Thursday 25 September 2008

Transformers Vs Scooby Doo: 10 movie remakes of great cartoons

Love it or loath it, some of your favorite cartoons have probably already been subjected to the "reboot" treatment in an attempt to get them to appeal to a whole new audience. Here's five that suck so badly they're actually pretty delicious to revisit. But what's this? Could it be that a few of these actually improve on their humble beginnings on kid's TV?


Garfield (2004)
On the plus side, Bill Murray sounds like he’s always been the voice of Garfield - his effortlessly sarcastic wit seems perfectly suited to the lasagne addicted fat feline. On the minus side, pretty much everything else about this film sucks.
The acting’s not up to much and the animation’s nothing short of catastrophic. The original comic strip and cartoon series didn’t venture to far from Garfield’s litter tray, so this attempt to stretch things to well over an hour ends up a mangy mess.
I did not know that... Bill Murray recorded most of his audio for this while filming “The Life Aquatic” on a boat in Italy.
Garfield on IMDB; Garfield official site.

Transformers (2007)
Hardcore Transformers fans who remember the 1980s hit cartoon show (and Timmy Mallet on Wackaday) may feel a little peeved that, in a departure from the original series , Spielberg and co. have decided to go with some more modern vehicles. So Bumble-bee’s no longer a big yellow VW Beetle! Boo! However, those who can’t remember the original (pretty much anyone under the age of 30) will love the non-stop robo-action.

I did not know that... The 1986 “Transformers the Movie” was one of Orson Welles last ever films – one of his first was Citizen Kane.
Transformers on IMDB; Transformers cartoon opening credits; Transformers official site.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
So you know your Samurai Pizza Cats from your Biker Mice from Mars? A crazy concept, but definitely the ultimate animal/mutant based cartoon action series set in a sewer... featuring a talking rat.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” was an animated TV show in the 80s, a trilogy of live-action movies in the 90s and more recently a computer animated movie (TNMT). The films are largely terrible – but keep an eye out for a rather snazzy-looking Vanilla Ice in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. Classic.
I did not know that… In the UK the TV series was called Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles as the word “ninja” was deemed too violent.
TMNT on IMDB; TMNT cartoon opening credits; Partners in Kryme, Turtle Power trailer.

Scooby Doo (2002)
This is about as close as you’re going to get to the original series without going back to full animation. All the one liners are there, as are all the trademarks that made the original such a smash hit. There’s also a healthy dose of self mockery to ensure the grown-ups enjoy the ride.

Anyone who found Scrappy Doo more than a little annoying (who didn’t?!) in the original will love the twist at the end. The only mystery that still remains is this – what the hell IS a Scooby Snack??
I did not know that… In an early incarnation of the film, a certain Jim Carrey was attached to play Shaggy.
Scooby Doo on IMDB; Scooby Doo cartoon opening credits; Scooby's official site.

Tales of the Riverbank (2008)
Though not strictly a cartoon, this new movie is certainly a contender: when Johnny Morris first put his voice to these riverbank animals in the 1959 TV series of the same name, it could have gone either way.

But it turned out that making animals look like they were talking was a big hit (who’d have thunk it?) and the show became a cult classic. Today the lovable Hammy Hamster (voiced by Ardal O’Hanlon – a veritable Father Dougal with fur) again joins GP, Owl and friends in a cracking, feature-length riverside romp. With a winning, British voice cast and an innocently jolly story, this movie is set to become a firm family favourite.
I did not know that… In the ‘60s TV show, the animals were manipulated using peanut butter: as their tongues worked to get it off the roof of their mouth, they looked like they were talking.
Tales of the Riverbank on IMDB; Tales of the Riverbank official site.

The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000)
The Godfather, Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Heat, Casino... The list of classic Robert De Niro movies rolls off the tongue almost too easily. One best forgotten effort, however, is this half-animated half-live-action effort.

The puns are silly and some of the gags will go over most kids’ heads, but seeing a double oscar winner acted off the screen by a cartoon moose and animated beaver makes this a worthwhile watch.
I did not know that... “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle” came about as a combination of two shows – “The Bullwinkle Show”, and “Rocky and his Friends”.
Rocky and Bullwinkle on IMDB; Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon opening credits.

Thunderbirds (2004)
The original puppets had tons more magic and charisma than the ‘live’ actors in this shoddy remake. Creator of the original TV series, Gerry Anderson, even refused to accept a $750,000 offer to write an endorsement of the movie for its release.

A huge flop in America, one of the film’s only saving graces is the textbook performance of Sophia Myles as Lady Penelope. If only they’d cast Noel Gallagher as Parker...
I did not know that... The movie is directed by Jonathan Frakes who played Riker in Star Trek.
Thunderbirds on IMDB; Busted - Thunderbirds are go! music video;

Flintstones (1994)
Translating an animated classic into a live-action movie using real life actors isn’t always easy. Perhaps the most important piece of the jigsaw is the casting. In the case of 1994’s Flintstones they soooo nearly got it right.

John Goodman as Fred Flintstone – spot on. Elizabeth Perkins as Wilma – made for the role. Rick Moranis as Barney Rubble – all good. Rosie O’Donnell as Betty Rubble? – Um... At least the sound-track (courtesy of the BC52s) sounds great!
I did not know that... Halle Berry plays a character called Sharon Stone (get it!?)
Flintstones on IMDB; BC52s - Meet the Flintstones music video; Dress up Fred!

Inspector Gadget (1999)
There are a few too many departures from the original cartoon series in this Disney feature. Matthew Broderick is well cast in the role of the man himself – but Rupert Everett seems too suave to be the evil “Dr Claw”. His face was never revealed in the 80s cartoon series, and you can’t help wondering whether it should have stayed that way in the movie.

The action sequences are great though. It’s essentially Robocop for kids.
I did not know that... Inspector Gadget has 14,000 gadgets in his body.
Inspector Gadget on IMDB; Beatbox flute version of Inspector Gadget theme (more fun than you'd think...)

Speed Racer (2008)
Prepare for multi-sensory overload with this remake from the guys that brought you the Matrix. Speed Racer was a jolly little manga-based cartoon from the 60s. For the live-action version (baring more of a resemblance to some kind of outlandish video game than an actual movie) they’ve turned the action up to eleven and the colour dial up to at least twelve. What this lacks in plot, it certainly makes up for in pace.

I did not know that... The role of “Racer X”, which was eventually taken by Lost’s Matthew Fox, was turned down by Keanu Reeves.
Speed Racer on Wiki; Speed Racer TV show opening credits.

Vote now!


WAIT! Don't switch off - I'm giving you a no politics guarantee. But have you voted for your favourite UK google image from a selection designed by UK schoolkids? They basically just had to rewrite the word 'google' in a creative way, but some of them are really imaginative... neat idea!

I'm biasing your opinion in the 4-6 age group here because this one is just too perfect to ignore, but there are tons of other great Googles and you have to get your vote in before the end of September...

Wednesday 24 September 2008

Perfect pinata party


Looking for a little inspiration for your kids' party? Check out the huge range of Pinatas over at the Woolworth's online store. If it were up to me (which I know it isn't... have to keep reminding myself that it's not, actually, my birthday!) I'd have this cool Tiki one. In fact I think our nearly-six-year-old would actually go for the Pirates of the Caribbean treasure chest, particularly as it works with pulls instead of having to hit the treats out (I know, I know, but he's really only in it for the chocolate...).

Could cheer up a rainy grown up party too? What mum wouldn't want to show Mickey Mouse the stick after a glass or wine?

Monday 22 September 2008

7 Classic Kid's TV Shows Clearly Conceived on (Bad) Acid

Cracked.com's list of 7 wacky classic kid's shows from the US has a few European classics sorely missing... but it's still good for a Monday morning :)

read more | digg story

Friday 19 September 2008

Make your own bat puppet



Just came across a fantastic activity sheet on how to make your own bat puppet on the Wild Over Waterways (WOW) site. Looks easy to do and pretty realistic, so not for the feint hearted. If fact I think there's even an activity sheet for making your own bat wings, should you fancy. For a calmer afternoon (with nice, quiet girls) there's also sheets on making origami swans, frogs, boats and even a stencil for your watering can.

Thursday 18 September 2008

Life saver


Even before you walk into a kids' bedroom you can tell if they're a boy or a girl. Are you tripping over cars/ lego/ blue stuff or dolls/ clothes/ pink stuff. Here's one for the unisex bedroom or playroom (should you be lucky enough to have a designated playroom...), a delicious nautical life ring cushion. Looks great, feels comfy, built to last plus you save £5 if you buy them both together. Available from TGLTC.

Thursday 11 September 2008

Ground, swallow me up!

Have started a fun list here of truely embarrassing moments your child has innocently given you, starting with:

1) Top of my bunch is a shopping trip to PC World. Ds is four, and has just started to discover the magic of Roald Dahl. Excitedly, be grabs my hand, drags me away from my inspection of the cheapest flat screens over to a very, very rotund lady in the digital voice recorder section (eerie how this is all still so crystal clear in my mind) and says, 'mummy, mummy, look it's her! It's violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! And she's turning violet, look! Look!' Ds smothered quickly, fed lollypop, all exit shop. Days before we go out again.

Hope over to my other blog or add yours here!

Tuesday 9 September 2008

Wear your helmet


I can't tell you how many times I've said this phrase since the chub started to ride a bike. Nearly as many as 'put our shoes on'... or maybe not. But there's going to be no stopping me now as I just read the helmet law has halved child bike death, according to a recent Canadian study.

And if that won't swing it for your own, invincible mini-super-hero, get him one of these ultra cool helmets by Genio, available from tredz. Bike pirates rule the road!

Monday 8 September 2008

Dennis the Menace go-kart


So this looks JUST LIKE the go-kart my brother (he's 10 years older) made me in one of his more evil moods (he left a 2 inch nail sticking up on the seat and I spent that afternoon in A&E. Formative memories.). But once I got over that I could see straight away how much my nearly-6-year-old would go for this Dennis themed go-kart, even knowing nothing of The Menace.

There are only 70 available to commemorate Dennis's birthday, and they're built to last by the kids furniture company.

Check out the 'MENACE 1' numberplate and tell me you don't want one...

Wednesday 3 September 2008

Making friends that last: top tips for girls

I wasn't the biggest fan of the playground, I have to say. And it was the in's and out's of the friendships between groups of girls which made me feel the most stressed out. So, I was pleased to write this piece on strategies to help your little girl build friendships that last (ok, that last at least until the end of term...) for the launch Barbie and the Diamond Castle, the new DVD. Did I miss anything?

Listen

Wait! Don’t stop reading just because this sounds so simple! It’s crucial to notice when your child is having trouble making, keeping or getting on with her friends, and find a calm time to ask her what she thinks about it. Once she starts to open up to you about her friendships: not only are you being a good friendship role model to your child, if you gain her trust in this, you’ll be able to give her another perspective. Don’t belittle how she feels, tell her you understand and give her the space to talk about the small things which bother her. Sometimes it’s enough just to talk about it. Sharing her problem, she might be able to deal with it better the next day at school.

  • What to say: "You seem upset. What's going on? Is it something to do with your friends?"

Watch and learn

Seeing how she acts with her friends can really help you give her constructive advice on how to deal with difficult situations. Remember, don’t jump in straight away, give her time to deal with tricky moments and with her own mistakes. When you’re on your own again, praise her with specific examples of her good friendship and pull her up on things she could have said differently.

With younger girls, a supervised playdate might be less threatening way to work through shyness or bossiness. Invite one of her peers round (who’s a good example for your child, of course!) and set up an activity they’ll both love, but which is well structured. Praise them when they’re working together, reaching compromises, sharing and being patient with each other. Step in and help if your child is obviously finding it hard to cope. Keep it short, end it on a high note, and talk about the playdate together once her visitor has gone home.

  • What to say: “I heard what you were saying to Mary when she was upset and I thought it was a really nice thing to say. She must be pleased to have a friend like you.”


‘Best friends? No way, that was yesterday!’


Young girls can be fiercely loyal, but also heartbreakingly fickle. The mini social dramas that they play out, changing friends and re-forming little groups, are all immature practise for more complicated social set-ups later on. When she falls out with her friends, listen to what’s happened and reassure her that it happens to everyone at some time or other. Tell her about your own experiences and talk to her about how she’s going to handle it the next day at school. Remember, you’re not giving her the solutions when you talk though this – unfortunately it’s not that easy. Instead you’re giving her time to calm down and consider her own motives and actions, plus the all important confidence to deal with the situation her way, on her own.

  • What to say: “I think I see what’s going on now. Here’s what I would do if that happened to me.”

‘If you’re my friend, you can’t be hers!’

Jealousy can be a really destructive force in the playground, and this is particularly true for girls. Teach your child that jealousy can be a kind of flattery, and it’s just the fear of losing the friendship that makes some girls turn nasty. But also teach them to not get drawn in, to walk away, keep their cool, and put a bit of distance between her and her jealous friend for a couple of days. Meantime, work on boosting her confidence so if there is a show-down, she’s ready for it.

  • What to say: “I can see she’s really hurt you by talking to you that way. Is there someone else you can play with tomorrow, so she doesn’t get the chance to hurt you again?”

Join a group!

If you’ve moved somewhere new or your child is obviously lonely, a quick fix is to make the most of the things she already loves to put her into new social situations and meet new friends. Does she love dancing, music, horses or art? Is she into sport or reading? Ask around and you’ll find there are all sorts of local social activities suitable for young girls. Even if it’s just scouts or girl guides, having a common interest with her peers could be just what she needs to make open up.

  • What to say: “I still feel nervous and uncomfortable with new people sometimes, but it helps to have something to talk about together.”

Supernanny.co.uk, UKparentslounge, wtdwtk and some other parenting sites are all currently running competitions. Orelse, if you buy your copy now on play.com, you get a free 'Sing Like A Star' training DVD (let's face it, wouldn't it be great to raise the next Suzanne Shaw?!).

Tuesday 2 September 2008

One sandwich short of a lunchbox?


Having trouble getting your son to come home with his lunchbox, never mind remember it in the am rush? Get one of these brilliant Lego lunchboxes. Not quite wide enough for a banana but definitely deep enough for sandwiches, crisps and a cereal bar. Plus, no nasty clips to break or pop open in their satchel. How cool is that?