be might not see it that way. I would use my own judgment on this, but I think it's a safe bet for kids 9 and older.
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AGE
12+
good, action, dark and scary at times for older kids who arent scared easy.
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AGE
Great for a Family Show Night
I believe that Generator Rex is a great show, although I agree with the data in the review; it's probably not for kids under 11. I babysat twins that had seen shows similar, and at a young age, their interpretation of the message can be a little disturbing. Don't think that it's not good for the family, though, just make sure you discuss it with kids that are in a younger age group to make sure that they don't get confused.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Daryl Sabara, Grey DeLisle, Wally Kurth |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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