Pimp My Ride

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Junky cars get dissed, then fixed. Iffy for teens.
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

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that despite its relatively mature content, this series targets kids and teens, many of whom aren't even old enough to get a driver's license. There are some definite role model issues here that you might want to discuss (the host actively makes fun of people's property). And there's also the issue of the expectations that the show raises -- implying that additions such as DVD players, high-end sound systems, flat screen TVs, speakers, 20-inch rims, and video game systems are necessary if you want a cool ride.

  • Women are treated a bit as "other," since the custom car world is a man's world. There's a strong message that a good-looking car makes a person more valuable. Younger viewers will wonder what a pimp is, and those who know what it is get the message that it's a good thing.
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.
  • Bleeped-out words are obvious and copious.
  • It goes without saying that the West Coast Custom's and GAS (Galpin Auto Sports) shops are getting lots of publicity here. "Thank you, MTV, for pimping my ride," is also heard as a result of the improvements. The car brand names and often the stereos, speakers, flat screen TVs, and DVD players are mentioned and shown.

What's the story?

PIMP MY RIDE is an MTV reality show that focuses on beautifying cars. In each episode host Xzibit arrives at a car owner's house to "confiscate" their car and head back to his detail shop for a makeover. Though many of these participants seem to only be just scraping by financially, Xzibit and his crew trick out their cars to help improve the driver's self-confidence and image around town.


Is it any good?

 

The show focuses on the materialism that our car-centric culture has created. But it does so in an entertaining manner -- in no small way as a result of host Xzibit's keen sense of humor. Pimp My Ride doesn't attempt to be more than it is. It's a reality show about beautifying cars, and that is what it's all about here --California style. Overall, while it's not the worst offender in reality world, there are much better things your kids could be doing with their time.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the show's underlying messages. Does a good-looking car make a person more valuable? Does the series aim to help people who are in dire need? What about the use of the word "pimp" as a positive description? Does this change the meaning or connotation of the term?


This review was written by Joly Herman
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
good show
this show shows some awsomeley tricked-out cars. Keep up the good work MTV!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
this show isnt bothering nobody
its good real good

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Great show!
A great show for kids 10+. Watch as Xzibit and West Coast Customs pimp someone's ride! Can get a tad bit boring though. This show's got the whole world sayin MTV PIMP MY RIDE!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
ammazing
awesome show, nothing wrong with it

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Muahahaha i rated all good reviews for this show unhelpful
Maybe if they gave i a better name it would be better

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Parents should see it with their daughters
The movie was enjoyable overall, with several funny scenes thrown in. It can lead to much meaningful discussion with your pre-teen and teenage daughter about the proper way for girls to treat each other, and what it means to be a friend. But I would caution the parents of pre-teens to young teens about the sexual references and the underage drinking which is depicted in the film, if you don't want your kids to be exposed to such images.(Thank goodness most of these refences went over my daughter's head.) At least the drinking scene ended realistically with the girl throwing up, which may be a deterrent for some kids. The mother in the film is a complete idiot, and although meant to be funny, some girls might think that her character is one they wish their mothers would be more like. This is not a good thing! Near the end, there was a good scene about conflict resolution and a realistic view about how social interaction improves with age and maturity.

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This review was written by Joly Herman
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:MTV
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Joly Herman
 

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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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