By: Ranny Levy, Founder and President of Kids First!
‘On the big screen with big names (including Christopher Lloyd and Cary Elwes) creating a host of its characters, The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure is an adventure in its own right. Producer Kenn Viselman wanted to create a movie experience for young children that was in line with their natural energies to move and dance and sing aloud, rather than forcing them to sit like little adults in the movie theater. And, he succeeded! This is the perfect film for your pre-schoolers because they get to get up and move.
KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Morgan Bertsch, age 7, calls the concept “awesome,” and says, “No one tells you to please sit down and be quiet. You get to have fun.” The movie cues them when it’s time to act and when it’s time to settle down.
Catch more about the movie and Viselman, a major innovative force in children’s television programming, as he visits with KIDS FIRST! on our weekly radio show Coming Attractions, which streams on VoiceAmerica Kids.
Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure
Reviewed by Morgan Bertsch
(See her full review on video.)
Kenn Viselman who helped make “Thomas the Tank Engine” and “Teletubbies” household names, has come up with a new movie concept for kids, with Matthew Diamond as the director. Scott Stabile is the writer. The concept is awesome.
This is a movie like no other I have ever seen. You actually get to dance, sing and cheer in the movie theater. No one tells you to please sit down and be quiet. You get to have fun. The butterflies tell you when it is time to get up and move around and the turtles tell you when it is time to slow down, take a seat and enjoy the show. Don’t forget to clap for all the little dancers when they are done. The movie is interactive, and you feel like you are part of the movie because you get to participate in the actual show. There is no violence or villains, just a fun, family-friendly movie.
Chazz Palminteri as Marvin Milkshake and Guistina Chirco as Marna make you rethink what you want in your milkshake the next time you order one.
The Oogieloves Goobie, Zoozie and Toofie live in Lovelyloveville, which is a colorful, happy place. When their five balloons fly away, they go on an adventure to retrieve them. Windy Window provides clues to J. Edger (Hoover) to help them on their hunt for the balloons to give to their friend Schluufy for the big surprise birthday party. They must use problem-solving skills at each adventure to solve the many puzzles of how to capture the balloons. The clock is ticking — will they make it in time for the big party?
Along the way they meet a great cast of characters: The fabulous Cloris Leachman plays Dotty Rounder. Jaime Pressly is Lola Sombrero. Christopher Lloyd is the bongo-playing Lero Sombrero. Cary Elwes with his crazy bird is Bobby Wobbly. Toni Braxton is the singer Rosalie Rosebud, and there are many more people you will get to know and love.
The songs are original, creative and you will have the lyrics stuck in your head with a smile on your face.
The puppets look real and are very funny. Wait till you see what the raccoons can do.
It is appropriate for all your youngsters. Your children can go see a movie and act like a kid. I would recommend this movie for ages 3 and up.
I give it five ***** twinkling stars.
This movie is in theaters now!
