Level Up

Thanks to modern animation, the visual effects are fairly impressive, even if the animated characters themselves are a bit cheesy. LEVEL UP is an action-filled adventure that reverses the standard relationship between reality and the virtual realm by transporting the game's villains into the players' real world. Since the story hinges on a battle over rights to the world, violence is a big factor in the plot, which makes it an iffy choice for young kids. What's more, if your kids aren't already immersed in the gaming world, they'll miss many of the inside jokes and jargon ("NPC," "expansion pack") that enhance the experience for viewers who are more in the know.

There are some positive qualities to the story that will resonate with tweens and please their parents. The very nature of the heroes' friendship challenges stereotypes and reminds viewers that first impressions are rarely a reliable basis for judgment of character. Although the story is hardly realistic, it's a good segue into discussions with your tweens about the nature of the Internet and the pitfalls of its anonymity. While you're at it, be sure to refresh your family's rules about online safety and talk to your kids about the importance of real-life relationships as opposed to those generated in the virtual world.