A lot of cartoons get flack nowadays for their lack of concept and...well, cartooning. (Let's be honest. I'm one of the people giving flack.) But I bite my tongue when it comes to Danny Phantom.
David Kaufman voices Danny Fenton, the awkwardly pubescent son of ghost-hunting inventors Maddy and Jake. After a completely avoidable run-in with his parents' gadgets, Danny gains super powers which enable him to become invisible, fly and walk through walls. (Sure those are lame powers to start off with, but the kid does all right.)
Joined by his friends Tucker (Rickey D'Shon Collins) and Sam (Grey Delisle), Danny battles the ghostly forces of evil for an impressive 53 episodes. Director Butch Hartman shows admirable vision, cutting the show off the air before it became boring or annoyingly redundant. The show has a definite (and surprising) conclusion. Check it out for yourself on Netflix.
The characterization of adolescence is in line with American stereotypes. The cast oscillates between engaging and annoying throughout the series. If you skip a few episodes in the 3rd season you'll be fine.
The animation favors the popular Japanese style, but skips the face plants and sweat drops, taking advantage of simple lines and angular construction. The coloration and heavy shadowing makes for a palpable atmosphere that will have you jumping at shadows.
I rate it a POPCORN COMBO!
Danny Phantom Episode List on Wikipedia
David Kaufman: Danny Phantom
Nick Toons: Danny Phantom Games
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Heartbeeps
In the mood for some mechanical mush? Then check out Heartbeeps. This early 80s film squeezes in next to other AI classics such as DARYL and Short Circuit with one exception-Andy Kaufman as an android.
If you're never seen the comedian at work then brace yourself for an hour and a half of painful awkwardness as Val (Kaufman), the lumber-savvy companionship bot, falls in love. Add to the mix, Bernadette Peters as Aqua the pool-side party droid and you've got yourself a movie.
The plot is simple if unusual: Two out-of-order androids embark on a mission to find out about trees. Their impromptu hike turns disastrous when two factory workers discover their disappearance and set out to reclaim the runaway merchandise. Meanwhile, a dysfunctional policing robot, the CrimeBuster Deluxe, joins the fray, determined to return Val and Aqua to their warehouse prison.
Heartbeeps has the right people. Kaufman and Peters work well together and still manage to add their signature traits to each role.
The film is dated, making it very difficult to take seriously. Despite the rampant silliness, there are several moments (beautiful and philosophical) that should not be missed.
It's an excellent choice for your next 80s party or family movie night. I rate it a Popcorn Combo!
If you're never seen the comedian at work then brace yourself for an hour and a half of painful awkwardness as Val (Kaufman), the lumber-savvy companionship bot, falls in love. Add to the mix, Bernadette Peters as Aqua the pool-side party droid and you've got yourself a movie.
The plot is simple if unusual: Two out-of-order androids embark on a mission to find out about trees. Their impromptu hike turns disastrous when two factory workers discover their disappearance and set out to reclaim the runaway merchandise. Meanwhile, a dysfunctional policing robot, the CrimeBuster Deluxe, joins the fray, determined to return Val and Aqua to their warehouse prison.
Heartbeeps has the right people. Kaufman and Peters work well together and still manage to add their signature traits to each role.
The film is dated, making it very difficult to take seriously. Despite the rampant silliness, there are several moments (beautiful and philosophical) that should not be missed.
It's an excellent choice for your next 80s party or family movie night. I rate it a Popcorn Combo!
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