Parents' Guide to

The Amazing Screw-On Head

By Will Wade, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

A quirky animated show for dedicated comic fans.

TV Syfy Science Fiction 2006
The Amazing Screw-On Head Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

Few modern historians are aware that the bravest, most dedicated agent serving President Abraham Lincoln was a mechanized head. At least, so goes the premise of the comic book-based animated sci-fi/adventure series THE AMAZING SCREW-ON HEAD. When human agents were too afraid to pursue the forces of evil who used the dark arts to threaten the safety of the world, Screw-On Head (voiced by Paul Giamatti) would save the day. With his dedicated manservant Mr. Groin (Patton Oswalt), his talking dog Mr. Dog, and a variety of replaceable robotic bodies, Screw-On Head would fearlessly take on the dreaded Emperor Zombie (David Hyde Pierce).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This unusual series, based on a comic book by Mike Mignola, is certainly original, but being different doesn't necessarily make it interesting. Mignola is a comic industry star -- his popular title Hellboy was made into the entertaining 2004 film -- and devoted comic fans may make Screw-On Head a cult hit, but others may just find it odd.

Even the basic premise -- that a mechanical head is a super-agent -- works better on paper than on TV. The dialog is witty, and the voice actors make it even better, but the show can be hard to watch. Depending heavily on blacks, greys, and browns, the animation is faithful to Mignola's signature artistic style -- which, while well-suited to a comic book with dark themes, doesn't translate all that well to color television screens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the value of loyalty in relationships. Screw-On Head is aided in his missions by his devoted manservant, Mr. Groin, and his talking dog, Mr. Dog. Screw-On Head is never reluctant to jump into danger, and he expects his companions to blindly do the same. Is it fair for him to expect his companions to risk themselves for the greater goal? Is there anyone you'd willingly put yourself in danger to help?

TV Details

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