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Legends of Chima

Name: Legends of Chima
Item: Legends of Chima
Rating: 4
Author: Emily Ashby

TV review by

Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 7+

(i)

Unique story, positive messages bolster LEGO-themed series.

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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 9 reviews

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 18 reviews

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A lot or a little?

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

Educational Value

The show intends to entertain rather than to educate, but there are some teaching moments in the characters' interactions and the overall concept of war, which is instigated by prejudice and one character's manipulation of her brother's feelings. Kids see how misunderstandings and the breakdown of communication invite violence as a coping mechanism.

Positive Messages

Kids see the human (or, in this case, animal) side of war in a way that's honest but not threatening or scary, thanks to the nature of the LEGO characters. Relationships are broken by the strain of conflict, and prejudice emerges among the tribes, which further accelerates the fighting. Lies and deceit make things worse, illustrating the power of rumor and gossip. Some players' loyalties are bought or manipulated, but the heroes are always shown to rise above this behavior to fight for peace and equality. Violence is prevalent, but it's not always the characters' first line of defense in conflicts.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Some good, some bad. Laval and his friends are selfless and fight for justice, while Cragger's team aims only to gain power. His sisters' manipulation forces Cragger's hand in waging battle on his friend. Some animals barter their loyalty for greed and power.

Violence & Scariness

Most battles are fought with handheld weapons like spears, knives, and swords, though there are some fireballs and explosions in battle scenes as well. Because the characters are animated LEGO pieces, the overall effect packs little punch. Death is implied, as when two crocodiles fall into a chasm.

Sexy Stuff

Language

Consumerism

The series is highly promoted and acts as a 30-minute commercial for the plentiful toys, video games, and other products that bear its name and its characters' likenesses.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Legends of Chima is an animated series based on a line of LEGO toys, so, as with LEGO Ninjago: The Series, the show doubles as a lengthy commercial for the many toys and games that bear its name. The story centers on a community of animals at war, so expect a fair amount of conflict and peril, but the fact that the characters are animated LEGOs greatly lessens the impact of this content. Issues like prejudice, emotional manipulation, and traitorism are explored on an age-appropriate level, and the messages that emerge laud honesty, forgiveness, and selflessness.

User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Parent of a 4 year old Written byPete Thottam November 27, 2013

age 4+

Chima a real winner -- beautiful animation, engaging plots and vivid imagination treats!

Beautifully rendered animation and strongly cast character types that keep the plot moving. My 4 3/4 (almost 5) son loves the Chima stories and characters. We... Continue reading

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Adult Written byamieives5 August 5, 2013

age 18+

I don't let my kids watch it.

You don't see happy faces only mad faces. A lot of violence.

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Teen, 16 years old Written byMrMovieBuff August 17, 2013

age 7+

This is so crappy.

Legends of Chima is not good at all. Not as bad as Incredible Crew, but still bad. It's boring, the characters are stupid and annoying, the acting sucks, a... Continue reading

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Kid, 10 years old August 15, 2014

age 8+

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE BEST TV SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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What's the story?

For years the residents of Chima have lived in harmony, enjoying equal shares of the mystical energy source called Chi. But then dissent breaks out among some animal tribes whose leaders want greater control of the Chi, and the community erupts into war. Once best friends, Lion Tribe Prince Laval (voiced by Scott Shantz) and Crocodile Tribe Prince Cragger (David Attar) are now bitter enemies leading the battle charge among the eight divided tribes. With the future of this once-peaceful land and the protection of the Chi at stake, this battle threatens the very essence of Chima and the preservation of its residents.

Is it any good?

LEGENDS OF CHIMA is a thoughtful, beautifully designed animated series that exceeds expectations for a story designed to sell accompanying toys. From the characters' complicated relationships to the mysticism behind the evolution of the talking animal species, this is far more than a one-dimensional tale meant to merely fill kids' time. Instead it explores friendship, trust, loyalty, and honesty against a backdrop of conflict that's mild enough to appeal to grade schoolers (and their parents).

Will the show add to the lure of LEGO's themed products for your kids? Absolutely, but this shouldn't be the only factor in your judgment of Legends of Chima. Its unique story offers numerous teaching moments that deal with issues like impulsiveness, emotional bullying, and the fallout of misplaced fear. Even better, the show is so enjoyable, you may want to tune in with your kids, which makes it easier to chat afterward about the topics it raises.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about how the series affects the LEGO products' appeal. Are you more interested in playing with the toys now that you know the story behind the characters? Are you always drawn to products that bear the likeness of characters you see on TV?
Kids: What is this show's message about conflict? Are there other ways to resolve conflicts other than fighting? How do the characters' feelings about war differ? What roles do fear and prejudice play in accelerating the conflict?
Why is it fun to watch stories about animals or objects with human characteristics? Do they give us any insight into our relationships? Do any of the characters' traits remind you of someone you know? How would you respond to a situation like theirs?