Megadrive

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Stunt comedian revels in lame jokes, reckless driving.
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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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this stunt-oriented reality show can tread into some pretty violent territory with explosions, fire, and reckless driving. And although the series runs a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode urging viewers not to try what they see at home, it may indirectly encourage irresponsible behavior. Due to the thrill-seeking, there's also some bleeped language (mostly "f--k" and "s--t"), as well as audible words like "hell," "bitch," "ass," etc., in addition to mild (but occasionally crude) sexual innuendo.

  • The show highlights some pretty cool machines, but overall the purpose seems to be highlighting Johnny's antics. More often than not, segments focus on destruction and recklessness, even though a disclaimer that runs before each show warns viewers at home not to try what they see.
  • Johnny's less interested in learning about each machine than he is in making immature jokes -- or subtly making fun of the people he's interviewing. He also brags about failing his driver's test, killing deer with his car, lying to his insurance company, etc.
  • Most of the things Johnny does are dangerous. A few segments involve violent explosions and other weaponry, from flaming arrows to bombs.
  • Some sexual innuendo, like when Johnny uses a log forwarder to simulate masturbation.

What's the story?

In MEGADRIVE, admitted bad driver/comedian Johnny Pemberton gets behind the wheel to test drive some of the most extreme machines on land, air, and sea. Trouble is, he isn't really qualified -- but that doesn't stop him from piloting a stunt plane, a tank, or even a fire-breathing semi. He also talks to the owners of these high-octane machines to find out what makes them tick and how much abuse they can actually take.


Is it any good?

 

There's no question that this sophomoric hybrid of Top Gear, Trick It Out, and Jackass is directly targeting teenage boys, who will probably be the only ones to laugh when Johnny stuffs a squawking, live chicken into the cockpit of a stunt plane and takes it on its first real "flight." But that's nothing compared with what happens later, when he comes out
of a series of aerial barrel rolls and then promptly vomits all over
himself. There's even some high-flying vandalism when Johnny toilet papers the sky with about eight rolls of tissue before marveling, "It's like the tears of God ... but you can wipe your ass with them."

So if you're tuning into Megadrive, that's the level of humor you should expect. If you expect more, you should look elsewhere.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the element of danger involved with test-driving these extreme machines. Does the threat of violence and/or bodily injury make you want to watch? Why?

  • Do you think Johnny takes the risks of his job seriously? Does his attitude make what he's doing seem any less dangerous?

  • How real are the stunts you're seeing? Are the owners of these machines taking on unnecessary risk by allowing Johnny to travel in (or operate) their vehicles? Why would they agree to participate? What's in it for them?


This review was written by Kari Croop
Parent of 13 year old
January 4, 2011
 
teens and adults laughing at different times
The kid sure is funny! I think his humor goes over younger viewers heads so it's not an issue for the young ones (under 13) but provides plenty of hilarious references for the adults.

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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-14
Network:MTV
Cast:Johnny Pemberton
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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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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