| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that, like its iconic predecessor Looney Tunes, this cartoon features a lot of content that's more appropriate for older kids and even adults than it is for youngsters. Expect a hefty dose of unrealistic cartoon violence (collisions, death-defying falls, and, of course, the occasional anvil to the head). And, although much of it will go over kids' head, there's lots of subtle sexual content: Female characters often have breasts or rounded bottoms that they use to influence guys, who are easily manipulated by the, um, assets. Occasional smoking and a total lack of clear positive lessons make this cartoon a wiser choice for tweens.
TINY TOON ADVENTURES introduces a new generation of Warner Bros. characters whose over-the-top escapades rival those of their iconic predecessors of Looney Tunes fame. The cartoon follows the wacky antics of Acme Acres residents Buster (voiced by Charlie Adler, and later John Kassir) and Babs Bunny (Tress MacNeille), Plucky Duck (Joe Alaskey), Hamton J. Pig (Don Messick), and a varied cast of their cohorts. When they're not learning the ropes from legendary teachers like Bugs, Daffy, and Yosemite Sam at Acme Looniversity, the youngsters have a knack for turning everyday happenings into outrageous adventures.
The 1990 premiere of Tiny Toons marked a rebirth of the long-dormant Warner Bros. Animation studio, which joined forces with producer Steven Spielberg for this series. Despite the characters' striking physical and characteristic resemblance to Looney Tunes mainstays like Porky Pig and Tazmanian Devil, they're not related to the originals but are rather a whole new generation of anthropomorphic animals with a similar penchant for mischief.
This spin-off cartoon is full of fun for those who can keep up with its often chaotic pace, but it's best to think twice before offering it to the youngest kids. It's fraught with unrealistic cartoon violence, female characters often use their physical assets to get guys' attention and manipulate them, and there's a fair amount of smoking. That said, older viewers will appreciate the show's wit and use of cultural references, and adults who enjoyed the original Looneys may find new favorites in these second-generation characters.
Families can talk about how this series compares to the original. How are the characters similar to favorites like Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig? Does this copycat style make the show more or less appealing to you? What audience is this show attempting to reach? Did you find it enjoyable? Why or why not? How does it compare to some of your favorite cartoons?
| Topics: | adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | CBS |
| Cast: | Charles Adler, Joe Alaskey, Tress MacNeille |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |