Part of a franchise that has some merchandise associated.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Sam's world of 1920's Shanghai is respectfully recreated here, with many nods to real history and traditions. The voice cast has nearly all actors of Chinese descent in the main roles. An older character has agency and has a good relationship with his grandson.
Teamwork and compassion are big themes here, as well as learning to do what's right even though it can come with some risk.
Positive Role Models
some
Sam's parents are loving and supportive, and even though Grandpa can be a little wild, his heart is in the right place. Sam is a good kid who's often torn between a quiet life and a bit more adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai is an animated series for kids that details the history of the creatures that first hit screens in the 1980s. It's set in 1920s China, when a kind young boy named Sam (voiced by Izaac Wang) and his grandfather (James Hong) come upon a mystical Mogwai. The show is tamer than the movies that inspired it, but there's some peril that may be intense for younger kids, plus lots of action and adventure. Violence includes knives and explosions, and Sam's grandfather pranks him with a human skull in his bed. Through his adventures, Sam learns to be brave and stand up for what's right.
Good writing. Some body horror and murder. Better for older kids.
This is a well-made show. The writing and character development is good. However there are some scenes of body horror (e.g. a “turned” mogwai being eaten and thrown up into a pile of somewhat sapient goo, which continues to be involved in the story). There are also murders, like a character being visibly stabbed by a monster and dying, and the two main children throwing a character under a train while it’s moving at full speed.
There's lots if action, adventure and suspense in each episode. I watched it with my 8yr old twin boys. There are other monsters in the show like zombies and a shape shifter. I don't know anything about Chinese black magic (I had read that in the description) but some parts were a little scary. The main villain uses magic to turn a few characters into a pearl then eats them. They seem to have died but the characters do all come back at the very end of the series. Theres no blood ever shown but the villains hands are cut off at one point. The main villain may disturb younger kiddos. The gremlins are still gremlins similar to the movie. They are hitting people with objects and even bite off someone's finger. Not as gross as the movie since it is animated. My boys really liked it though but definitely for older kids.
What's the Story?
In 1920s Shanghai, young Sam lives with his family, who run a Chinese medicine practice. His mischievous grandfather is also present, and is always goading Sam to be more adventurous and stray from his usual path of helping out his parents. On one of their adventures, they come across a mythical Mogwai named Gizmo, an adorable creature with some special powers. They work together to keep Gizmo out of the wrong hands (and to never, ever get him wet!).
This charming, adventure-filled series is a fantastic introduction to the world of the Mogwai, and to a kid's life in China 100 years ago. Lovingly rendered to highlight Chinese culture, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai also has all the fun, escapades, and critter chaos that franchise fans will appreciate. It also shows off some great family relationships, especially between Sam and Grandpa, expertly and vibrantly voiced by the legendary James Hong. It's the rare animated reboot with a surprising amount of heart and should bring lots of new young fans into the mix.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about family. How does Sam get along with his parents? His grandfather? How are they different?
How does this series show courage? Why is this an important character strength?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
