Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5

TV review by Will Wade, Common Sense Media
Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

Lots of action but no injuries in toy-based cartoon.

Cartoon Network Kids' Animation 2009
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Parents say

age 6+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 5 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

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

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this animated series inspired by Hot Wheels toys has plenty of high-speed automotive action and cartoon violence. The Battle Force 5 team's ultra-high-tech cars have computerized weapons systems -- which come in handy when they visit other dimensions to do battle with aliens. Expect plenty of racing scenes and car-to-car combat, as well as standard fistfights and other forms of cartoon clashes -- but no blood or injuries. There's some mild trash-talking, but no swearing. And because the series stems from a line of toys, expect young fans to clamor for merchandise tie-ins.

Community Reviews

shoe22
shoe22 Adult
April 12, 2011
age 4+

Too violent for my Little Man

If I had known how violent it was, I would never have gotten it from Netflix for my four-year-old. He received a couple of Battle Force 5 toys in McDonalds Hapy Meals, and has been wanting to see the show. One episode in particular, "My Man Zug," shows an alien robot tearing other alien robots' heads off and drilling through their torsos with his drill-bit hand. My son chooses not to watch one or two of the episodes because, he says, "All they do is lots of fighting." Had I watched it by myself the first time instead of with him, I would have waited until he was a few years older.

This title has:

Too much violence
wodencafe
wodencafe Adult
January 16, 2011
age 8+

Excellent Show

To address most concerns regarding the appropriateness of the show: It's extremely mild. While there are combat scenes, it's mostly done behind the wheel, using advanced car-weapon systems, and as expected of a kids show, the main villains always come back. The "Mild Trash Talking" is comparable to 1st grade Recess, the "violence" is PG at worst, and there is little Consumerism pushed on the audience (Your child may want a new Hot Wheels toy car. They're what, a couple of dollars? Parents are lucky it's not some new Star Wars, with kids asking for lifesized R2D2's and a closet full of Lucasarts Halloween Costumes.) This show deserves Awards for it's Reproduction Value, network recognition for it's ambitious storyline, and a chance to earn your viewership for the positive values BF5 instills.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Racing across the salt flats, expert driver Vert Wheeler (voiced by Mark Hildreth) comes upon a mysterious storm that transports him to another dimension, where he rescues the powerful Sage (Kira Tozer) from a band of dangerous aliens. Sage explains that the violent creatures are trying to conquer the universe and have set their sights on Earth. Once she helps Wheeler return home, Sage transforms his car into an ultra-high-tech wonder complete with computers, sensors, and weapons. After recruiting the rest of the Battle Force 5 team, Sage gives them all incredible vehicles -- and the dangerous task of protecting the planet from the inter-dimensional invaders.

Is It Any Good?

For a series based on a line of toys, HOT WHEELS: BATTLE FORCE 5 does a decent job of coming up with an actual story unrelated to the original products. Sure, the inter-dimensional conflict is pretty unbelievable, but so are most animated series aimed at young kids, and the plot offers plenty of potential for high-stakes auto action with no actual violence or danger. The team teleports through the portal, accomplishes the mission du jour, and then zaps back home in time for a round of burgers at the local malt shop.

The show also deserves some credit for promoting teamwork and cooperation. The Battle Force 5 team is comprised of five cars and six drivers (one has a two-man crew), all with their own specialties and abilities. Yes, that will make it easier to market five different car products, but the storylines also take pains to show how the group must work together to defeat the villains. The show doesn't really stand apart from some Saturday morning cartoon classics, but it doesn't sink to the bottom of the pile, either.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the show's violence. Does it have less impact because it's animated? Can you think of other ways the characters could solve their problems?

  • Why do you think networks make shows based on toys? Do you think some toys are better suited to TV shows than others?

  • Will this show appeal to people who don't like Hot Wheels cars? Does watching this show make you want to get the toys?

  • What do you think about Wheeler's driving habits? Is he a good driver? Is he a safe driver? Do you think it's OK for him to drive so fast?

TV Details

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