May 2019

Posted: 31 May 2019

The Adventure of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius / Nickelodeon / 2002-2006

Watched from: 26 March 2019 – 9 May 2019

Aw, Jimmy Neutron! I mentioned it previously here: http://bit.ly/2Ibp1EE. I recently had another go-around with this show. I didn’t watch it all the way through when it was first on but this time, I saw most of the episodes. Most of the later episodes were new to me so they were a real treat to see.

Early Discovery

So it was early 2001 in Nickelodeon Magazine. I see a picture of a boy small in stature with a gravity-defying hairdo. Without reading the accompanying text, I wonder who he is. A mascot for a new Nick Magazine feature? When watching Nickelodeon, shorts begin to appear featuring him and his inventions. Could this be the next “Inside-Out Boy” (YouTube it)? Nope! The boy had a head too square to be oblong and his name was Jimmy Neutron. He definitely did beam inside my small CRT television (loosely quoting pilot theme song) promoting his upcoming movie release for later that year. This review is mostly focused on the series itself, not the franchise as a whole.

Quick Thoughts about the 3 Seasons

I have warm and fond memories for season 1. On a crisp fall Friday night, I’d be ready for a new Jimmy episode as advertised in the promos. A few changes happen in season 2 (Libby’s appearance change, an overall different feel) but the eps are still good. Season 3 is much different than the previous seasons. A lot goes on in the eps. When I watched season 3 recently for the first time, it felt like 2002 never ended. Despite these changes, “The Adventure of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius” was an amazing show from beginning to end.

Jimmy as an Influencer

I never exactly realized a personality change in Jimmy’s character through time. All I saw was a boy who invents cool things (which usually get him in trouble), more things I’ll ever invent in my lifetime. How many students have entered the STEM field because of Jimmy? This show isn’t exactly educational but it has introduced new words and concepts I’d learn more about through life (“medulla oblongata,” Leon Foucault and his pendulum, the square root of a flexnard). I understand Jimmy creates inventions with kid logic but I want to be as smart as Jimmy. I just need to apply myself.

A Brain Blast of a Show

I always loved the Jimmy Neutron franchise from the early shorts to the movie to the show. The show had its moments – good and bad. All in all, an awesome series that can pop into your mind when you think of early ‘00s CGI. Highly recommended! 5 stars (or 5 cwsonts)! To be clear, the entire show as a unit is that high. With anything Jimmy Neutron, you can’t go wrong.

“Rocko’s Modern Life” was “a Hoot” and a Whole Lot More

Have Watched, Review / victorica_vic

Posted 3 May 2019

Rocko’s Modern Life/Nickelodeon/1993-1996

Watched from February 14th to March 25th, 2019

What’s funnier? Bananas or Cheese?*

If you were a Nickelodeon kid of the ‘90s, there’s no doubt “Rocko’s Modern Life” will be one of the shows you think of when it comes to Nicktoons of that era. It’s sure a fond memory for me; a show always welcomed on my TV. This Nicktoon features fun, colorful characters for the kids as well as relatable situations for the adults.

So bold, So risk-taking

Nickelodeon allowed creator Joe Murray to make “Rocko” in the way he made his independent films which were mostly for adults. I applaud the fact nothing was dumbed down for us. This was even the first Nick show to address the topic of adoption, something previously taboo to mention in a kids’ show (see episode Who’s for Dinner?). Volunteering to be the first to do such a thing took guts! “Rocko” also addressed other adult-world topics such as jobs, parking places, the healthcare system, relationships, and other real-world issues unlike other Nicktoons at the time.

The Art Style Makes Me Smile

I also enjoyed the art style. The crooked and wonky background props catch my eye. It’s what made “Rocko” “Rocko” and the style totally screams “JOE MURRAY!” The style is carried on through his other works and shows.

Ended Too Soon

As I started my most recent go-around, seasons 1 and 2 were good. When I started season 3, it’s like the quality of the episodes improved. The drawings became more consistent and the show itself seemed more family-friendly than previous seasons (though they did sneak in a few jokes). I’d say the bar was set at season 4. By then, the show had established itself and it was apparent the voice actors were having fun performing their voices. One or two additional seasons were always welcomed but then there was the 52 episode rule Nick had that the time (curse that 52 episode rule) so the show ended at season 4. After I finished the series, I was hungry for more but all was done.

Pineapples!*

“Rocko’s Modern Life” was a show made for a kids’ channel but adults made the majority of the viewership. If the kids had any questions about what they saw, I wonder how the adults addressed their questions. This is a great show that a person can start watching as a kid and continue watching through adulthood. Since I can’t give this show 10 stars, I’ll just settle giving it a perfect 5 stars instead. This show needed more seasons. So, when’s the movie “Static Cling” coming out?

*What do these phrases have to do with anything? Find out when you watch.

“Rocko’s Modern Life” was “a Hoot” and a Whole Lot More Read More »

Jimmy Neutron’s Show: Pretty Sweet!