Animation
Dragon Striker
‘Dragon Striker’ is a well-crafted fantasy sports story, but with that premise comes a few issues parents will need to (slide) tackle.
The famous cat and mouse duo, known as Tom and Jerry, are probably older than you. They were first introduced to the American public in 1940. Never mind that even quiet, healthy mice only live a year or two, or that the two have attacked each other with an assortment of axes, hammers, firearms and bombs over the years. Tom and Jerry are somehow still ticking. And now, they have found their way to the Royal Gate Hotel in New York City.
This latest iteration of the well-known feline and rodent, plainly called Tom and Jerry in New York, can be found on HBO Max where shenanigans and crazy stunts reign supreme. Each episode is broken into three to four smaller segments, never exceeding 25 minutes in all.
Tom and Jerry have always been considered one of the most violent cartoon tandems in history—so much so that The Simpsons regularly lampoons them with its bloody Itchy & Scratchy Show segments. And while Tom and Jerry in New York steer clear of some of the original cartoon’s more controversial elements (older cartoons were filled with racial stereotypes), it’s done only a little to tone down its over-the-top, slapstick violence.
The show is rated PG on HBO, but it seems the only warrant for the rating are the silly stunts that have carried this beloved cat and mouse for more than 80 years.
Tom and Jerry tussle over a precious jeweled ring, a container of bubble gum, a helpless bird and a baby panda.
Tom tries to eat a baby panda, Jerry, a helpless bird and other small creatures, with no success. Two robbers break into a store and try to steal jewels but are apprehended by Tom. A duck beats Tom up off-screen after Tom tries to eat his duckling.
Kristin Smith joined the Plugged In team in 2017. Formerly a Spanish and English teacher, Kristin loves reading literature and eating authentic Mexican tacos. She and her husband, Eddy, love raising their children Judah and Selah. Kristin also has a deep affection for coffee, music, her dog (Cali) and cat (Aslan).
‘Dragon Striker’ is a well-crafted fantasy sports story, but with that premise comes a few issues parents will need to (slide) tackle.
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