 | 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. |
Three Delivery
- Nicktoons
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Teen heroes do lots of fighting in kung fu 'toon.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that martial-arts style fighting is central to the plot of this tween-targeted cartoon, so there's lots of hitting, kicking, and use of everyday objects (sticks, pipes, even link sausages) as weapons. Aside from the use of traditional kung fu moves, there's little reality to any of the violence; as in many live-action martial-arts movies, characters are able to endure far more impact than a human body realistically could. Between that and the show's other magical, mystical elements, there's a lot of fantasy in play, so be sure your kids can decipher what's real from what's not. Also, know that the show isn't out to drive home any strong positive lessons: The only consistent message for tweens is that fighting is a reliable means of conflict resolution. One bright spot is the lead female character, who uses her smarts -- not just her fists -- to battle the enemy.
What's the story?
In the heart of Chinatown sits Wu's Garden Chinese restaurant, whose unremarkable exterior belies the extraordinary things that go on inside. It's here that three teens train under Nana (voiced by Nancy Wu), an expert in martial arts and Eastern magic. With the help of her apprentices, Nana must locate the contents of a magic cookbook long since scattered by the evil Kong Li (Lex Woutas), who wants to use the recipes in the book to destroy the force field that protects the city and wreak havoc on the people there. Only through their mastery of kung fu can Sue (Stephanie Sheh), Sid (Johnny Bosch), and Tobey (Robby Sharpe) defeat Kong Li and ensure Chinatown's continued safety.
Is it any good?
It's clear that the creators of THREE DELIVERY realized there's nothing particularly original about the concept of average-teens-turned-superheroes who, despite their age and worldly inexperience, manage to undermine a villain's best-laid plans. So the show attempts to distinguish itself from its peers with the concept of the magical cookbook -- its recipes can awaken mythical dragons and brew exponentially multiplying batches of soup that envelope entire towns. True, it rates high on the hokey scale for adults, but it's the stuff young tweens -- especially adventure-loving boys -- probably will enjoy.
That said, the show is so rooted in fantasy that it could send mixed messages to younger viewers. Martial-arts style fighting is central to the plot and serves as the main means of conflict resolution -- and none of it results in realistic injury. The teens fly solo in battles against Kong Li and his minions, and (as per usual in cartoons) the good guys always win. One bright spot in this otherwise so-so cartoon is its attempt to expose viewers to aspects of the Chinese culture by referencing Chinese phrases, celebrations, food, and mythology. And it has a strong female lead in Sue, who's a worthy kung fu fighter but also relies on her book smarts to undermine the enemy.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the impression that the show gives of the martial-arts tradition. Do the fights seem realistic? Why or why not? How do you think real martial-arts experts might feel about shows like this? What could you gain from learning martial arts? Would you want to try it? How does the practice of martial arts fit into Chinese history? What equivalents (if any) exist in American heritage? Families can also use this show to learn more about Chinese traditions and culture.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Teen heroes do a little bit of fighting in this unique action cartoon.
This was a very good show, that is, if you are willing to watch an action cartoon that is generally open and shut case. But it is very good for a open and shut case show- seemingly random but very creative episode ideas, a likeable trio with a good comic relief figure, and chilling cold opens. If only one show among this and Speed Racer was to be allowed renewal, then it should have been this one, as reluctantly as I say that. In fact, this show should have been on regular Nick, and maybe then it would have had a chance of renewal. But then, knowing what happened to Catscratch, it probably still would have been canceled so early.
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AGE
It's OK
Not really that good. Sort of bland and dark. Some monsters, such as giant moth's, sewer monsters, or a man who hurts people, may be scary.
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AGE
Three thumbs up for Three Delivery
Fun show with really great theme tune. Some stories touch on inspirational ideas of control and power and responsibility. It also touches on ideas of starting to have crushes on girls/boys. Light heartedand not badly animated too.
But in the end t's just a cartoon!
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AGE
A decent show coming from Larry Schwarz
Though, it may be decent, the story type has been down over and over again to death. What shows have down them? American Dragon Jake Long and Life and Times of Juniper Lee. The Story revolves around kids, taught by their relative to fight the evil that threatens the surrounding area or the world. In order to combat this evil, they have to learn from their relative who has battled with the evil before. All in all, it's just a repeat story type that has just 2 more characters to its hero roster. Finally, it's animated okay, but that's because Animation Collective had to collaborate with FatKat Studios just to up their animation by a bit. The animtion is still choppy, and is not seamless but the only time it is not seamless is very rare. Mostly on the scene transitions.
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AGE
Glad it's gone!
This Anime is terrible! It is REALLY boring & stupid! It is a disgrace to Japenese Animation fans EVERYWHERE!
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, sports and martial arts, adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Network: | Nicktoons |
| Cast: | Johnny Yong Bosch, Robby Sharpe, Stephanie Sheh |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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