Common Sense Media Review
Farfetched heroes are too intense for little kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
F-ZERO is a modern, Japanese-anime version of the cops and robbers game. Rick Wheeler is the protagonist, a skilled police officer/F-Zero racer. Wheeler was cryogenically frozen for 150 years but is unfrozen by the police when his old nemesis returns. Now he finds the city is strange, dirty, and futuristic. In a flurry, Wheeler rushes off with a new car against orders and tries to find his girlfriend from 150 years ago, whom he'd wanted to propose to but never got the chance.
Is It Any Good?
At times, the plot feels more like a daytime drama than a cartoon. But while the show is farfetched and unrealistic, for the most part it's entertaining. That said, it delves into mature issues like internal conflict and lost love that may be boring to young kids. Wheeler is like all cartoon superheroes -- irrational, quick-tempered, brazen, and conflicted. And if you're thinking this all sounds like it could be a video game, well, it is one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the angst and inner turmoil of the hero. Why does he have such a chip on his shoulder? How would your kids handle these situations more appropriately? Is it ever OK or necessary to rebel against the rules? Who do your kids think is a hero? What defines a hero? Other discussion topics include loneliness, despair, isolation, and what to do in life when you can't get what you want.
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 4, 2004
- Cast : F.G. Houston , Mark A. Hoadley , William Harrity
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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