Hard Shine

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Wannabe car builders compete for hot-rod gig.
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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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this car-oriented reality show pits wannabe car builders -- many of whom come from troubled backgrounds -- against one another for a shot at a job with a prestigious auto body shop. Despite the show's competitive nature, team members are generally polite and supportive of one another. Arguments pop up occasionally as personalities clash, but problems are generally worked out in a positive manner. The host promotes a strong work ethic and models passion for his work. Moderate profanity is common ("ass," "screwed," etc.), with the strongest words bleeped.

  • Focus is on hard work, teamwork, and respect. Some trainees have had trouble with the law or drugs, but they're trying to reform.
  • Some heated arguments. Background information touches on one trainee's life as a gangbanger, including getting shot. Some trainees have had parents die, and they talk about it occasionally.
  • Not applicable.
  • Frequent moderate profanity like "ass," "sucks," and "screwed." Occasional bleeped words.
  • Car brands like Ford are mentioned frequently.
  • Some trainees smoke, but it's rarely shown. Some trainees' past struggles with drugs and alcohol are mentioned.

What's the story?

HARD SHINE adds a competitive twist to the car-rehab reality show genre as five wannabe hot-rod builders strive for one position with SO-CAL Speed Shop. Mentor Jimmy Shine is himself a hot-rod builder who worked his way up from the bottom rung to become a renowned driver and manufacturer. Over the course of five months, Shine leads the trainees through the steps needed to complete work on five high-end vehicles. His rough-around-the-edges personality rubs some trainees the wrong way, but he's clearly a softy at heart.


Is it any good?

 

Each trainee has something unique to offer, though their personalities aren't as big as some viewers may be used to from other reality shows. This can make the show feel a little underwhelming -- even though it's refreshing to see real folks on the job instead of wannabe actors. Automotive enthusiasts will find yet another car show to enjoy in Hard Shine, with the added element of excitement of a competition.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about car culture. Why are there so many vehicle-centric reality shows? How does the competition angle affect the dynamic among the folks at the shop? Families can also talk about the appeal of cars in general. Do you have a favorite car? Why do you think some people get so into niche cars like hot rods?


This review was written by Sierra Filucci
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
I FEEL HOPEFUL
WTG THIS SHOW SHOWS THAT EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES BUT THERE IS HOPE. ALSO GIVE YOUNG ADULTS SOMETHING TO DO AND LOOK AT THEM. THIS IS REAL LIFE IN THE CAR WORLD. THANK GOD THERE IS A JIMMY SHINE AND SO CAL

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This review was written by Sierra Filucci
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:TLC
Cast:Jimmy Shine
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 

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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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