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it's ‘Possible'to please the ’tweens with humorKim Possible saves the world and battles adolescent angstEach week, Evan Levine, the author of “Kids Pick the Best Videos for Kids from Carol Publishing, previews and rates two children's programs available on TV or video.By EVAN LEVINENewspaper Enterprise Assn.Disney's Kim PossibleThe Disney Channel, Fridays (check local listings)Kim Possible has the usual adolescent concerns on her mind: wondering whether her crush will go to the school dance with her, dealing with her pesky little brothers, saving the world.Yes, when she’s not doing algebra, she’s busy saving the world. The new animated show is part spoof, part action series.It's a mix that mostly works, but sometimes the show can’t seem to decide which way it's going.It also relies heavily on punning names (witness the title character, as well as Kim's best friend, Ron Stoppable), plus assorted other people and places (Camp Wannaweep, anyone?).The series has some genuinely funny moments that parody everything from adventure movies to family relationships. (Her father shudders when she uses the word hottie” to describe a boy.) It's difficult, however, to imagine that Kim redly has some of the concerns she says she does: Would anyone who looks likeher (even though she’s animated) have that much trouble asking a boy out?The series seems to be another entry in the “’tween” sweepstakes: shows aimed at preteens. It has accurately captured some of the adolescent angst while simultaneously poking fun at it.“1 loved this,” said 11-year-old April. “It was really funny and cool. Kim was so neat. She seemed sort ofnormal — normal in a popular way — but she also has these special powers that are cool. I can’t wait to see it again.Ratings scale: 1-10 (10 is the highest)Appropriateness: 7 — The new ’tween series has a nice mix of humor and adventure.Visuals: 6 — The show has a mod, ’60s look and feel.Humor. 6 — Some funny lines and situations mixed with some that simply strain too hard.Believability: 6—Although the insecurities portrayed are real, Kim sometimes seems too perfect to feel them.Social value: 6 — A series that has the concerns of preteens well in mind.Fun factor. 6 — Children may be hooked on the characters’ dual lives.Reading with BlueParamount Home VideoEven during summer vacation, preschoolers can keep on top of their vocabulary-building and word recognition with “Reading With Blue,” the new release featuring Blue the Dog and her Mends from the hugely popular Blues Clues” series for younger viewers on Nickelodeon.In Words, Blue brings home a Big Bag of Words and Steve and his friends play Blue’s Clues and plenty of word games.In “Blue’s Book Nook,” young viewers have to figure out what Blue wants to read about.They also meet a librarian (Marlee Matlin) at the library and help Blue’s friends find the books they want to read.The success of the show lies with the charm of the characters and the format, which allows children to play along, figure out clues and see if they have guessed correctly.When asked if she liked it, Emma, 4, responded, “Ruf ruf,” which, she explained, meant, “Yes, yes in dog talk.One caveat: Children who have just accepted Joe, Steve’s brother (for those getting up to speed, Steve left to go to college), the presence of Steve in this video may be a little confusing, but luckily, nothing else will be.Ratings scale: 1-10 (10 is the highest)Appropriateness: 9—On-target for fans and preschoolers just beginning to sound out words.Visuals; 7 — The characters' distinctive style, mixed with a simple setting, works.Humor. 6 — Very gentle and low key.Believability: 7 — Many children are total believers and become completely immersed in the world portrayed.Fun factor: 7 The hook is hanging in there to figure out the last clue and, thus, the answer to the puzzle, and young audiences are willing participants.Social value: 7 — It touts reading and provides a good time.
Newspaper Details
Indiana Gazette
Indiana, Pennsylvania, US
Fri, Jun 21, 2002
Page 18
Full Page
Clipped by
Christopher B.
NA, 18 Aug 2023
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