Today Cartoon Country looks at Disney’s Meet the Robinsons (a very underrated film in my opinion), specifically the movie’s second act, where junior time traveler Wilbur Robinson takes boy inventor Lewis to the distant year 2037, where he meets Wilbur’s kooky family and is flung headlong into wacky antics.
Several folks I’ve talked to think that act 2 of the movie dragged a bit, but personally it was one of my favorite parts of the movie. It was one of the few times that Disney has attempted Looney Tunes style humor and it went off effectively.
Casa Del Robinson, complete with gold-plated robot servant!
Incidentally, act 2 of the movie is the scene which most closely resembles the children’s book ‘A Day with Wilbur Robinson’, which the movie was loosely based on. In it, a boy (Lewis) visits an unusual family and their home. While spending the day in his best friend Wilbur Robinson’s household, Lewis joins in the search for Grandfather Robinson’s missing false teeth and meets one wacky relative after another. There’s no time-travel or sci-fi elements in the book, just searching for teeth and wackiness.
The Robinson clan is a unique bunch to be sure, and there are a LOT of relatives present, who flit by quickly, so it’s admittedly hard to keep track of them all.
I can’t not love a family who employs a purple octopus as a butler.
Trivia Time: In the book, Tallulah was Wilbur’s sister, not his cousin like in the movie.
Heck, I’ll just let Lewis himself count them off. Just don’t ask about the hat.
Got that? Good, ’cause I’m not gonna repeat it. Now more shenanigans:
And…
(Is it just me, or is Franny kind of hot? Aaaaaaaaanyway….)
I can’t be the only one who thinks that this would make a cool TV series. It’d basically be Futurama meets The Banana Splits. Sure, a few things would have to be tweaked here and there: there are too many extraneous Robinson relatives floating around; an easy solution to that would be to no longer have the extended relatives reside in the mansion, just have them come visit whenever a plot or a gag calls for them. Also, Lewis couldn’t be a regular on a hypothetical Meet the Robinsons series for obvious reasons (which I won’t spoil for those who haven’t seen the film), but I have a solution for that as well: to fill in the role of Wilbur’s best friend…
Just have the family adopt an alien kid. It’s the future, after all.
I’d definitely watch a cartoon like this, as long as the fruit hat stays in the picture.
In this installment of Cartoon Country, we’ll be looking at a short featured on Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls titled “Nuthin’ Special”. This is a short that I particularly like because it focuses on my favorite Powerpuff Girl, Buttercup. This short is from PPG’s third season, so by this time it’s already been established that in addition to the collective super powers that all 3 of the girls possess such as super strength, flight, super speed and laser vision, that Blossom has the power of ice breath (which first manifested in the short “Ice Sore” ) and Bubbles has the ability to communicate with animals and easily understand and speak foreign languages. So in this short, PPG’s writers finally address a question that no doubt many of the shows’ fans have also been asking during this time: What’s Buttercup’s individual super power? Does she even have one? Well, that question is finally answered in this short, which I’ll now show in it’s entirety:
Amusing, but here’s the thing, though; Buttercup already had a special power! We saw her fire green energy blasts from her hands all the way back in season 1 in the short “Octi Evil”, and she does this again in season 3’s “Nano of the North”. That could easily have been Buttercup’s special power. One of the things that Buttercup does in this short is engulf herself in green flames that don’t burn her, which we’ve already seen her do in the short “Super Zeroes”. However, in this short, we discover that Blossom and Bubbles can do this too (with their flames being their own colors, pink and blue, respectively), even though they don’t do this in any other episode besides this one. In fact, the girls boast a number of super powers here that they don’t use at any other point in the series, such as the ability to create multiples of themselves and the ability to shrink to tiny size. On that topic,…
“Riddle me this…”
…If the Powerpuff Girls have the ability to shrink, then why did they need Professor Utonium’s machine to shrink them in “Nano of the North”? Anyway, the writers actually acknowledging these details would actually ruin the punch line, and all nitpicks aside, “Nuthin’ Special” is an still an enjoyable short, even if it doesn’t make a lot of sense from an analytical standpoint.
Also, speaking of Buttercup, while the Powerpuff Girls Z anime series wasn’t great, or even good, Buttercup did have a nice design on that show, so there’s that.
As regular followers of this site know, we’re pretty big Fantastic Four fans here. Maybe it’s because they’re the first superhero family, or how they’re technically adventurers and explorers more so than superheroes, or how they eschew the anonymity of secret identities (I hate secret identities with the fury of 1000 suns) in favor of celebrity status, maybe it’s because they’re rich, maybe it’s because they get to live in a 100 floor building which they own outright and has giant 4’s all over the top….
Or maybe it’s because they get to plaster their logo on everything they own. Makes it easy to keep track of your stuff.
Anyway, since the F4 will be getting a new reboot movie with some notable cosmetic changes; in which Johnny Storm and his dad are black but Sue Storm is curiously still white, the team have been re-imagined as model-pretty Millenials, Dr. Doom is a disgruntled internet blogger and the team jumps through a Stargate to get their powers instead of going into space. So I figured if those changes are permitted, then anything goes. Today’s Cartoon Country invites you (well, mostly me) to Build Your Own Fantastic Four.
The rules are simple: pick 4 characters that you find fantastic and if you think they’d look cool in blue spandex with a ‘4’ monogram on it, make ’em a team. The characters don’t have to be superheroes, or from Marvel, or even action stars, just characters you think are cool and would bring something decent to the table. But 4’s the limit of course. What makes a character fantastic?
“Being fantastic isn’t about being muscular or powerful or famous or dominant. It’s about using your special gifts and talents to help people and make the world in which we all live a better place.”
“Or just being named PIZZA STEVE!!”
OK. now that we’ve set the ground rules, here is the roster for my Fantastic Four.
1. TECNA (Winx Club)
Most teams rely on high-tech, the Four Freedoms Plaza is full of crazy-cool gadetry, so a tech genius is necessary. Tecna is a freaking fairy whose magic power is technology. Tecna is fairy character made for a geek like me. What makes Tecna fantastic? Well, aside from possessing and IQ of 150, that’s 1-5-Oh-, her powers are entirely based on technology and digital energy, but, on occasion, she has been known to control electricity. She can create shields of green energy, which she ironically calls a “Fire Wall”. She can also create digital cages and walls of techno energy (called “Laser Cage” in the RAI English version), as well as throw blasts of green energy which can immobilize a person for a short time – or cause them to explode (called “Electric Storm” in the original RAI and RAI English versions). She can also create digital holograms (illusions) and traps which can restrain her foes. Tecna is able to manipulate any machine and is able to connect with different networks which she use as maps to help locate objects. She is able to shoot rays of digital numbers and use them as shields that protect her and others. Tecna thinks like a computer as she is able to scan object to gain information and speak binary code and is able to restore balance/order. Plus, anybody who’s outer appearance consists largely of purple and lavender is A-OK in my book.
2. SABRINA SPELLMAN (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
You know what the Fantastic Four doesn’t have? A magic guy or gal. I chose Sabrina because she’s endured over several series and comic book adaptations over the years (including a quasi-manga series), and she’s powerful, but not too powerful, otherwise they’d be able to magic their way out of any situation and life would be boring. Plus, she was once played by Melissa Joan Hart. Bonus. Also, her latest series on the former Hub network is now kaput, so she’s got some free time now. Cast those spells and sparkle on, girlfriend.
3. MONICA (Monica’s Gang)
M’kay, this is an esoteric choice (hey, Jason told you in the last What Up? article that what we cover here would get esoteric at times, you can’t say we didn’t warn you) as this character is almost wholly unknown in the U.S., but nonetheless she fits the role as far as I’m concerned. For those who don’t know, here’s some background information:
Monica’s Gang (originally titled Turma da Mônica in Portuguese) is a popular Brazilian comic book franchise created by Mauricio de Sousa.
The series was originally based on a newspaper comic strip in which the protagonists were Blu (Bidu) and Franklin (Franjinha), launched by the newspaper Folha da Manhã in 1959. Over the years the series has been gaining a large audience, with new characters constantly being added to the lineup. Jimmy Five (Cebolinha) and Monica (Mônica) were eventually given their own comic books, hence the title “Monica’s Gang.” The characters and comics were eventually adapted into cartoons, video games, movies, theme parks and a wide range of products.
The stories revolve around the adventures of Monica and her many friends in the fictional neighborhood of “Limoeiro” in São Paulo. The neighborhood was inspired by the neighborhood of Cambuí, in Campinas and the city of Mogi das Cruzes, where de Sousa spent his childhood. Monica herself is a 7 year old, strong and decisive girl, who does not tolerate impertinence, but at the same time, has her moments of femininity, she will not let go of her blue stuffed rabbit called Samson (Sansão). This rabbit, which she loves so dearly, is also a weapon against boys. Monica frequently uses her superhuman-level strength to best neighborhood bullies, most notably Jimmy Five and Smudge.
I deliberately wanted to go against the grain with the team’s strongest member; I didn’t want the team’s muscle to some big, bulky guy; making the powerhouse of the team some huge Crunch McRockAbs would be what everyone would expect. A little 7-year-old who’s a bone-crusher? Sign me up.
4. JUMPY GHOSTFACE (Hero: 108)
Another thing the Fantastic Four has never had is an animal member. Yeah, they had H.E.R.B.I.E. the robot for a brief time, but that doesn’t count. As followers of this site know from past articles, I’m a big fan of Jumpy Ghostface. Like Monica he’s deceptively powerful; able to utilize a jump rope as a weapon and wrap his ears around his head like a ninja mask. I’m big on cutesy characters capable of kicking ass. ‘What’s his super power?’ you ask? You kiddin’? He daydreams battle strategies and solutions, even in the heat of battle, and whoever stares too closely at his swirling eyes while in daydream mode will get swept into his fantasy. Anyone who says imagination isn’t a superpower will get a lengthy lecture from the folks at the Children’s Television Workshop. Plus, I freaking love that name: Jumpy Ghostface. It’s adorably disturbing.
So there you have it. My Fantastic Four. A little off the beaten path, but still unique and entertaining. You’ll also notice that 3/4 of my quartet are female, this is intentional. Male dominated teams are a dime a dozen, again, I wanted to do something different. So now that our team has been assembled, there’s one question that needs to be addressed.
After the success of the 2003 theatrical film Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney has been turning many of it’s theme park attractions into movies and TV shows. In this installment of Cartoon Country, we’ll be looking at the Mouse House’s latest attempt to promote one of it’s park attractions, Disney’s Miles From Tomorrowland.
“It’s a pun!”
Miles from Tomorrowland is a Disney Junior series set in the Disney parks area Tomorrowland which premiered on February 6, 2015. Created by Sascha Paladino and directed by Paul Demeyer, the show’s curriculum is based around educating children about science, technology, and space travel.
Yeah, it’s on Disney Junior. Don’t judge. I’ve already seen episodes Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins and saw Miles being advertised on the channel, and since I’m a sucker for sci-fi stuff, I decided to check it out.
Here’s the shows’ intro.
Set in outer space, the series the adventures of the Callisto family – 7-year-old Miles, big sister Loretta and their scientist parents Phoebe and Leo, who work for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority on a mission to connect the universe. Each episode will feature two 11-minute adventure-filled stories as Miles and his family explore strange new worlds, taking young viewers and their families on a journey that fuels kids’ natural interest in the universe, and at the same time reminding them that what matters most is what lies closer to home – the family bond.
“Just hangin’ out, hangin’ out with my family…IN SPACE!!
Here’s the main cast. courtesy of the Disney Wiki:
Miles Callisto (Cullen McCarthy) – A space adventurer who’s always ready for action. He blasts through the universe with his best friend and robo-ostrich, M.E.R.C. Together they journey to new worlds, meet alien creatures and make galactic discoveries! Loretta Callisto (Fiona Bishop) – Miles’ older sister who researches and records new discoveries and has the answer to almost any question in the universe right on her wrist with her bracelex.
Phoebe Callisto (Olivia Munn) – Captain of the Stellosphere and Miles’ mother who runs the ship with a warm heart, high standards, and a take-charge personality. A born leader, Phoebe sets a great example and encourages her family on every mission.
Leo Callisto (Tom Kenny) – Miles’ father who is the engineer and pilot aboard the Stellosphere. He’s laid back and can stay utterly cool, even when flying through space junk.
M.E.R.C. (Dee Bradley Baker) – Miles best friend is a robo-ostrich, programmed to have feelings and fully loaded with an extensible neck and rocket boosters to keep Miles safe.
So, going by this, we can assume that the “Tomorrowland” in the shows’ title refers to future Earth.
“Logical.”
Let’s be real here: this is a kids’ cartoon on Disney Junior. I’m not even close to being in this shows’ target demographic. I harbor no delusions about that. However, I’ve seen a few episodes of this show, and it’s actually pretty good. There are some things about Miles From Tomorrowland that I genuinely like. The title character, Miles, is a likable kid. Energetic, but helpful, and he’s boyishly rambunctious without being being obnoxious about it. Honestly, the most annoying thing about Miles is his tendency to spout out his catchphrase over and over again. Seriously, don’t start a drinking game where you take a shot whenever Miles says “Blastastic!”. You’ll be under the table in about 3 minutes.
Also, there’s Miles’ relationship with his older sister, Loretta (it’s kind of weird her being named that. I know that Loretta is a real name. It’s just that after watching Family Guy, I typically think of Loretta as being a name for a sassy black woman).
“Oh no you did-in’t!”
Oh, yes, I di-id!
Anyway, I like Miles and Loretta’s relationship. It’s a refreshing change of pace to see siblings on kids’ shows who aren’t constantly at each other’s throats. Sure, the 2 of them get on each others’ nerves and squabble from time to time, but it’s not a case where one actively sets out to ruin or humiliate the other. Given that this the same studio that gave us Phineas & Ferb and Kirby Buckets, it would have been too, too easy for Miles’ producers to make Loretta the shows’ main antagonist; the character that we laugh at, not with, but Disney didn’t portray Loretta this way, and for that I thank them.
If I have one minor criticism regarding Loretta it’s that she’s always alone. Miles has friends, but we never see Loretta playing, hanging out with or doing anything with any other girls. However, that’s minor and I understand that it’s Miles’ show, and so every character is presented as they relate to him. Loretta may have a rich, active social life, just not on screen.
Next, we come to the parents: I like Miles’ dad Leo (voiced by Rocko’s Modern Life‘s Heffer and Mr. SpongeBob Squarepants himself, Tom Kenny). as one might expect from a TV dad, Leo has his silly moments, but thankfully, he’s not a bumbling buffoon. He’s smart, responsible, capable and competent. and he’s actually, get this…good at his job!
Miles’ mom Phoebe has an important position within the Stellasphere (the ship). In fact, she’s the ship’s captain! Meaning that she doesn’t stay home and bake cookies while her husband and kids are off having intergalactic adventures, nor is she conspicuously absent at the start of the series for no explained reason and everyone just acts as though she never existed (I’m looking at you, Transformers Rescue Bots!). Women with active roles on kids’ shows. Give me some more of that.
As for MERC, well, there’s not much to say about him. MERC is pretty much your basic comic relief pet mascot, but I have to ask, why an ostrich?
“All right, why a duck?”
On to the plots. Each episode of Miles From Tomorrowland consists of two 11 minute shorts back to back. There are no cliffhanger endings, sagas or ongoing story arcs. The plots are very simplistic. There’s no conflict on the show that can’t be resolved in 10 minutes or less. Anyone expecting Battlestar Galactica or even Star Wars: Rebels is in for a disappointment. But, hey, this is a kiddie show, after all. I wasn’t expecting the writing to be on par with say, Red Dwarf. Going back to Star Wars for a moment, there’s another upside: this show has no Jar-Jar Binks!
Aah! Take it away! It burns!!!
Also, the outer space backgrounds, interior shots of the ship and the futuristic tech are a treat for the eyes. For example, Miles has a hoverboard, which is something that’s supposed to exist right now, according to the movie Back to the Future II. And Loretta has a wrist worn holographic computer, which is much better and much less obnoxious than Google Glass.
I say, if you like kids’ shows set in outer space with aliens, high tech and spaceships, give Miles From Tomorrowland a look.
That’s right, kids! Check out Miles From Tomorrowland on Disney Junior! And don’t forget to go see Tomorrowland coming soon to theaters! And one more thing….
Twin Images 
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