Television Review: Tutenstein: Clash of the Pharaohs
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this made-for-TV movie's lessons
on friendship and forgiveness don't break any new ground, but
their placement within the context of this kid-pleasing story
ensures that they won't be overlooked. The main characters both
have superiority complexes throughout the movie, taking turns
calling the shots when they feel in control ("I demand you
dance for me," etc.). A sinister bad guy and some allusions to
the supernatural may frighten very young kids, but
grade-schoolers will enjoy the action-packed tale and might
even pick up on references to Egyptian culture and history.
Families can talk about respecting others' feelings. Do you
think Tut is a good friend to Cleo and Luxor? Why or why not?
How do they respond to his demands? What, if anything, does he
learn when the tables are turned and Cleo becomes pharaoh? Have
you ever known anyone who was bossy to you? How did it make you
feel? What did you do to fix the problem? Families can use this
movie as a springboard for their own research about ancient
Egyptian history and culture.
In TUTENSTEIN: CLASH OF THE PHARAOHS, the reincarnated mummy of a young pharaoh named Tut (voiced by Donna Cherry) travels back in time to learn the details of his own death 3,000 years ago. Since he's haunted by nightmares of the moments before he died, Tut and his friends Cleo ( Leah Lynette) and Luxor (a talking cat voiced by David Lodge) use the mythical Mirror of Isis to return to ancient Egypt to stop his death and allow him to become the all-powerful pharaoh he believes he was destined to be. But when they arrive, they find it's actually 1,000 years after Tut's death, and Cleo is mistaken for the reigning Pharaoh Cleopatra. Spoiled by her subjects' royal treatment, she's blind to the fact that she's letting her power go to her head -- and that her closest advisor is after the powerful mirror and her throne. Ultimately it's the power of friendship that must save her and return the friends to the present.
There's no shortage of adventure for kids tagging along on Cleo and Tut's time travels, and overall the movie's content is worry-free for grade-schoolers. Parents may grow weary of Tut's arrogance and constant demands, but kids will like seeing him get a taste of his own medicine when Cleo is granted power and can boss him around for a change. In fact, the characters' relationship gives families a great opportunity to talk about interpersonal issues like respect and appreciation.
And on a more intellectual level, the characters' jaunt through time introduces kids to the basics of Egyptian history and mythology. Don't expect youngsters to start reiterating reliable historical facts, but the story includes references to social and cultural practices that will expand their view of history and other cultures.
TutensteinTime Warp Trio
Timeblazers
Wishbone
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
Join Us