Toon Talk Mailbag - Sep 6, 2001

Toon Talk Mailbag
Page 2 of 7

Recess2.jpg (23634 bytes)
(c) Disney

Recess: School's Out, posted March 5, 2001:
Now available on video and Disney DVD, where it's simple animation is more at home.
(Toon Talk Rating: C).
Click to read review

"While I have not seen this movie and probably won't, I feel moved to respond to (your) assessment of Recess on TV.  It is certainly much better--better written, more thought-out, and especially more slyly allusive -- than anything on TV when I was properly old enough to be watching such things, maybe twelve or fifteen years ago.  Yes, it's a familiar situation, but the combination of PC morality and off-the-cuff goofiness works well, probably because it ends up being awfully close to reality." -- The Stargirl

I respect your opinions, Stargirl, but after you have sat through endless rehashes of the same formula (The Facts of Life, Head of the Class, Saved by the Bell, ad nauseam) it's difficult to muster enthusiasm for a program that has simply brushed the dust off the concept and applied a fresh coat of "hipness".

RememberTheTitans2.jpg (15972 bytes)
(c) Disney

Remember the Titans, posted March 22, 2001:
Denzel Washington's riveting performance was the highlight of this B+ drama.
Click to read review

"I will be showing this flim (in my US History classes) to introduce our study of the Civil Rights Movement.  I found the movie to be predictable and somewhat poorly scripted, however, I was moved ... more than once.  I am a football coach, and the movie hits all the right notes for someone of my background." -- Lee "Mousebear" Suggs

Remember the Titans was a good film, just nothing entirely new.   Like I mentioned in my review, the performances definately elevated it above the familiar structure and the cliches ... does every movie about football teams have to have them doing some silly little dance before the game?

pic3.jpg (16224 bytes)
(c) Disney

Spy Kids, posted April 3, 2001:
Recently re-released in theaters with added footage, this unexpected hit (Toon Talk Rating: B)
already has a sequel in the works and is due on video September 18th.
Click to read review

"I figured this movie was a loser, or too intense for my kids.   Thanks for clearing up my concerns ... " -- Lee "Mousebear" Suggs

I would say this film is not intense for kids except for maybe the really young.  Certain animated movies have more intensity in them then this film.