When it comes to watching shows and movies with your children, you only want the best. Sometimes, though, things we remember from our youth aren’t are great as we think. Sometimes they are fabulous. Recently, I reviewed three titles that have been around for years. Two were wonderful, and one wasn’t so great.
The Pros and Cons of Taz
Okay, let’s get the worst over with since nobody likes to dwell on the negative. I was sent some movies to review and most were great, but one really made me cringe. I hope my experience helps parents save some money and spares kids from some negative influences. I highly recommend avoiding Taz-Mania: Taz on the Loose- Season One, Vol. 1 (1991)
Admittedly, the first part of the first episode was encouraging. I was very impressed with the interactions between Taz’s mom and dad. While the mom was in the stereotypical role of housewife making breakfast for the dad, they broke stereotype by having the father offer to help and by both of the animated characters make it obvious that they loved each other. They were helping each other out of love and respect.
With this great start, I was looking forward to a fun story with good morals. The storyline boded well. A dad was going to spend his day bonding with his unruly son. Then everything started going wrong. The son threw tantrums and regularly destroyed everything in his path. I waited and waited for the redemption moment, but it never came. At the end of the the story, the polite, caring father had become an out-of-control beast like his son. Not cool for kids to see. At that point, I knew that reviewing the rest of the DVD was a waste of time. This wasn’t material fit for young kids. That was clear.
Better News With the Magic School Bus
The next DVD I reviewed was much better. Teaching children to care for the earth doesn’t have to be a one-month or one-day occasion. Thanks to Ms. Frizzle and the gang, kids can have fun learning to appreciate nature in The Magic School Bus: All About Earth.
The DVD is engaging for both children and adults. It teaches solid scientific concepts in a fun manner that’s easy to understand. Kids learn how plants grow and how fertilization occurs. They learn about volcanoes and how air pressure works. This is all done through adventures that include lots of puns. Viewers are encouraged to ask questions and to research not only through books but through personal experience.
Friends fun for Teens and Adults
It’s so difficult finding appropriate DVDs for teens to watch. As I reviewed titles, I discovered that Friends: The Complete First & Second Seasons
