Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Toy and TV show tie-in has more sci-fi violence than plot.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Max Steel: Go, Turbo!
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Maxwell McGrath (Andrew Francis) is the new kid at his high school. He seems like a typical teenager, except, as he soon learns, he generates Turbo Energy, the strongest energy in the universe. He teams up with a robot alien force named Steel. Steel knows how to regulate Max's Turbo Energy, something Max is having a difficult time with. Together, they must use their powers to prevent an evil corporation from harnessing Turbo Energy for their own wicked ends.
Is It Any Good?
There isn't much plot here. The story, such as it is, seems like more of a pretense to generate battle scenes, yelling, and explosions. The characters -- typical teen, evil corporate guy, jock bullies -- aren't exactly the most original, but for those who just want to see sci-fi fights between familiar action figures, this should prove to be an enjoyable hour of entertainment.
For those who want something more from their sci-fi, however, the thinness of the plot and the trite characters will be difficult to contend with, even for younger viewers. Overall, this is best for people who already enjoy Max Steel, either from other movies and TV shows or from the action figures.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about consumerism. Why would a toy company want to have movies and TV shows made in which their action figures feature prominently?
How was bullying addressed in this movie? Did it offer any solutions?
Did the violence in the movie seem necessary to the story, or did it seem forced or overblown for purposes of keeping the movie entertaining?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 11, 2015
- Cast : Andrew Francis , Kathleen Barr , Richard Ian Cox
- Director : Logan McPherson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures , Friendship , Robots
- Run time : 64 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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