Perhaps you've heard of the latest popular show from Nickelodeon called, Victorious. It stars Victoria Justice as Toria Vega, an extremely talented student at Hollywood Arts Academy (a school for musically and artistically gifted high schoolers - think a funny version of Fame). The show was originally first viewed in late 2009 and has been renewed for a second season which has just finished filming in late February of this year. The acting is so-so, the songs are okay and the characters are typical but the show is doing really well among kids and middle-schoolers. It's season 2 premiere was viewed by 6.1 million viewers (not too bad).
The point isn't to talk about Victorious (although the huge picture would say otherwise) but the man behind Victorious as well as many other beloved Nickelodeon television series such as Drake and Josh, Good Burger, The Amanda Show, Zoey 101 and iCarly. His name is Dan Schneider. If you are my age you may have watched Head of the Class, a television show about gifted high school students and Dan played one of the students. He starred in other series and film but he has really made his mark as the creative and producing genius behind many Nickelodeon shows. He is also the powerful mind behind making kids stars such as Jamie Lynn Spears, Miranda Cosgrove, Drake Bell, Josh Peck and Amanda Bynes. To put it in pop culture terms, what John Hughes' films were for the '80s, Dan Schneider is to the 2000's and beyond. He has had a 15 year winning streak of putting out hit show after hit show. A very impressive feat. What works for him? Focus groups, a large family of his own or is it something else?
If you guessed something else, you would be correct. Dan is a big kid himself and even his production company Schneider's Bakery alludes to this fact as his strengths lie in being able to be a confectioner of childhood memories through his shows. He is an adult who never forgot what it's like to be a kid. Some of his rules for success are real gems (seriously) such as not talking down to kids and loyalty. He respects his audience and even though his shows aren't perfect for some Christian parents (the Lord's name is uttered in most episodes), loyalty, friendship and doing the right thing are usually held in high regard.
Could there be better things to watch for kids? Perhaps but teachers, pastors and parents would do well to remember what it's like to be a kid when dealing with children.
Pop...
Greg
Okay, most parents out there are wondering - how do I keep up with this stuff? How do I know what's hot or not with kids, teens and adults? Greg, you're an expert, how do you keep up (notice tongue firmly in cheek)?
Here are some resources that you might want to use:
Entertainment Weekly: Want to know the latest film release, book release, what's hot/not, internet sensation, etc.? This magazine has the pulse on what's coming out and not only what stars are rising but also what companies and trends are happening. I, at times, have had subscriptions to this important magazine. It is not a Christian magazine but it is current and keeps you closer to the pulse of pop culture than any Christian magazine/organization ever will.
Nickelodeon: You can watch the shows, read their magazines, etc. This channel knows kids. From SpongeBob Squarepants to iCarly, whether you like or dislike their shows, this network knows what young, middle and older elementary children love.
Family Channel: Pretty much the Canadian Disney channel. It's a huge infomercial for upcoming kid's movies and Disney TV shows. No commercials except to plug films and Disney music stars. I'm not saying you need to watch it all the time but they are another popular channel with the 3-11 year old set.
EB Games/Future Shop/Best Buy/Microplay - Kids (especially boys) love video games. Whether the games are rated "E" or "M", discernment is needed for children. I know some kids that will only play tame Disney style games while other kids the same age will be playing "Call of Duty: Black Ops". If your child is a gamer - go to one of these stores and ask the salespeople what's popular and whether it's appropriate for your child.
At the end of the day, these are just a few examples of how to stay current. Not every child is into Nickelodeon or video games but the key is to find out what they like and then do your homework. Read online reviews (Christian and non). I know some parents that banned the Harry Potter series but failed to read them. I'm not condoning HP but it's better for the parent to discover these things and be able to adequately explain why certain material is inappropriate for their child than just say, "It's evil and you're not watching/reading/playing it!". Seeing what the fuss is about may confirm what you think or it may surprise you. Either way, a parent that allows their children to read/watch/play whatever they want or a parent who does not allow their children to do anything pop culture related, needs to know firsthand what it's about and then decide if it is appropriate.
Pop...
Greg
Alright, here is the breakdown for three films that kids will be clamoring for in June.
X-MEN: First Class
Rating: PG most likely with intense scenes, violent action and some mature themes (this is what I would guess as I have seen the trailer for the film - this is not the actual rating)
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 3, 2011
Who's In it: James McAvoy (Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Wanted, Atonement), Michael Fassbender (300, Jane Eyre), Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone, The Hunger Games), Rose Byrne (28 Weeks Later, Sunshine, Get Him to the Greek) and January Jones (TV's Mad Men, Unknown)
Synopsis: From the first X-Men trilogy, we know that Charles Xavier and Eric Lensherr were archenemies, Professor X and Magneto but what about before the war between the mutants? Charles and Eric discover their powers and as close friends, they join other mutants to face the greatest threat the world has ever known.
Green Lantern
Rating: Unknown at this time
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Release Date: June 17, 2011
Who's In It: Ryan Reynolds (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Proposal, Just Friends), Blake Lively (TV's Gossip Girl, The Town) and Peter Sarsgaard (Knight and Day, Jarhead, Knight and Day)
Synopsis: Based upon the DC Comics Superhero of the same name, Hal Jordan becomes the Green Lantern when he finds and possesses a ring that grants him superpowers. He becomes part of the Green Lantern Corps, a brotherhood of warriors sworn to protect the galaxy from those that plan to disrupt or destroy it. Hal must quickly master these new powers and is encouraged by his childhood sweetheart, Carol Ferris (Blake Lively) to find courage over his fears.
Cars 2
Rating: Most likely G
Distributor: Walt Disney
Release Date: June 24, 2011
Who's In It: Voices provided by Owen Wilson (Cars, Wedding Crashers, Meet the Parents), Bonnie Hunt (Cars, Jerry Macguire), Larry the Cable Guy (Cars, Redneck Comedy Tour) and Tony Shaloub (TV's Monk, Cars)
Synopsis: Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) teams up with his best friend Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) for an adventure around the world as they go up against the world's fastest cars. I believe there is a spy theme this time around. Michael Caine and Jason Isaacs (The Patriot, Harry Potter series) also star.
I'm not sure what to expect out of X-Men: The First Class and Green Lantern. In order for them to be considered a hit, they would have to gross at least $200 million which is iffy. Walt Disney has never had a Pixar flick bomb so it would be a safe bet to say $200 million plus for this follow-up sequel to the smash hit, Cars. X-Men and Green Lantern will definitely appeal to older and middle elementary children while Cars will be appealing to pretty much every age group.
That's all for now.
Pop...
Greg
If you guessed something else, you would be correct. Dan is a big kid himself and even his production company Schneider's Bakery alludes to this fact as his strengths lie in being able to be a confectioner of childhood memories through his shows. He is an adult who never forgot what it's like to be a kid. Some of his rules for success are real gems (seriously) such as not talking down to kids and loyalty. He respects his audience and even though his shows aren't perfect for some Christian parents (the Lord's name is uttered in most episodes), loyalty, friendship and doing the right thing are usually held in high regard.
