Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Special effects competition includes some gruesome faces.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Face Off
What's the Story?
FACE OFF centers on the imaginative world of special effects makeup. Hosted by McKenzie Westmore, the series features 12 aspiring special effects artists competing in a variety of challenges that require them to use molds, prosthetics, paint, and other tools to transform models into characters like aliens and horror villains. They reveal their finished work to a renowned panel of judges, including Academy-Award winner Ve Neill, make-up effects artist Glenn Hetrick, and creature designer Patric Tatopoulos. Those who manage to demonstrate good technique and creativity to stay in the game, while those failing to impress are eliminated. The winner of the competition gets $100,000 and a year's supply of professional makeup.
Is It Any Good?
The series offers an interesting look into the work and artistry that goes into the special effects make up that is featured in today's film and television. But the show's focus is really on the competition itself, which often leads to some mild bickering among the contestants and some snarky comments from the judges.
It's not as edgy as other reality competitions, but the challenges featured here are interesting. Those looking for in-depth discussions of make up effect technique and design won't really find it here. But viewers interested in this kind of work will still find it entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about special effects. Is there a movie or TV show that has special effects that you find particularly impressive? What kinds of things can special effects create? Hide?
Does this show exaggerate the personal differences between competitors? How do the show's producers edit and augment the show to make it compelling?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 26, 2011
- Cast : Glenn Hetrick , McKenzie Westmore , Ve Neill
- Network : Syfy
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 2, 2022
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