| 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. |
Parents need to know that this series is basically a showcase for plugging Disney characters, Disney movies, Disney theme parks, and Disney everything. Although it's occasionally clever, the show's real purpose -- promoting all things Disney -– is totally transparent.
HOUSE OF MOUSE is "the tooniest place on Earth," where every character from every Disney product ever made hangs out to watch ... Disney cartoons. A vague storyline connects the segments surrounding the cartoons, but the plots become simply more opportunities for Disney promotions. In a story about Donald and Daisy Duck going on a somewhat out-of-control date, for example, they're plunging down a waterfall when they suddenly see Goofy holding a sign that reads "Photos $10." Sound familiar?
Fans of Mickey and Donald will probably enjoy the attempts at in-jokes and self-referential humor, but overall the show falls flat. The last half of one episode was an extended -- very extended -- flatulence joke, featuring Pumba from The Lion King. Sometimes less truly is more.
Families can talk about alternatives to Disney vacations, movies, and programming. Can your kids think of any? Who are your kids' favorite Disney characters and why? Do they prefer the classic characters or the more recent creations?
| Topics: | adventures, friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Disney Channel |
| Cast: | Bill Farmer, Rod Roddy, Wayne Allwine |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |