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Hollywood Science

(Rated TV-G, Educational, Starring Dave Hoffman, Where to watch: National Geographic Channel)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Series separates special F/X fact from fiction.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Viewers get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the science behind the entertainment industry.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Gunshots, explosions, and vehicle crashes are common in clips from movies and TV shows.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    The video clips act as teasers for the selected movies and TV shows.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Hollywood Science

Parents need to know that this investigative docuseries helps decipher which parts of movies and TV shows are complete Hollywood fiction and which are rooted in fact. The series is lots of fun for both parents and kids, as long as younger viewers can handle the action-packed scenes of explosions, vehicle crashes, and gun violence from the featured movies and shows (the clips are brief but plentiful).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about media special effects. How do special effects change a movie or TV show? Does the change always make the production better? How important are the effects to the show's or movie's overall feel? How can effects change the actors' appearance? What about the realism of violence? Do shows with high-quality effects have a stronger impact on viewers? Why or why not? What are some of the best effects you've seen? The worst? How have technological advances changed the entertainment industry?
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