| 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 there is a lot of yelling and some stereotyping, but because the program has a vaudeville element, these facts do not detract from the quality of the viewing. In fact, the show has the cadence of a slapstick Broadway show and the energy of Bugs Bunny. Though it's not an educational half-hour in front of the television, the show features well-developed characters, humor, adventure, and a good sci-fi punch, which makes it superior viewing compared to other programs in its genre.
THE ADVENTURES OF JIMMY NEUTRON is a story about a boy genius who invents all sorts of gadgets and gizmos. He's not the coolest dude in his school, but he's not at all an outcast. In fact, James Issac Neutron leads a rather interesting life in Retroville, where his man-made dog Goddard and his neurotic best friend Wheezer accompany him on all sorts of adventures. Being a genius gives him plenty of ideas, which keeps things interesting for the viewers.
Jimmy Neutron has all the trappings of a Nickelodeon show: the preteen peer pressure, the gadgets, the spacey parents. But it's clever enough and funny enough to have earned a devoted following. The script is generally well written and well executed -- the adults behind this show approach the project with apparent zeal. And even though it's not a subtle show, the faults are outweighed by the effort put into it. Kids will enjoy this program, while parents might get a kick out of some of the gags as well. And though the computer animation may seem a bit freaky for old-school animation fans, it does allow for quality special effects.
Families can talk about the inventions Jimmy creates and what he has learned from each of his gadget-driven adventures. What is the relationship between Jimmy and his schoolmates? What are the pressures and demands that his reputation as a "boy genius" have on him?
| Topics: | adventures, friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Network: | Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Debi Derryberry, Frank Welker, Rob Paulsen |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |