Dinotrux

Name: Dinotrux
Item: Dinotrux
Rating: 4
Author: Emily Ashby

TV review by

Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 7+

(i)

Creatures find friendship, fun in awesome animated world.

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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 19 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 8 reviews

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Common Sense review | 1:05

Dinotrux

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We think this TV show stands out for:

Character Strengths

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Educational Value

Kids see the characters learn about friendship, cooperation, and appreciating others. Even though the characters are hybrids, each one has specific skills and traits that reflect both their dinosaur and construction vehicle sides.

Positive Messages

Kids see a group of dissimilar characters look past their preconceived notions of each other and learn to work together and forge friendships that defy long-held feelings of isolation. They unite against a common bully, discovering that teamwork and friendship can help them overcome any obstacle. Also, the idea that courage, intelligence, and the ability to solve problems aren't determined by a character's size. Female characters aren't as plentiful as the males, but the one who is there is an essential part of the team.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Each Dinotrux is unique in his or her needs and abilities, but when they join forces, there's nothing they can't do. Some are physically powerful; others are clever problem-solvers. Because they're willing to try something new, they experience the joys of friendship and the rewards of teamwork. D-Structs is a bully who throws his weight around and tries to intimidate everyone he meets.

Violence & Scariness

Tense exchanges as the characters fight an oversize bully. They butt heads, crash into each other, and use appendages such as a wrecking ball to slow their adversaries. They're vehicles, so they don't show injuries in the traditional sense, but they do suffer some broken parts and other signs of wear. There's also some mildly threatening dialogue, with a bully threatening to crush his peers, reduce them to parts, and turn them into scrap.

Sexy Stuff

Language

Consumerism

The show is based on a series of books, and a merchandise line will follow.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Dinotrux is a DreamWorks series based on the award-winning books by Chris Gall about a group of dinosaur/construction vehicle mash-ups who defy tradition by becoming friends and teaming up against the neighborhood bully. The show's superb messages about friendship and not judging a book by its cover are eclipsed only by its remarkable visual appeal. There are some fairly tense and violent exchanges between the friendly group and their oversize tormentor, and they often show signs of wear and tear such as broken or bent parts as a result. But it's in those moments that the characters really shine, pooling their resources and supporting each other in ways that illustrate the value of being part of a team. Note that the third season of Dinotrux is called Dinotrux Supercharged, but it's a continuation of the same show.

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User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Parent of a 2-year-old Written byOslo84 July 4, 2016

age 6+

Profoundly and consistently negative.

I have watched a few episodes of this show with my son. He loves dinosaurs (this month) so he asks for this show when it's his turn to watch something. I... Continue reading

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Parent of a 7-year-old Written byJared B. May 15, 2019

age 4+

Not just meaningless action.

Contrary to what other reviewers have said, Dinotrux is not a pointlessly violent show. It must be remembered that the characters are essentially talking mechan... Continue reading

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Teen, 13 years old Written byaryacrossrei June 2, 2020

age 3+

Pretty good for a kids TV show

My brother and I watched this and he loved it! There are some bad guys but the good guys always win with their great teamwork and building skills. If you think... Continue reading

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Teen, 14 years old Written byAvgraham May 29, 2020

age 8+

Bad influence

My baby brother is 4. He loves this show, but it’s taught him bad things. He has become a lot more violent, and calls us useless and dumb. We asked where he lea... Continue reading

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What's the story?

DINOTRUX is the story of a group of dinosaur/construction vehicle hybrids who surprise themselves by becoming friends after a lifetime of believing they had nothing in common. The series opens with Ty Rux (voiced by Andrew Francis) fleeing his home after a volcano destroys it and settling in a new crater whose residents are tormented by a bully named D-Structs (Paul Dobson). Ty Rux befriends a resourceful Reptool called Revvit (Richard Ian Cox), and the two enlist the help of their neighbors -- Skya (Ashleigh Ball), Ton-Ton (Matt Hill), and Dozer (Brian Drummond) -- to team up against D-Structs.

Is it any good?

This fantastic series blends two kid favorites -- dinosaurs and construction vehicles -- into a cast of exceptional characters who show viewers how deceiving appearances can be. The characters' home is a place where different species never interact, let alone work together, so when Ty Rux takes the time to get to know Revvit and the two become friends, it's the spark that inspires change and breaks down the barriers that have kept the characters separate for so long.

Each episode is packed with illustrations of friendship, teamwork, and creative problem-solving that draws on the unique skills of each character, from the tiniest Reptool to the most powerful Dinotrux, but that's not what will keep kids coming back for more. Instead they will be won over by the well-rounded characters and the remarkable animation and detail that went into bringing these appealing book characters to the screen.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about why it's important to get to know someone before you pass judgment on him or her. What, if anything, can you tell about people by the way they look? Is it ever appropriate to make a snap judgment?
Kids: In what ways are you and your friends different from each other? Have you ever been envious of a friend's talents? When you're working together, how do these differences become an asset?
Kids: If you've read the Dinotrux books, does this show improve on their story? In general, do you like screen adaptations of books, or are there drawbacks to seeing how others interpret the characters? Which book would you like to see brought to life on-screen?
How do the characters in Dinotrux demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?