Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this 1981 animated series was the last -- and not the best -- of the classic three-segment, multi-character Hanna Barbara cartoons. They're meant purely for entertainment, not education, so you can expect falling anvils and creatures so fast they leave you literally in the dust, but no morals or other serious messages.
Families can talk about why Kwicky and the show's other characters lack the comic joy found in classic Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry cartoons. What do they offer that this series doesn't? Are some cartoons meant to be more than just fun and entertaining? How can you tell which kind a show is? Do you think all kids' shows should teach you something good or useful? Why or why not?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: KJ Dell'Antonia
Each episode of KWICKY KOALA includes three segments -- one with Kwicky himself (voiced by Bob Ogle), one starring Dirty Dawg (Frank Welker), and one featuring Crazy Claws (Jim MacGeorge).
Most of Kwicky's adventures revolve around escaping the clutches of Wilfred Wolf (John Stephenson) in order to enjoy a peaceful life eating eucalyptus Down Under. Meanwhile, in the Dirty Dawg and Crazy Claws segments, intelligent renegade house pets evade bumbling representatives of the law in order to eat and remain free. Very brief shorts in between each episode's three stand-alone cartoons showcase the Bungle Brothers' failed (if funny) attempts to enter show business.
Kwicky Koala was the last, and certainly not the best, creation of Tex Avery (of Bugs Bunny fame). He's a koala bear gifted with the power of great speed, and he inevitably outruns Wilfred, leaving little room or requirement for the writers and animators to come up with more creative action. Since Avery died before Kwicky's ink was even dry, his final creation never really came to life, either. And the other segments are best dismissed as derivative.
Far, far better -- even in multiple viewings -- are the originals that started it all. Steer kids who like Kwicky (and those who don't, too) to classic Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry cartoons.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome leering, eyes-popping-out cartoon "appreciation" of feminine appearance. |
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ViolenceClassic cartoon violence in mild form: heads knocking, pianos falling, threats, scuffles depicted as clouds of dust, etc. |
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Social BehaviorThe bad guys aren't every bad, and the good guys aren't very good. Several characters always evade "the law" -- which is represented by a bungling ranger and police officer. |
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