 | 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. |
Total Drama Revenge of the Island
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Witty reality satire continues with some stereotyping.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, like its predecessors, Total Drama Revenge of the Island is a cartoon that's not intended for young kids, thanks to the unabashed stereotyping of cast members and some negative examples of teamwork and competition. Because the cartoon parodies reality competitions like Survivor, viewers who aren't familiar with the format or typical contestant pools of these shows won't find this one as funny as those who are. Expect some crudity and potty humor (belching, wetting pants, etc.), mild sexuality (girls wear revealing tops and references to "hooking up"), and marginal language ("loser," "butt," "crap"), as well as plenty of death-defying stunts, explosions, and injuries over the course of the challenges.
What's the story?
The fourth installment in the Total Drama franchise, TOTAL DRAMA REVENGE OF THE ISLAND welcomes a new cast of 13 players to Camp Wawanakwa for a crack at the million-dollar prize. But to win, they must survive the hair-raising challenges designed by the egotistical and slightly maniacal host, Chris McLean (voiced by Christian Potenza). As if the unpredictably volcanic Mount Looming Tragedy and unseen booby traps around the island aren't enough to scare the contestants off, they must also contend with mutant creatures and toxic waste, since the place was left as a dump site when the show's first cast left it years ago. This year's contestants include naïve bubble boy Cameron (Kevin Duhaney), fake 'n' baker Anne Maria (Athena Karkanis), military cadet Brick (Jon Cor), paparazzi target Dakota (Carleigh Beverley), and the multiple personalities of well-intentioned Mike (Cory Doran).
Is it any good?
Total Drama Revenge of the Island takes good-natured jabs at reality competitions in general and the long-running father of them all, Survivor, in particular. Viewers familiar with Survivor's format will get the most out of this very funny parody, from the cheery host who revels in the contestants' discomfort to the motley crew of fame-seeking cooks willing to do just about anything for the almighty dollar. From the on-again, off-again alliances among the contestants to the tense elimination rounds (marked by the delivery of a toxic marshmallow and a catapult expulsion from the island, of course), you'll find plenty of laughs on this island getaway.
That said, the fact that this show is a cartoon makes it easy to overlook content that's not appropriate for young kids. The one-dimensional characters perpetuate all kinds of racial and personality stereotypes, including a self-absorbed African-American guy and a big-hipped Hispanic girl who's consumed with vanity. There's some bathroom humor, sexual references (talk of "hooking up" and some euphemisms for genitalia), and marginal language to contend with, plus frequent manipulation, sabotage, and bad examples of team dynamics. A good rule of thumb? If your kids are too young for the actual reality shows, then they probably shouldn't be watching this parody, either.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the role of reality TV in entertainment. How "real" are reality contests like Fear Factor and The Amazing Race? Do some of these shows have better messages than others? What positive qualities (if any) can be gleaned from this type of content?
Tweens: What role do stereotypes play in comedy? Is it possible to totally eliminate stereotypes from TV shows or movies? Are there any cases in which stereotypes can be portrayed in a positive way?
How does competition teach us life lessons? What value exists in falling short of our goal? How does it feel to win? Why are sportsmanship and fair play important in competition?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
Adult
June 8, 2012
AGE
I LOVE AN ANIMATED REALITY SHOW!
I've always loved the first 3 seasons of this show! And I am so happy that it is back again with new cast members! Like the first 3 seasons, there's mild violence, innuendo, and some language. This show is best for kids ages 10 and up. I hope this show will continue on! Did you know this show is Canadian?! I would have never guessed if it wasn't for Wikipedia!
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Teen, 13 years old
June 7, 2012
AGE
Why 10+?
I'm sorry! I DO NOT think this is for (young) kids. I think it's violent! There's people blowing up and such.
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Parent of 2 year old
July 2, 2012
AGE
Violent Show
This show is extremely raunchy for a non adult swim there are several put downs and the like, The dialogue and sexual content are casual for TD but the series takes place in a radioactive dump, BTW there is a massive list on TDW related to all the characters injuries, Only 4 characters however have suffered from serious injuries (Owen, Sierra, Alejandro and Scott) in that order
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Teen, 13 years old
June 28, 2012
AGE
Good for tweens
In total drama revenge of the island, two characters flirt and start a relationship. this show also has mild violence with an occasional fart joke.
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Teen, 16 years old
July 4, 2012
AGE
geard twards teens
i love the total drama frainchies and love it but the comedy of the series is geard tward teens and has alot of older humor but my 5 year old sis waches it with me somtimes and doesnt get a word there sying but leaughs when pepole get beat up. i thinks its ok for all kids but only older kids would get its humor.
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Kid, 10 years old
June 22, 2012
AGE
Good show,
great, but full of sketchy stuff
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Teen, 14 years old
July 1, 2012
AGE
ITS BAD FOR CHLDRENS MINDS!
It is quite inapropriate, i must say , for bieng on cartoon network it sais lots of bad stuff, and also has alot of inapropriate violence.
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Teen, 14 years old
August 3, 2012
AGE
Total Waste of Time.
I always oved the original.After seeing TDA I was very dissapointed(though it was better than this) When they announced a third installment I hoped the series would redeem itself but sadly it didn't.Maybe its just time to let the series go.Although if they did cancel the series I would be kind of sad to see my childhood favorite go...
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Teen, 14 years old
July 25, 2012
AGE
Defeinitely not for 10 and up.
very violent but good for 14+
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Teen, 13 years old
July 20, 2012
AGE
Teensy bit inappropriate
This show is a little inappropriate and stereotypical. But I love everything except the pants-wetting scenes. Those make me uncomfortable. Also, language. Wonderful show. I have been watching since it first came out. Love you zoey!!
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| Topics: | misfits and underdogs |
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Christian Potenza |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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