Archive for April, 2007

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The Mr. Men Show coming to Cartoon Network

Monday, April 30th, 2007

I’m a sucker for a good book coming to life. Do you remember the Mr. Men and Little Miss books by Roger Hargreaves? They were really in their prime popularity here in the U.S. when I was in middle school or so. Each little square book only cost a dollar, and although my friends and I were probably a little old for them, we all collected them much the way that we persisted in accumulating Hello Kitty items (because they were cool, you know). The drawings were fun and the stories hilarious.

If you don’t know the series, each eponymous Mr. or Miss has a life tale based on their particular characteristic. Mr. Bump, for example, is always running into things. Obviously. Little Miss Bossy is, um, my daughter. Er. I mean, well, she’s bossy. You get the idea.

What made fun little books sounds like a natural property for a cartoon series, and now Chorion Ltd. has announced that Cartoon Network will be the U.S. home of The Mr. Men Show in 2008:

With a blend of side-splitting, fast-paced physical humor and verbal wit, The Mr. Men Show is the first animated program to bring sketch comedy to young children.

Twenty-five Mr. Men and Little Miss characters will be featured in the new series. To complement the new animation style, some of the characters are being refreshed and some completely re-worked — but all will remain true to the essence of the original Mr. Men and Little Miss creations.

Brought to life by talented writer-producers Kate Boutilier and Eryk Casemiro, the series is being animated in Los Angeles by Renegade Animation. Boutilier and Casemiro have achieved worldwide success with animated properties such as “Rugrats”, “The Wild Thornberrys” and “Rugrats in Paris”. Renegade has delivered three seasons of “Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi” to Cartoon Network US.

“Fast-paced physical humor?” So, they’ll be slipping on banana peels at high speeds?

I was actually so excited about this news, I went poking around online and discovered that the Mr. Men and Little Miss crew already has a interactive website where you can reacquaint yourself with all your favorite characters (oh! Mr. Daydream! He was my favorite!). There’s also all sorts of fun for the kids on there, from printables to games they can play. (You do need to register for full site access, but registration is free.) At the very least, you can amuse yourself there for a while until the debut of the show next year.

[Edited to add: Great minds think alike! The same day I posted this, Animation Insider wrote a piece about it as well.]

Posted in Mr. Men and Little Miss | 3 Comments »

A very good day, if your name is Ed

Friday, April 27th, 2007

Friday is always a good day for those of us who work a traditional work week, but today is a very special day. Beyond all the usual sorts of reasons to love Friday, today has been deemed “The Best Day Edder” by the Cartoon Network, as they bring us 30 hours of Ed, Edd, n Eddy starting at 9:30 this morning:

Celebrating the creative history of original television animation on the network over the past decade and a half, Cartoon Network will be airing every single, regular episode of Ed, Edd n Eddy. Including everything from the Eds debut at a summer pool party; to the three Holiday specials that span Halloween, the much dreaded Valentine’s Day and the Christmas Season; to the premiere of a brand new episode, being touted as the final episode of Ed, Edd n Eddy.

Yowza. Thirty hours in a row? That’s… something.

Okay, I have to be honest here. If I were just a little bit more mature, I would completely hate Ed, Edd n Eddy. As it is, it’s one of my least-favorite Cartoon Network shows. The animation style (I’m sure there’s some fancy technical name for it, but I think of it as the “drawn by drunk people” style) where all the lines appear to be wiggling constantly makes me a little seasick. I want to strangle Eddy half of the time, and I spend the other half wondering why Ed and Edd don’t do it. It’s not nearly as “clever” as many of the other shows on CN.

In short, I’m apt to make the kids change the channel if there’s anything else on worth watching.

On the other hand, when the show stays on, I find myself watching. It is funny and engaging, on a certain level. It’s hard not to be mesmerized by a kid whose best friend is a plank. Many of the “girls are icky but strangely compelling” storylines are laugh-out-loud funny. I want to reject it, but it’s got just enough to redeem itself, for me.

I probably wouldn’t be able to stomach 30 contiguous hours of it, but I may just set the DVR to record a few episodes. (Need the schedule? Go here.)

But first I’ll need to take some Dramamine. (Seriously, if someone is an animation expert and can tell me what the point of the constant squiggling lines is, I’ll give you a cookie.)

Posted in Random acts of television | No Comments »

Shrek under fire for mixed messages

Thursday, April 26th, 2007

Oh, Shrek. You know I love you. I do. I was just singing your praises a couple of days ago. I appreciate a good flatulence joke. I like to think we understand each other. You continue to make me giggle, and I continue to go see your movies and buy them when they come out on DVD. I try to reserve judgment when it comes to seeing your mug adorning half the foodstuffs at the supermarket, you know, because I understand that you have to make a living. And not everyone can do that just by blogging about cartoons. You’re entitled to do what you need to do.

But now you may have gone too far, Shrek.

It seems that Shrek is slated to be the spokesogre for an ad campaign designed to target childhood obesity. And not everyone is happy about it:

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood says the soon-to-open “Shrek the Third” has too many promotional ties with unhealthy foods to justify using Shrek as a health advocate.

“There is an inherent conflict of interest between marketing junk food and promoting public health,” Susan Linn, the group’s director, wrote in a letter sent Wednesday to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt.

“Surely Health and Human Services can find a better spokesperson for healthy living than a character who is a walking advertisement for McDonald’s, sugary cereals, cookies and candy,” said Linn, an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

The article lists the multiple product tie-ins for the upcoming Shrek the Third, and highlights what seems a reasonable query:

“Why would young children follow Shrek’s advice about healthy living and ignore his entreaties to eat Happy Meals and Pop-Tarts?” Linn wrote. “If government agencies are serious about combating childhood obesity, they should stop cozying up to industry and start taking real steps to end the barrage of junk food marketing aimed at children.”

The idealist in me agrees and wishes that my children could have that sort of commercial-free childhood for which the advocates are working. I don’t particularly enjoy food decorated with or—even worse—pressed into the shapes of popular characters.

But the smart-aleck in me would like to point out that Shrek’s love of pop-tarts doesn’t make him an unsuitable voice for a fitness campaign. The fact that he’s got a gigantic beer belly makes him an unsuitable voice for a fitness campaign.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to clear that up for everyone. Carry on.

Posted in Kid Stuff, Movies, Shrek | No Comments »

Your shot at Marvel Nirvana

Wednesday, April 25th, 2007

Are you a Marvel Comics fan? Do you keep your favorite comics in the plastic sleeves and treat them with reverence? Are you the first in line, opening night, when a superhero-based movie opens? Are you really?

Well, in that case, first I’d like to suggest that you get out a little bit more. I’m just sayin’. Sunlight is your friend.

Okay, but besides that, you might be excited to learn that Marvel Comics is holding the Be In A Marvel Movie Sweepstakes. The grand prize includes—go figure—a walk-on role in a future Marvel movie. You could have your kneecaps broken by the Hulk, or something! In front of millions of people! But check it out; that’s not all the grand prize winner gets, and there’s plenty of goodies for everyone:

GRAND PRIZE (1)
* Economy round trip airfare for two to Los Angeles
* Two nights hotel accommodations
* Rental car for three days
* A walk-on role for one in a future Marvel Studios movie

FIRST PRIZES (3)
* One (1) Fantastic Four Omnibus Book
* One (1) Spider-Man Omnibus Book
* One (1) Planet Hulk Hardcover Book

SECOND PRIZES (15)
* A 12-issue subscription to the Amazing Spider-Man comic book series – (Five (5) Available)
* A 12-issue subscription to the Fantastic Four comic book series – (Five (5) Available)
* A 12-issue subscription to the Iron Man comic book series – (Five (5) Available)

The contest is open only to residents of the continental U.S., and you must be at least 18 years of age. (I don’t know why; hey, I don’t make the contests, I just tell you about them.) Official rules can be found here.

You have until August 10th, 2007 to enter, but why don’t you go do it now before you forget? And then you can start practicing for your close-up. I recommend working on your terrified face. Just a hunch.

[Hat tip: Pop Candy]

Posted in Kid Stuff, Movies | No Comments »

Less than a month ’til Shrek the Third

Tuesday, April 24th, 2007

I’m not usually one for sequels at box office; too often I think Hollywood takes a perfectly good story and mangles it beyond recognition, thoroughly ruining the whole thing. (Heck, if it’s bad enough, I won’t even bother with the first movie again, even if I’d liked it before, because I’m so annoyed.)

That said, I think you’ll understand why it’s a big deal for me to admit this: I liked Shrek 2 even better than Shrek. It’s true! And this is how I became a sucker for all things Shrek. It helps that my kids really like both movies, too. It allows me to pretend that I’m far too mature and worldly to enjoy such things, but I’m doing it for them, you see.

And so here at my house we’re counting down until the May 18th opening of Shrek the Third. What could be better than even more of the wacky characters we’ve come to love? Already we’ve seen Puss in Boots making sad kitty eyes in the movie trailer (that never fails to draw hysterical laughter from both kids). Clearly we’re in for another treat when this one hits the theaters.

We may have to wait until next month for the movie, but my inner geek turned several cartwheels when I stumbled across these Shrek the Third Fun Facts to keep me busy.

A mere sampling:

A total of 28 babies were born to artists during the making of Shrek the Third.

That’s either a whole lot of artists or there’s something in the water over at that studio.

Early in production, the filmmakers considered making Cinderella a complete slob (due to her perpetually having to clean up during adolescence) and Sleeping Beauty completely caffeinated and constantly awake (you can guess why). Eventually, they decided to go in different directions, with a Cinderella obsessed with cleaning and a Sleeping Beauty with a slight case of narcolepsy.

Paging Dr. Freud….

In the scene where Donkey pulls the covers off Shrek’s legs, the ogre’s leg hair had to be trimmed back from the original. They were just too gross and hairy, even for an ogre.

Too gross and hairy for an ogre? How, exactly, are these things determined?

For the shot where the princesses light a bra on fire, the effects team actually brought a few bras to the studio and ignited them outside their building (just for reference, understand).

How do I get a job with these people? Hey, DreamWorks! Call me!

Go read the rest. It’ll have you counting down the days on your calendar. Or—if not—I’ll have to make sad kitty eyes at you.

Posted in Movies, Shrek | No Comments »

I can’t stop humming

Monday, April 23rd, 2007

I’ve told you before that my son is a big Spider-Man fan, and perhaps I didn’t pay the Webbed One due respect when I wrote about him. At least, my son didn’t feel that I did. But as superheroes go, I do enjoy Spider-Man. I mean, hey, consider some of the alternatives. The Incredible Hulk? He’s, like, every mother’s nightmare. I mean, just think about how many shirts and pairs of pants that guy goes through. And we’re not made of money here, you know. You have to take care of your things. Also, if you can’t control your temper, you’re going to be spending a lot of your life in time-out, mister.

Wait, sorry. I veered a little bit off-course, there. What were we talking about?

Oh! Right! So, Spider-Man. Is there anything he can’t do? I mean, he can walk up walls, he can shoot webs, he can sing on Broadway….

What’s that? Oh, no, that wasn’t a typo. Haven’t you heard? Fasten your seatbelts for Spider-Man the Musical:

Marvel Studios has confirmed that plans are underway to produce a Broadway musical based on Marvel’s ever popular Super Hero, Spider-Man. Produced by Hello Entertainment/David Garfinkle, Martin McCallum, Marvel Entertainment, and SONY Pictures Entertainment (billing in formation), the musical will be directed by Tony Award-winner Julie Taymor with U2’s Bono and The Edge creating new music and lyrics for the project. A reading is scheduled to take place this summer. No dates for a Broadway opening have been confirmed at this time.

Playbill is reporting some of the casting call details, including that there will be a so-called geek chorus:

[...] consisting of “three teenage boys and one girl” are described to “meet to ritualistically retell the greatest Spider-Man stories.”

Oooooo… kay….

At first, you know, I was speechless. But I’m warming up to the idea. I mean, why not? It’ll be like West Side Story meets… ummm… wait, don’t tell me… well, I’m sure it’ll be interesting. Spider-Man can perform the classic hit “Swingin’ in the Rain” and maybe Mary Jane can sing “Arachnids are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Yeah, I’m starting to visualize it now. Very catchy.

It’s really a shame they didn’t hire me to help with the score. I’m a natural at this.

Posted in Licensed characters on stage | No Comments »

Earth Day is Sunday; Captain Planet is Saturday

Friday, April 20th, 2007

This Sunday, April 22nd, is Earth Day. By all means, if weather permits, get outside with your kids and plant a tree, or something. But if you find yourself with nothing to do tomorrow (that’s Saturday, April 21st), or if you just want an earth-friendly trip in the way-back machine, set those recorders and get yourself into the Earth Day frame of mind with Captain Planet and the Planeteers marathon! That’s twelve full hours of saving the planet, from 8:00 in the morning until 8:00 at night.

According to a press release I received, the Captain Planet Foundation has hand-selected 27 episodes spanning six seasons of the show to include in the marathon.

“We hand picked these episodes because the subject matter of each one deals with current environmental problems,” said KP Hendry, Senior Director of Special Projects for Captain Planet Foundation. “Captain Planet was visionary and ahead of its time. We are all connected; part of one living, breathing organism called Earth. The oceans, the animals and humankind all make up the web of life, and, what each of us does every day matters! We have a responsibility to future generations to pay attention and make changes. Captain Planet’s messaging is needed now more than ever!”

“It’s a privilege to be able to present the very best of Captain Planet and the Planeteers on Earth Day,” said Mark Norman, senior vice president of business operations for Cartoon Network U.S. and Boomerang. “The series became an international hit, with kids around the world adopting its theme, The Power is Yours!, to remind us all that we each have a role in protecting our planet. We’re delighted to offer parents a unique opportunity to celebrate Earth Day by introducing their children to environmentalism, teamwork and Captain Planet.”

Captain Planet is a pretty delightful little ‘toon, and if you haven’t had the chance to introduce him to your kids, yet, now’s the perfect time. If they really get into the spirit and want more than just a day of back-to-back episodes on television, there’s plenty more for them to do online:

Enjoy the weekend, and have a happy Earth Day!

Posted in Random acts of television, Retro | No Comments »

Another popular pig hitting the screen

Thursday, April 19th, 2007

Let’s face it; there’s plenty of great pigs out there for our kids’ viewing pleasure. Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web. Piggley Winks. Pig and Arnold from Kipper. The three little pigs in the Shrek movies. Pigs are just good on-screen subjects.

And anyone who’s ever read any of the Olivia books by Ian Falconer will likely be thrilled to learn that the precocious piglet will soon be coming to Nickelodeon thanks to a deal with Chorion:

The new CGI series (52×11 and one 44 minute special) will be animated by Academy Award-nominated Irish animation studio Brown Bag Films. Nick Jr. will present 26 half-hour episodes in the U.S. and sales for the international territories will be made at MIP this month.

“Olivia is one of our most exciting properties and we are thrilled that our enthusiasm for the brand is shared wholeheartedly by our partners at Nickelodeon,” said Nicholas James, ceo of Chorion. “We are committed to delivering the very best quality entertainment to audiences globally, and we could not have better partners in that endeavor.”

CGI Olivia? Be still my heart. (Is it too much to hope that she has an English accent? For some reason I want her to sound British.)

And yes, I see that they’ll be airing in the Nick Jr. block—perhaps a bit too young for my brood—but we’re longtime Olivia fans here at my house; we may just have to tape it and check it out, anyway. As research. For all of you. Because I care.

Posted in Olivia, Random acts of television | 1 Comment »

Breaking news: Code Lyoko Season 4 scheduled

Wednesday, April 18th, 2007

I’ve made no secret of either my son’s love for Code Lyoko or my confusion about the show. I seem to be missing some key ingredient necessary to truly understand this show’s plot. (Yes, yes; I suspect it has something to do with the twenty or thirty years I have over most of the show’s fans. Zip it.) Nevertheless, the fact remains that I have yet to encounter a Lyoko fan who isn’t completely, utterly enamored of the show. And right now, most of those fans are all asking, “When is Season 4 going to air?”

Despite my relative confusion over what everything in Lyoko means, believe it or not, I’m actually pretty good at figuring things out here in the real world. I searched far and wide to find any information about the Code Lyoko Season 4 air date, and I came up empty. I was nearly stumped.

But what’s the first thing your mother ever taught you about getting what you want? That’s right. She taught you to say please.

So I said please. I went to my contact at Cartoon Network and I asked nicely (just the way I try to teach my children to do), and when I didn’t get an answer right away I asked again, and eventually I think they realized that if they gave me an answer, I would go away and leave them alone. And then everyone wins! (Just in case you’re wondering, I also said thank you once I got my answer.)

Are you ready, Code Lyoko fans? You heard it here first: Season 4 of Code Lyoko will premiere on Cartoon Network at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6th. New episodes will continue to air throughout the summer on Wednesday nights.

Spread the news and mark your calendars, because I’m probably going to need you all to explain it to me once it starts back up again.

Posted in Code Lyoko | 32 Comments »

Will the newest Disney Princess pass muster?

Tuesday, April 17th, 2007

It was announced last month that Disney will be releasing The Frog Princess in 2009. If you haven’t been paying attention to this sort of thing, you may be thinking, “Oh, another Disney princess. Ho hum.” But this was notable news because for the first time in Disney history, the film will feature an African-American princess.

You’ve sort of got to love a company that can make an announcement about something that’s going to happen two years out and still manage to spark a controversy. I mean, that does take a certain measure of talent.

And at first blush, you’d think this would be something to celebrate, period. It’s about time, no? Save for Jasmine, Pocahontas and Mulan, Disney princesses have given us a sea of whiteness in a multi-colored world, and a black heroine is long past due.

But the course of true movie popularity never did run smooth, even for a giant like Disney. A recent article about the film points out what is (already!) being perceived as shortcomings about the upcoming picture:

Disney unveiled Maddy at its annual shareholders’ meeting in March, even summoning Randy Newman’s Dirty Dozen Brass Band for a performance. [...]

Information about “The Frog Princess,” including a list of characters put forth in a voice-actor casting call, quickly spread across the Internet.

It appears that the prince in the story is not black, which has raised dissatisfaction. There are also people criticizing the creation of yet another cartoon princess whose story, they contend, undermines a modern message of individual empowerment.

Hey, I love the Disney princesses as much as the next mom (which is to say… I have a daughter who idolized them for many years), but here’s a little secret in case you haven’t noticed: The princesses aren’t exactly one-woman islands. No matter how much of a feminist spin Disney tries to put on these stories, in the end there’s always a prince. (Even for Mulan, which bugged me more than any of the others.) My point is, I think the time to complain to Disney about the ubiquitousness of the prince in these stories is long past. We all know there’s going to be a prince involved. Remind your daughters that they don’t need a man to be complete, and move on.

The fact that the princess is black and the prince is not, however, is another matter entirely. While I’m all for relationships that are blind to skin color—even in an animated film—wouldn’t you think that when Disney finally features a black princess they might allow for a black prince, as well?

Did Disney miss the boat on this one, do you think?

Posted in Disney Princesses, Movies | 2 Comments »

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