Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Next Gen

film

Next Gen

2018

A friendship with a top-secret robot turns a lonely girl's life into a thrilling adventure as they take on bullies, evil bots and a scheming madman.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? PG-rated animated action includes robot battles, weapons, explosions, kidnapping, deaths, frightening peril, a villain seeking human extinction, and grief over lost family and memories. The violence is fantastical but emotionally significant. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

The story prominently features a robotics corporation, product launch, Q-Bots, and technology marketing, though this serves the plot rather than directly selling products.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Mai’s father has died; Dr. Rice is killed; Pin and Ares are destroyed; and 7723’s reset brings an emotional loss of his memories.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No blood or graphic injuries. Robot damage involves mechanical components and parts falling off.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The supplied material indicates mild name-calling and snark, with no evidence of strong profanity or slurs.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent high-stakes peril includes pursuit, kidnapping, lethal robots, explosions, threatened human extinction, and a child in danger, though presented in animated sci-fi action.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent animated action sequences involving robot combat, explosions, and weapons. Characters are threatened and some instances of destruction occur, but no realistic gore.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters frequently display courage by standing up to bullies and facing life-threatening odds to protect others.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imagination regarding the potential and ethical implications of future technology.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a multi-ethnic cast of characters in a diverse futuristic city setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on social-emotional intelligence and processing trauma.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

The relationship between Mai and the robot is built on mutual support and acts of kindness.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes regarding the importance of memories, forgiveness, and the value of human connection over technology.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Mai is initially portrayed as a rebellious and somewhat impulsive character, but she matures and learns from her mistakes.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Next Gen would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Next Gen, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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