blogs_blog_1497

but how will i prove i am an adult if the buildable action figures i buy aren't covered in blood and/or guns

 

But yeah, I more or less agree entirely (taking a look at some of my blog entries should make it clear that i hate the use of "childish" as a criticism and by the same logic, the use of adult/mature/serious as a positive). The thing about the use of those words is that they're incredibly lazy and cheap criticisms, and they generally mean jack squat. (they really do tell us more about whoever is using them than about whatever they're describing)

 

(That being said, obviously this shouldn't mean that all things aimed at children are above scrutiny from criticism focusing on how it approaches the audience, though. There is a lot of media aimed at children that does so by speaking down to the audience or really dumbing things down. There are definitely ways in which one could describe things like those as being "childish", though it's still a pretty flawed way to put it. (The phrase "dumbing down," as well, is a bit of a loaded phrase considering how it's often in the same boat as "childish", but for the sake of convenience I'm sticking with that). )

7-14 was always a very generous range, but it's there for a reason.

This is actually pretty laughable when it happens. LEGO does not cater to dark and edgy adult themes. They cater to children and those young at heart.

But yeah, I more or less agree entirely (taking a look at some of my blog entries should make it clear that i hate the use of "childish" as a criticism and by the same logic, the use of adult/mature/serious as a positive). The thing about the use of those words is that they're incredibly lazy and cheap criticisms, and they generally mean jack squat. (they really do tell us more about whoever is using them than about whatever they're describing)

I would argue that "mature" should be exempt from that depending on its uses. "Mature" is often used to refer to content that's inappropriate for kids (despite often being of a juvenile or prurient nature), but it can just as easily be used as a descriptor of a work that rises above the typical tropes it uses to take a more measured look at them. The Lego Movie was "mature" in that it took a typical order-vs.-chaos or freedom-vs.-tyranny storyline but fully examined the issues at play rather than framing the sides in terms of absolute good or evil. But it was still perfectly acceptable and understandable for kids.

 

Not all stories intended for kids need to be mature in that sense, least of all those which exist to frame and promote a series of toys. Bionicle never really was, after all—neither the classic theme nor the revival. But a story that CAN pull that off definitely has a greater chance of standing out, as well as better standing the test of time.