What A Cartoon Should Be

[Crispy9001]

What's the ultimate purpose for the cartoon?

Here's my answer IMO:

While it preferably appeals to an audience under the age of 12, cartoons can also not just be enjoyed by them but by all ages. How? Have it be actually funny to all ages like in The Animaniacs or SpongeBob SquarePants (Seasons 1-3 only for SpongeBob) with elements like but not limited to innuendos, deadpan humor, violent humor (Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry), etc. and allow for danger and dark, intimate themes mixed in (The Brave Little Toaster, All Dogs Go To Heaven).

Now, cartoons are 99.9% of the time excuses for laziness by television studios or don't even exist prominently or are a way to gather up money in more and more or struggle to survive, without any incentive or meaning of anything in their ridiculous scripts, like the BS SpongeBob SquarePants Seasons 4-Present that shouldn't even exist since the show was meant to end in late-late 2004 after the third season and the theatrical movie.

Just like many great things of television, they've all gone to waste, and left television an empty, useless void and shell of its former self with nothing left except a FEW reality shows, one or two sitcoms and live events such as news and sports broadcasts.

P.S. You may ask why the hell the now cliche and passe phenomenon of Bronies exists? I'm not one and never will be, I haven't even watched any episodes of it yet and (I trust his judgement) my brother says after one episode he says its not really that good, but its probably because, according to Bronies, its actually funny. Which they probably like it that much because, IMO, 99.9% of cartoons besides it are lifeless piles of crap.

 

[dylansan]

I've never seen anyone get so angry over cartoons.

But just as a suggestion, you should probably check out Adventure Time and Regular Show. One of them is bound to appeal to you.

There are of course also cartoons which are made for adults on purpose. Futurama is my current favorite example of this.

I must say though, there is no one purpose for cartoons in general. Dora the Explorer appeals to a different audience than Family Guy. You can't expect to be entertained by all of them, but if you look, I'm sure you'll find something you're interested in. There is still plenty of good television these days, and I think cartoons are on their way up in terms of quality.

 

[Northstar]

The ultimate purpose is to shut the kids up for a few minutes so parents can gain some sanity back, if the adults happen to enjoy it as well that's a plus.

By the way, sucky cartoons are nothing new, back in the 50's-90's Hanna-Barbera was making crap faster than a 300 pound guy at Taco Bell.

 

[Tornado]

♫ I used to wonder what cartoons could be, until you all shared the magic with me... ♫




I'm sorry. I'll leave now.

 

[That90sGuy]

Having Yakko as my avatar I feel I have the authority to reply

You may ask why the hell the now cliche and passe phenomenon of Bronies exists?

It exsists because people find enjoyment out of it and they actually like things that are (gasp) stereotypically for girls. I don't understand all the hate bronies get. I mean, sure, I know I'll never be a brony myself but, different strokes for different folks.

Just like many great things of television, they've all gone to waste

I think that it is as much as that's true, some of many people's views are fuelled by nostalga. I run an Animaniacs group and discovering the amount of nostalga the show brings to people that grew up with it is amazing, especially now that it's back in reruns.

But just as a suggestion, you should probably check out Adventure Time and Regular Show. One of them is bound to appeal to you.

On a side note, I've watched seen a few episodes of both shows and I don't like them at all. On the flipside I know someone my age who loves Adventure Time. I don't understand why he likes it just as you don't understand why the bronies exsist. Again, different strokes for different folks

What's the ultimate purpose for the cartoon?

And so to the ultimate question. Not every cartoon had the same purpose. A cartoon like Animaniacs was more of a show that wasn't condesending to the viewer, it didn't talk down to anyone and it had appeal for people of all ages.

On the other hand, a show like Adventure Time or Regular Show knows exactly who it's targeting, especially know as the cartoon market is more about marketing, merchandising and advertising space then it has ever been before.

Just think, in 20 years time, there will be people filled with nostalga about these shows, including My Little Pony, in the same way as many of the cartoons made in the 90s are remembered now.

 

[dylansan]

On a side note, I've watched seen a few episodes of both shows and I don't like them at all. On the flipside I know someone my age who loves Adventure Time. I don't understand why he likes it just as you don't understand why the bronies exsist. Again, different strokes for different folks

I'm curious to know which episodes of Adventure Time you watched. The show has changed quite a bit in a few seasons, and many episodes are very different from one another. Some are practically parodies of horror movies, others are just silly. I'm not a huge fan of Regular show but I know many who are. It just doesn't appeal to me in the same way because I don't as easily identify with the characters.

On the other hand, a show like Adventure Time or Regular Show knows exactly who it's targeting, especially know as the cartoon market is more about marketing, merchandising and advertising space then it has ever been before.

I'm not sure what you mean by this. I've especially not seen anything like advertisement in Adventure Time. Maybe the parodies of products in Regular Show could be construed that way.

I also don't think the audience is as clearly defined as you think. The creator of the show has repeatedly stated that it is a show for kids, though it's clearly entertaining for adults as well. They're very careful to ensure kids will find it funny, though they can't help but include slightly adult humor as well. Again, I'm curious to know what you've seen of the show, as there are definitely some episodes I don't like, and I've actually been disappointed with some of the more recent ones.

 

[Crispy9001]

Having Yakko as my avatar I feel I have the authority to reply



It exsists because people find enjoyment out of it and they actually like things that are (gasp) stereotypically for girls. I don't understand all the hate bronies get. I mean, sure, I know I'll never be a brony myself but, different strokes for different folks.



I think that it is as much as that's true, some of many people's views are fuelled by nostalga. I run an Animaniacs group and discovering the amount of nostalga the show brings to people that grew up with it is amazing, especially now that it's back in reruns.



On a side note, I've watched seen a few episodes of both shows and I don't like them at all. On the flipside I know someone my age who loves Adventure Time. I don't understand why he likes it just as you don't understand why the bronies exsist. Again, different strokes for different folks



And so to the ultimate question. Not every cartoon had the same purpose. A cartoon like Animaniacs was more of a show that wasn't condesending to the viewer, it didn't talk down to anyone and it had appeal for people of all ages.

On the other hand, a show like Adventure Time or Regular Show knows exactly who it's targeting, especially know as the cartoon market is more about marketing, merchandising and advertising space then it has ever been before.

Just think, in 20 years time, there will be people filled with nostalga about these shows, including My Little Pony, in the same way as many of the cartoons made in the 90s are remembered now.

Although, nostalgia glasses can't be worn all the time; that is, is something actually still good after all this time? But, hey, at least Animaniacs is actually a good show!

 

[That90sGuy]

I'm curious to know which episodes of Adventure Time you watched. The show has changed quite a bit in a few seasons, and many episodes are very different from one another. Some are practically parodies of horror movies, others are just silly.

To be honest, I've only seen it once while flicking channels, and not even a whole episode either, so I guess I can't pass judgement on it. I've actually heard that the show (and Regular Show) is censored (read: dumbed down) to suit out country's CN's slightly younger target audience.

I'm not sure what you mean by this. I've especially not seen anything like advertisement in Adventure Time. Maybe the parodies of products in Regular Show could be construed that way.

What I meant was advertising during ad breaks, not product placement. My fault, I should have made that clearer

I also don't think the audience is as clearly defined as you think. The creator of the show has repeatedly stated that it is a show for kids, though it's clearly entertaining for adults as well. They're very careful to ensure kids will find it funny, though they can't help but include slightly adult humor as well.

I understand what you are trying to say, a creator makes a show with kids in mind but ends up attracting adults as well. I admit I liked (and still like) Chowder. Now, I know that show is clearly aimed at kids, but the style of humor it had in it for one reason or another, appealed to me.

But I do think there is a clearly defined line between cartoons made for the sake of creativity and enjoyment by all versus cartoons commissioned by a network purely for profit.

 

[Skython]

What's the ultimate purpose for the cartoon?

Here's my answer IMO:

While it preferably appeals to an audience under the age of 12, cartoons can also not just be enjoyed by them but by all ages. How? Have it be actually funny to all ages like in The Animaniacs or SpongeBob SquarePants (Seasons 1-3 only for SpongeBob) with elements like but not limited to innuendos, deadpan humor, violent humor (Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry), etc. and allow for danger and dark, intimate themes mixed in (The Brave Little Toaster, All Dogs Go To Heaven).

Now, cartoons are 99.9% of the time excuses for laziness by television studios or don't even exist prominently or are a way to gather up money in more and more or struggle to survive, without any incentive or meaning of anything in their ridiculous scripts, like the BS SpongeBob SquarePants Seasons 4-Present that shouldn't even exist since the show was meant to end in late-late 2004 after the third season and the theatrical movie.

True, the last time I remember seeing a good cartoon before I became a Brony, was probably something like Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, most other things are sort of just dull. For a good cartoon you need creative writers, but most cartoons lack that these days and are too sort of... Realistic. Adventure Time is really creative, but from what I've seen of it, it lacks structure and meaning and only relies on being completely random to garner attention. That said though, Ed, Edd N' Eddy was just completely ridiculous and that was genuinely a mad show, but as the case seems to be, I still prefer it over Adventure Time.

Just like many great things of television, they've all gone to waste, and left television an empty, useless void and shell of its former self with nothing left except a FEW reality shows, MythBusters (if it still gets new seasons anymore!), The Big Bang Theory and live events such as news and sports broadcasts.

Also true, people all watch the 2000 generic sitcoms which are all almost identical to the last, and reality shows that just show people overreacting to things.

P.S. You may ask why the hell the now cliche and passe phenomenon of Bronies exists? I'm not one and never will be, I haven't even watched any episodes of it yet and (I trust his judgement) my brother says after one episode he says its not really that good, but its probably because, according to Bronies, its actually funny. Which they probably like it that much because, IMO, 99.9% of cartoons besides it are lifeless piles of crap.

In a sense you are right there, I'm pretty sure one of the usual reasons for Bronies becoming Bronies is because it's just better than all the other cartoons at this point in time. And it creates a balances on a fine point between creativity and story lines. Me though? Honestly prior to being a Brony I hadn't really watched any cartoons at all because I never had the time to watch the TV at the times they were on (don't have cartoon channels), and the last time I really watched cartoons was maybe 2009 or 2010. And then I watched MLP I simply enjoyed it rather than thinking, "this is so much better than everything else on TV!"

Though I do watch it, I do understand that it is weird for a guy to watch the show, so I understand that others won't understand, which is fair enough. Everyone has their views.

♫ I used to wonder what cartoons could be, until you all shared the magic with me... ♫




I'm sorry. I'll leave now.

Why leave when you're so right.

 

[Mikeybc]

What's the ultimate purpose for the cartoon?

Here's my answer IMO:

While it preferably appeals to an audience under the age of 12, cartoons can also not just be enjoyed by them but by all ages. How? Have it be actually funny to all ages like in The Animaniacs or SpongeBob SquarePants (Seasons 1-3 only for SpongeBob) with elements like but not limited to innuendos, deadpan humor, violent humor (Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry), etc. and allow for danger and dark, intimate themes mixed in (The Brave Little Toaster, All Dogs Go To Heaven).

Now, cartoons are 99.9% of the time excuses for laziness by television studios or don't even exist prominently or are a way to gather up money in more and more or struggle to survive, without any incentive or meaning of anything in their ridiculous scripts, like the BS SpongeBob SquarePants Seasons 4-Present that shouldn't even exist since the show was meant to end in late-late 2004 after the third season and the theatrical movie.

Just like many great things of television, they've all gone to waste, and left television an empty, useless void and shell of its former self with nothing left except a FEW reality shows, MythBusters (if it still gets new seasons anymore!), The Big Bang Theory and live events such as news and sports broadcasts.

P.S. You may ask why the hell the now cliche and passe phenomenon of Bronies exists? I'm not one and never will be, I haven't even watched any episodes of it yet and (I trust his judgement) my brother says after one episode he says its not really that good, but its probably because, according to Bronies, its actually funny. Which they probably like it that much because, IMO, 99.9% of cartoons besides it are lifeless piles of crap.

Ha, yeah, Seeing Daffy Duck getting his bill blown off by a Elmer Fudds' shotgun almost on a daily basis made me the man I am today...That and the Flintstones.

Actually the old Looney Tunes (40's and 50's) were never really written with children in mind.

 

[FoolKiller]

Are we talking cartoons (targeted for a younger demographic) only or animation in general? There is a massive difference between Mickey Mouse and Archer.

I just want to clarify befor I weigh in with my opinion.

I will say one thing though, if you compare cartoons of today with your memory of cartoons you used to watch, don't be so sure of your opinion. I found out the hard way that He-Man was kind of uncomfortable and difficult to watch for an adult. A few still live up to the memory today, but when I tried to watch some of my childhood favorites as an adult I actually called my dad and apologized.

 

[Furinkazen]

This:

 

[Roger the Horse]

A cartoon should appeal to whichever person happens to like it. Different things appeal to different people.

A cartoon should exploit the fact that it's not live action to do all the wonderful things you can do in animation that you just can't do in live action.

Below we see why, I believe Live Action film still exists at all:

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AnimationAgeGhetto

 

[Danoff]

I found out the hard way that He-Man was kind of uncomfortable and difficult to watch for an adult.

No kidding. What a piece of junk... and the name "He-Man", could you not think of anything better than He-Man?

Like you, I'm not really sure what this thread is about. But I will say that I think that Interstella 5555 is a great cartoon movie for kids that I'm sure no one realizes. I'm not sure exactly at what age they can handle some of the scary monsters, but there is an age where it would be perfect.

Also Secret of Nimh. Same deal, scary monsters, scary scenes. Not sure exactly what the age is, but there is one. I think Secret of Nimh is a slightly older-kid movie than Interstella.

 

[FoolKiller]

No kidding. What a piece of junk... and the name "He-Man", could you not think of anything better than He-Man?

Don't forget spinning off his cousin, She-Ra.

But none of the super humans had original names.

Like you, I'm not really sure what this thread is about. But I will say that I think that Interstella 5555 is a great cartoon movie for kids that I'm sure no one realizes. I'm not sure exactly at what age they can handle some of the scary monsters, but there is an age where it would be perfect.

Also Secret of Nimh. Same deal, scary monsters, scary scenes. Not sure exactly what the age is, but there is one. I think Secret of Nimh is a slightly older-kid movie than Interstella.

My grandmother gave me the book, 'Mrs Frisby and the rats of NIMH' on my 12th birthday, but I had seen the cartoon before then. But I also was reading Stephen King by 14. If you haven't read the book I highly recommend it. Don Bluth changed a lot about the rats (there is no magic in the book, just science).

And add The Last Unicorn to that list. I loved the movie but had nightmares of talking, alcoholic skeletons. But the red bull (pay close attention drink/race fans) never bothered me.

 

[nk4e]

Obviously, someone hasn't watch Phineas and Ferb yet...I have finished MLP seasons 1 and 2. I do get why some people like it, but sometimes the fandom goes too far. Studio Ghibli produces tons of great cartoons.

 

[Rykon Zero]

I'm just going to answer directly your title.

Good.

What else does a cartoon need? Different people like different things, but you can't nail down a specific "What makes a cartoon good" save for good story, good characters, and good writing. MLP achieves that in spades, I've heard Adventure Time does as well.

 

[AOS-]

Cartoons are a form of animation in which we aren't viewing motion picture through a series of photographs, but rather 2d/3d drawings.

What is the purpose? Look up the history of animation.

Cartoons on its own is pretty awesome because it can visually depict stories with elements that don't exist in real life... of course you can do film and CGI but that's likely more production work.

 

[nk4e]

Here comes the TGAT!

 

[niky]

Don Bluth changed a lot about the rats (there is no magic in the book, just science).

Yeah. But the book has always seemed more for adolescents than for little kids, so he probably felt the need to dumb it down. Still, the movie is fine, as long as you're okay with it totally screwing up the plot.

And add The Last Unicorn to that list. I loved the movie but had nightmares of talking, alcoholic skeletons. But the red bull (pay close attention drink/race fans) never bothered me.

Hauntingly beautiful movie in parts. One wonders if they'll ever re-make it? Shame all the current releases are based, supposedly, off the German print, which runs faster... so their voices sometimes seem off.

I've got that one, but there are some old ones I've been looking for. Too bad my brother doesn't have time to buy them while they're in the US. I haven't watched "Flight of Dragons" for the longest time. The final fight still stands as one of the best confrontations I've ever watched in a fantasy movie.

Sure, we don't get much in the way of epic animated movies, anymore. Bigger-than-life cartoons like "Akira" or "Valley of the Wind". They're all "family friendly" blockbuster fare now, but that might be partially because CGI is so good now that you can tell many of these stories in live-action movies more easily.

And then you get a few gems that slip through the cracks like "How to Train Your Dragon", "UP" and "The Incredibles", which break that formula. Not hand-drawn, but still, animation is animation. And if you need cel-animation, "Lilo and Stitch" is probably one of the best hand-drawn movies Disney has ever released.

I will say one thing though, if you compare cartoons of today with your memory of cartoons you used to watch, don't be so sure of your opinion. I found out the hard way that He-Man was kind of uncomfortable and difficult to watch for an adult. A few still live up to the memory today, but when I tried to watch some of my childhood favorites as an adult I actually called my dad and apologized.

There are some classics, but by and large, made-for-TV cartoons from the 70's, 80's and 90's are incredibly, inexplicably bad. WB even managed to muck up the Road Runner with endless reruns of the same jokes.

If you don't like what's on nowadays, you don't watch enough animation.

Adventure Time is worth a watch every now and then. Totally random, but full of weird and original ideas, and each episode has a definite plot. Hell, it's less random and inane than Family Guy. Many of the online comic-artists I follow watch it, too.

It's sad that SpongeBob SquarePants is sagging under the weight of being on for so long, because many of the earlier episodes and specials were truly original and unique. Every now and then, they still hit a Homer.

If we're going little kid TV, I like The Amazing World of Gumball. But that's just me.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is not absolutely, fantastically, perfectly good. But it's got good character design and development, and it's more watchable than the original. I'm not a fan, though I will watch it with my girl.

On the topic of remakes: TMNT: Much, much better than the original cartoon, which was horrible compared to the comics. Still retains that humorous bent that made the original series and movies a cult phenomenon, but with better character design, great voice acting, great animation and good scripting. Not the best there is, but worth a watch if you catch it while it's on.

One remake that sadly went down the tubes: Thundercats. I loved the redesign and reimagining of the series, and the writing is a lot better than the original. But it wasn't quite good enough to match up to what CN was pitching it against... that monster of pre-teen "serious" cartoons, Avatar.

And that series is, I feel, representative of how far American cartoons have come. Okay, it's animated in Korea, but the design, concept and animation are all top-notch, and the martial arts scripting is incredible. If you need to get the taste of the "Last Airbender" movie out of your mouth, it's worth getting the whole "Avatar: The Legend of Aang" series on DVD. Yes, it's written down to kids, but not panderingly so.

EDIT: "Phineas and Ferb" is actually very typical, very Disney. Lots of song, lots of dance, family friendly formulaic format. But the creators and writers have done an excellent job with the series, with lots of wink-wink-nudge-nudge humor and wordplay worthy of "Rocky and Bullwinkle". Lovely stuff.

 

[Lain]

Well if we're defining "cartoon" as animation meant for kids, then... maybe the new stuff sucks to you because you're not a kid anymore?

The occasional on-the-sly adult humor slipped into those shows is to make them a bit more tolerable for adults with kids, not to actually make them fully enjoyable to adults. For example, in Pokemon The First Movie, there's one little football joke slipped in there to amuse any adults who might happen to be watching it with their kids, but the movie is still squarely aimed at kids.

 

[That90sGuy]

The occasional on-the-sly adult humor slipped into those shows is to make them a bit more tolerable for adults with kids, not to actually make them fully enjoyable to adults. For example, in Pokemon The First Movie, there's one little football joke slipped in there to amuse any adults who might happen to be watching it with their kids, but the movie is still squarely aimed at kids.

True. But watch something like Animaniacs or Pinky and the Brain and you can tell they made the cartoon for both kids and adults, despite airing in purely defined kids blocks. There are so many jokes and pop-culture references in there that would fly right over kids heads and yet it managed to find a balanced to attract both adults and kids (a duel demographic if you will).

 

[Lain]

True. But watch something like Animaniacs or Pinky and the Brain and you can tell they made the cartoon for both kids and adults, despite airing in purely defined kids blocks. There are so many jokes and pop-culture references in there that would fly right over kids heads and yet it managed to find a balanced to attract both adults and kids (a duel demographic if you will).

Yes, but not every show can be Animaniacs or Pinky and the Brain.

Creating a show that strikes that perfect balance of being enjoyable for kids and for adults isn't as easy as just making a show meant mainly for children. Some shows might make it look effortless, but that's only because they've got particularly talented writers. Cartoons aren't obligated to go the extra mile to make sure that they're enjoyable for any adults who might be watching with their kids. Throwing the adults a bone every once in a while so that they're not completely miserable is the most that should be expected from a kid's cartoon. Going above and beyond that would result in a cartoon that could potentially be enjoyed by adults, but cartoons are made for kids, so it shouldn't be an expectation for them to appeal to adults as well.

If you're an adult and you're looking for something animated to tickle your fancy, there's plenty of animated stuff out there meant specifically for adults... but if you're looking for it in the kid's section, you are wrong. Cartoons that appeal to adults are the exception, not the norm.

 

[nk4e]

Did Ren and Stimpy make a cameo yet?

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

What's the ultimate purpose of cartoons ?

To educate and to entertain, not all cartoons could achieve both at the same time.

Nobody has mentioned Galaxy Express 999, one of the best cartoon/anime originating from Japan, created by the legendary author Leiji Matsumoto. The story of a boy's journey through the galaxy to fulfill his mother's dream of making her only child to become immortal ( machine ).

In every episode, there will be a new planet to visit by the protagonist, with different story, there are adult themes of love, betrayal, friendship, kindness, sacrifice, racism ... all these in a cartoon made for children, Japan have a very unique approach in defining what's appropriate for children, with cursing, killing, slavery theme prominent in some episodes. Strangely in Japan, it was a success running from 1978 to 1981, spanning 113 tv episodes with the manga going to 21 volumes.

I watched it back then when I was 6 or 7 years old on videos, now I watched it again as an adult, I still loved it, knowing more about how deep the plot is, the message passed on in every episodes, the story is one hell of a masterpiece. I am not sure kids of today will be able to enjoy the dated drawings, but the story is timeless.

 

[niky]

GE999's artwork is pretty beautiful. Sadly, we never got the series here, just the condensed movie that I hear left a lot out.

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

GE999's artwork is pretty beautiful. Sadly, we never got the series here, just the condensed movie that I hear left a lot out.

If you are interested to watch the whole series in original language and english subs + the movies, I can PM you how

 

[nk4e]

GE999 just never appealed to me over the years...

 

[FoolKiller]

Yeah. But the book has always seemed more for adolescents than for little kids, so he probably felt the need to dumb it down. Still, the movie is fine, as long as you're okay with it totally screwing up the plot.

It felt odd reading the book and not having magic, sword fights, or the inexplicably slapstick comedy bird (what is with that in cartoons), but feeling like it was a much better story. I think that was the first time I realized a serious story can be far better than just entertaining fun.

Hauntingly beautiful movie in parts. One wonders if they'll ever re-make it? Shame all the current releases are based, supposedly, off the German print, which runs faster... so their voices sometimes seem off.

I'll have to check my version when I get home.

Another one I would add to this list of animated movies with adult themes but kids will still enjoy it is The Iron Giant. A lot of heavy commentary on the political mindset during the Cold War and family dynamics, but kids will just see a movie about a boy and his robot.

On the topic of remakes: TMNT: Much, much better than the original cartoon, which was horrible compared to the comics. Still retains that humorous bent that made the original series and movies a cult phenomenon, but with better character design, great voice acting, great animation and good scripting. Not the best there is, but worth a watch if you catch it while it's on.

One remake that sadly went down the tubes: Thundercats. I loved the redesign and reimagining of the series, and the writing is a lot better than the original. But it wasn't quite good enough to match up to what CN was pitching it against... that monster of pre-teen "serious" cartoons, Avatar.

And that series is, I feel, representative of how far American cartoons have come. Okay, it's animated in Korea, but the design, concept and animation are all top-notch, and the martial arts scripting is incredible.

Thundercats fell under one of the biggest errors a TV show can make; the love triangle. And I am enjoying the new TMNT, but occasionally I see something that feels off, like the character design of Shredder's mutant henchmen. One is a fish and can't leave water, which just limits him as a character. And Dogpound (sigh) doesn't look physically plausible.

 

[Danoff]

Another one I would add to this list of animated movies with adult themes but kids will still enjoy it is The Iron Giant. A lot of heavy commentary on the political mindset during the Cold War and family dynamics, but kids will just see a movie about a boy and his robot.

👍

Iron Giant was very good. I feel like this is rapidly becoming the "shows for kids that are actually decent" thread, which seems like a useful topic.