Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Over-the-top zaniness for fans of the cult TV show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Futurama: Bender's Game
What's the Story?
The plot is twofold: Bender (voiced by John Di Maggio) the robot wants to have an imagination so that he can play a Dungeons and Dragons-style game with the other kids. Meanwhile, fuel prices are soaring, prompting Professor Farnsworth (Billy West) to seek out his old flame, Mom, who controls the output of the Dark Matter fuel pellets. When Bender's imagination sends him over the edge (straight into an insane asylum for robots) as Farnsworth is activating all Dark Matter, Bender's whacked-out imagination morphs into an alternate universe where all the characters' alter egos meet for a medieval adventure.
Is It Any Good?
Beginning with a scene straight out of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine, and ending in a tribute to Lord of the Rings, FUTURAMA: BENDER'S GAME is a zany ride. There are nonstop funny cultural references, hilarious one-liners, colorful characters, and crazy situations. Of course, along with any cult fave, you'll find plenty of swings between humor and over-the-top, crossing-the-line behavior -- fine for forgiving fans but squirm-inducing for many parents.
Violence as a theme is addressed, as Leela is forced to wear a shock collar to keep her thoughts from veering toward violence or lying. Mom smacks her kids around enough to really push the envelope, and they engage in slapstick smacks and eye pokes as well. But the political commentary found in the quest for fuel is amusing, as is the reference to the Dungeons and Dragons lifestyle. Fans will definitely enjoy this addition to the Futurama series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Mom behaves with her sons. Is it offensive to see a mother figure slapping her children? Is it funny? Or is it pushing the boundaries?
Why does Bender want to fit in so badly? What happens when he tries too hard?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 3, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : November 4, 2008
- Cast : Billy West , George Takei , John DiMaggio
- Director : Dwayne Carey-Hill
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 21, 2022
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