Tools for this page
Print

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Promotional site for kids too young to see the movie.

On this site kids can:   buy stuff, play games, watch videos

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 10–12

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    The site doesn't offer a real look at military life and most of the games are about reflex and aim, rather than complex thought.

  • User-created content:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A lot of fighting and battling takes place, but no one ever says what the fight is about. Sure, there are mentions of "good" versus "evil" but these terms are never really shown in concrete ways. Also, weapons and war are glamorized and associated with being macho. On a side note, the game "Kung Fu Grip" shows a real person's hand crushing items with no protection. Sure the cheese log might be funny getting squished, but crushing a light bulb or Grandpa's glasses could do real harm! The page does give a "don't try this at home" warning, but the stuntman performing the tricks makes them look easy and painless.

  • Violence:

    There's no blood, guts, or suffering on this Web site, but there has to be as much weaponry as you'd find in a real Army munitions depot. From knives and swords to handguns and even rocket launchers, this site is like a world of weapons. Games include two ninjas fighting (once again, no injuries shown) and sharp-shooting practice in a fox hole (with vehicles as target, not people).

  • Sex:

    Female characters are described as "dangerous and beautiful" and have military uniforms unlike anything seen in the real armed forces, outfits that hug all their curves.

  • Consumerism:

    The first entry on the table of contents is "See All G.I. Joe Toys." When you click on the items there's a big "Buy It!" option. The "Action Toy Arena" is a Flash-driven page that models the latest action toys in the Joe line and animates them to show the moves and weapons they feature.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    "Kung Fu Grip" gives players the option to put the squeeze on a "Port Wine Cheese Log."
 

How safe is it?

  • Online interaction:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About G.I. Joe

Parents need to know that although the movie is rated PG-13, this Web site is definitely marketed to a younger audience. There are links throughout the site that lead to product promotion pages, and the games available often take on a violent spin. However, not everything on this site is inappropriate for elementary kids; in fact, there are some games and activities just right for that age. But, if you don't want your first grader begging to see a movie designed for the over 13 crowd, then it might be wise to avoid this clever bit of online marketing.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why movies these days are rated PG-13 but marketed to much younger kids. Do you think young kids, especially boys, will think a movie is cooler if it has a higher rating and will then want to buy the products? Is there a stigma to G and PG-rated movies amongst kids? Would G.I. Joe be un-cool if it was just PG? Read "Help! My G-Rated Kids Want to See PG-13 Transformers" for some handy advice.
  • Do you think movies are now made because of their marketing possibilities? Can you think of a movie you've seen in the summer that didn't have related items like toys and video games accompanying its release?
  • G.I. Joe began as a kids' action figure toy. Today it's a movie for teens and adults. Can you think of any other kids' franchises that have grown with audiences? What about Harry Potter? Go to "Harry Potter By Age and Stage" to find out how to adapt when characters grow up.
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Use this Web site? Review It!

  • What did you think about G.I. Joe?

  •  I think this Web site is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.