TV Show Info:
Writers: Rosemary Wells, Kate Barris, Nicole Demerse, Bruce Robb
Director: Jamie Whitney
Cast: Rebecca Peters, Samantha Morton, Billy Rosemberg, Cameron Ansell, Julie Lemieux
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Nickelodeon and Paramount

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: 2002 & 2007
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 26, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $12.99
Episodes: Three episodes (with three mini-sode per episode) from Season Three and one episode (with three mini-sodes) from Season One

I love Max & Ruby. What a fun show. I watch it with or without my kids. Max is so funny and Ruby is so bossy, but always comes around in the end. This is what sibling rivalry and relationships is all about. Despite being a few years apart in age, Max and Ruby really seem to love and respect one another, even if Max doesn’t always show it. His antics are pretty funny though and they’re relatively harmless, in the grand scheme of things.

We’ve had the chance to watch and review several other Max & Ruby titles including Max and Ruby - Berry Bunny Adventures and Max and Ruby - A Very Bunny Christmas. The show is lighthearted and has a valuable message for kids. Not only are younger kids going to like this show, but older kids will, as well. Having watched it with both a 4 year old and 13 year old, I can tell you that both of them enjoyed the antics of Max and his sister Ruby. There’s just something about that little, 3 year old bunny that a wide variety of audiences can enjoy.

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Movie Info:
Writer: Garth Jennings
Director: Garth Jennings
Cast: Neil Dudgeon, Bill Milner, Jessica Hynes, Anna Wing, Will Poulter, Tallulah Evans, Jules Sitruk, Sam Kubrick-Finney, James Clarke, Zofia Brooks
Rating:
Studio: Paramount

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: January 22, 2007 (Sundance)
DVD Release Date: August 26, 2008

I could very well have been one of the kids in the movie Son of Rambow…Except I’m not British, nor am I old enough to have been in any movies in 1983. Still, I was old enough in the mid to late 80s and I appreciate all of the 80s throwbacks, such as the VHS camcorder (I think I used one of those that looked quite similar during my Make-a-Wish trip to California in 1990). For being seven years later, the camcorder looks remarkably similar!

I’ve heard it said that those not born in the 80s cannot appreciate this film. That those who are young can appreciate it because they “get” the 80s. I’ve heard adults won’t like it or they will. I’ve heard kids won’t like it, or they will. The comments keep rolling in about Son of Rambow. While most of the early critics loved this movie, the general census has been the film is either awesome or stupid. I just happen to think its awesome. Not only that, but this movie is also a lot of fun.

From the very first time I saw the trailer for Son of Rambow I wanted to see this movie. There’s just something absolutely hilarious about two little boys trying to make the sequel to the first Rambo movie, First Blood. Add in the fact that one of these kids is from a freaky, over-religious family that doesn’t even allow him to watch television or listen to music (the boy, Will, becomes obsessed with First Blood) and you have a very interesting story.

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TV Show Info:
Writers: Simon Nicholson, Keith Chapman
Cast: Neil Morrissey, Mac Silk, Lorelei King, Emma Tate
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: 20th Century Fox/Hit Entertainment
Studio: Hits Entertainment & Lyons

Release Info:
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 26, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $14.99

Seriously, who has kids and doesn’t like Bob the Builder? Before Obama stole it, Bob the Builder had the slogan, “Yes, we can!” Bob and his team of trucks really show kids how to build things in an inventive way. I’m not big into construction since I don’t work in the industry. I still managed to learn quite a bit from Bob and his team. The cool thing about this show is that parents and kids can learn building concepts together. Thanks to Bob the Builder: On Site - Houses and Playgrounds, now I know the process if I ever happen to build my own house, and/or playground.

This DVD is even cooler because in Bob the Builder: On Site - Houses and Playgrounds, the action goes on site. Not only do children learn all about building through Bob, his machines, and watching them work. They get the chance to see actual, live machines and workers as they perform the various tasks that Bob outlines. In Bob the Builder: On Site - Houses and Playgrounds, the audience gets to see live machines working on building a house from the ground up. Playgrounds from their inception, are also shown being built. It’s pretty cool that Bob can relate the action of his show to the action that occurs in every day life.

While, yes, some parts of Bob the Builder are cheesy, and yes I am referring to the refresher rap/song that is sung “How do we do it”, after each project is completed, kids will really get into this catchy yet repetitious song. Its a little too Barney for my tastes, but then again I am 27. It’s a minor complaint that only an adult could have. What is Bob the Builder really about anyway? The kids, so my opinion on how “cool” this song is doesn’t really matter.

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LI Kids is proud to be giving away five copies of Fat Albert’s Halloween Special on DVD. To enter all you need to do is leave us a comment. Please be sure to only leave one. Comments are moderated to avoid spam, so it will not show up right away. People who leave multiple comments will be deleted from the contest altogether. If you do not see your comment within a day then by all means leave another one. Otherwise, do not worry as we accept comments several times a day.

To enter you need to be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the US. If you have won a contest within the last 30 days you are not eligible. Winners will be sent an email shortly after the end of the contest. To claim your prize all you will need to do is send us your address in a reply to the congratulation email that you will receive. If we do not receive a reply from you within three weeks, your winnings will be forfeited and your prize will be offered to another contestant.

We will begin emailing winners for this the week of September 13, 2008, which means you have until September 12, 2008 at 11:59 to enter.

From the Press Release:
After a night filled with more tricking than treating, Rudy and his friend, Devery, plan one last prank for spooky Mrs. Bakewell. But when two of the kids disappear into the old widow’s house, Fat Albert and the crew set out to find their missing friends. Will Halloween fun turn into a fright for the Cosby Kids? Find out August 26th when Fat Albert—the 70s Saturday morning sensation—comes back, just in time for Halloween!

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LI Kids is proud to be giving away five copies of The Self-Esteem Trap by Polly Young-Eisendrath. To enter all you need to do is leave us a comment. Please be sure to only leave one. Comments are moderated to avoid spam, so it will not show up right away. People who leave multiple comments will be deleted from the contest altogether. If you do not see your comment within a day then by all means leave another one. Otherwise, do not worry as we accept comments several times a day.

To enter you need to be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the US. If you have won a contest within the last 30 days you are not eligible. Winners will be sent an email shortly after the end of the contest. To claim your prize all you will need to do is send us your address in a reply to the congratulation email that you will receive. If we do not receive a reply from you within three weeks, your winnings will be forfeited and your prize will be offered to another contestant.

We will begin emailing winners for this the week of September 6, 2008, which means you have until September 5, 2008 at 11:59 to enter.

More about The Self-Esteem Trap:
Kids today are depressed and anxious. They also seem to feel entitled to every advantage and unwilling to make the leap into adulthood. Clarifying an enormous cultural change, THE SELF-ESTEEM TRAP shows why so many young people have trouble with empathy and compassion, struggle with moral values, and are stymied in the face of adversity.

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TV Show Info:
Writers: Various
Directors: Various
Cast: David Kaye, Jeff Bennett, Bumper Robinson, Bill Fagerbakke, Tara Strong, Corey Burton, Tom Kenny
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Hasbro

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: 2007-?
Season Air Dates: December 26, 2007-April 5, 2008
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 19, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $17.49
Episodes: Episodes #4-16 of Season One (January 2008-April 2008)

After watching the first three episodes of Transformers Animated in the first DVD release, Transformers Animated: Transform and Roll Out, I just had to review the 13 remaining episodes that are presented on the Transformers Animated: Season One DVD. That’s right folks. In order to own the entire first season of the show, you have to buy this 2-Disc set and the previous DVD release. It’s kind of shoddy of Hasbro to do it that way, but what can any of us do (save for give the DVD a negative review in this department and complaining real loud) to change this?

So, I’ve already mentioned a flaw with this DVD. Don’t be alarmed because there are plenty of good things about this series. Since I’ve already mentioned one of the bad parts I should also mention I’m not in love with the show’s portrayal of Optimus Prime. Originally, Optimus is a skilled leader and fearless protector of both Autobots and humans. In this incarnation, Prime has been changed to allow for a somewhat differing storyline from the original show. The only leading he has done has been when working construction and his inexperience shows in his actions. While this is a slightly interesting twist, it’s the only thing I truly disliked about this series.

That being said, the animation is excellent. I really like the updates and visual care taken with the newly designed Transformers. The storylines are tight and well written. The characters have more depth and more time is spent on each individual as opposed to talking about the Transformers as a collective whole. I also like the idea that the setting is Detroit (I’m from Michigan - so I have a soft spot for series set here). That’s a purely selfish thing on my part.

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4KidsEntertainment, the company that has the monopoly on Saturday morning cartoons has announced its up and coming Fall season lineup for its two networks. 4KidsEntertainment owns the networks that air CW4Kids and the 4KidsTV. Both networks will debut their main Fall lineups on September 13, 2008.

The president of 4KidsEntertainment made some surprise revelations in a recent press conference about the lineups. Among them was the revelation that both Viva Piñata and Dinosaur King would be moving from 4KidsTV to the CW4Kids lineup to air their new seasons. There was also a mention of the change in name of the new to air series Smeshariki, which will now be known as GOGORiKi, with episodes airing some time later in the fall.

As of now, the September 13, 2008 (and thereafter) lineup for CW4Kids will be:

07:00 AM – Will and Dewitt
07:30 AM – Magi-Nation
08:00 AM – Skunk Fu!
08:30 AM – Viva Piñata
09:00 AM – The Spectacular Spider-Man
09:30 AM – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Back to the Sewers
10:00 AM – Dinosaur King
10:30 AM – Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s
11:00 AM – Chaotic
11:30 AM – Chaotic

As of now, the September 13, 2008 (and thereafter) lineup for 4KidsTV will be:

08:00 AM – Di-Gata Defenders
08:30 AM – Biker Mice from Mars
09:00 AM – Sonic X
10:00 AM – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fast Forward
10:30 AM – Chaotic: M’arrillian Invasion
11:00 AM – Kirby: Right Back at Ya!
11:30 AM – Winx Club

For now, this is the only thing known about the Saturday morning lineup for any network. As of now, there has been no mention of what (if anything) is going to be changed about other station lineups including the CBS KEWLopolis block.

Technorati Tags: 4Kids TV, CW4Kids, 4KidsEntertainment, Di-Gata Defenders, Biker Mice from Mars, Chaotic, Yu-Gi-Oh, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Saturday Morning, Cartoons, Kids TV

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LI Kids is proud to be giving away five copies of A Is For ATTICUS by Lorilee Craker. To enter all you need to do is leave us a comment. Please be sure to only leave one. Comments are moderated to avoid spam, so it will not show up right away. People who leave multiple comments will be deleted from the contest altogether. If you do not see your comment within a day then by all means leave another one. Otherwise, do not worry as we accept comments several times a day.

To enter you need to be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the US. If you have won a contest within the last 30 days you are not eligible. Winners will be sent an email shortly after the end of the contest. To claim your prize all you will need to do is send us your address in a reply to the congratulation email that you will receive. If we do not receive a reply from you within three weeks, your winnings will be forfeited and your prize will be offered to another contestant.

We will begin emailing winners for this the week of September 8, 2008, which means you have until September 7, 2008 at 11:59 to enter.

More about A Is For ATTICUS:
Today’s Millennial generation of baby namers want their young ones’ monikers to reflect something deeply meaningful and personal. Where better to draw inspiration than the books they cherish and the characters they love?

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TV Show Info:
Writer:John Derevlany
Director:Riccardo Durante
Cast: Mark Rendall, Denise Oliver, Tara Strong, Martin Villafana, Lisa Ng, Julie Lemieux, Kedar Brown, Jason Marsden, Jayne Eastwood, Terry McGurrin
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Nickelodeon/Paramount

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: June 25, 2007-Present
Season Air Dates: June 25, 2007 – December 24, 2007
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 19, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $17.99
Episodes: 13 episodes from Season One

I reviewed Wayside: The Movie last year when it first came to DVD. I had heard buzz about a television show being planned. At the time I wasn’t sure if I was going to be a fan or not. In cases like that, where I am not fond of a cartoon, I usually let my girls decide. If they like it, I will begrudgingly watch it for them, but that doesn’t mean I look forward to the process. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I like Wayside School a lot more than I did the movie version.

The premise of the show is still the same, based on a series of books that offer a unique spin on the classroom environment. Kids really do seem to like this and after giving it a second try I have to admit it’s not a bad show. The main difference between the movie and the show is that many of the voice actors are different. The most noticeable difference is the teacher; Mrs. Jewls is no longer voiced by the talented Kathy Najimy. The new Mrs. Jewls, Julie Lemieux, is equally as amusing, but it would have been nice to see Najimy stick around.

The Wayside School: Season One Plot
Rather than take about the inner workings of the plot, I have decided to offer a plot synopsis for each episode. This gives you, as parents, the chance to see what each show is about and it will help you decide if you feel the show is right for your kids.

“Pull My Pigtail”/”Class Cow”: Dana wants to force Todd to love Maurecia because it’s Valentine’s Day. She plans to make Todd fall in love by having him pull on Maurecia’s ponytail. Next up, Mrs. Jewls is away from class on a faculty retreat and while she’s gone a cow wonders into class! The students assume that it is their substitute teacher and wouldn’t you know it, they end up learning more from the cow than their own teacher!

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TV Show Info:
Writers: Various
Directors: Various
Cast: Don Brown, Sam Vincent, Michael Donovan, Colin Murdoch, Reece Thompson, Frank Welker, Nicole Oliver, Jake D. Smith
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Warner Home Video

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: October 27-December 1, 2007
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 12, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $8.99
Episodes: Season Two - Episodes 18-21

I had the chance to review Tom and Jerry Tales when the fourth volume was released by Warner Home Video earlier this year. What I said then remains true today. Tom and Jerry Tales just isn’t the Tom and Jerry cartoon many of us (over the age of 20) grew up watching. Sure, Tom and Jerry Tales is kid-friendly and those who are still under the legal adult age will get a kick out of this cartoon. Still, those who expect the same exact Tom and Jerry, cat and mouse fare (perhaps even obscene in nature) will be sadly disappointed.

When it comes right down to it, the show isn’t so horrible that it is unwatchable. In fact, I have to say, of all the Tom and Jerry Tales episodes I’ve seen (and my 13 year old son is a huge fan of the show) these were amongst the best. With school starting and Halloween on the horizon, these episodes all seem to have a semi-Halloween theme to them (or at least their titles). The show does seem to follow the formula that the show was established on, with the cat and mouse games that made this duo so famous. These are the good points of the show.

What might be considered bad by some (and I consider it a minor annoyance) is the fact that the slapstick routines are less violent, more kid-friendly and a bit more PC. I understand that parents don’t want their kids seeing violent cartoons, but Tom and Jerry aren’t violent just for gratuity’s sake. They are violent in the same way that Wile E. Coyote and the other Looney Tunes made a career for themselves. Personally, I don’t care if my kids see this kind of violence, because if they can’t realize that a cartoon chicken (cat/rabbit/mouse/coyote) is not real and separate the idea of violence in real life from violence in cartoons then that child has other problems that need to be addressed.

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