This series is meant to be an adventure but it doesn't hold back on humor and will make you laugh time and again. It also has some mild action and even a slight bit of intensity, but nothing to be too concerned about. Even those intense scenes are full of light and good nature.
Each episode focuses on a different story. Some may focus on an adventure into a dinosaur world or into space or even into a micro world where germs live. Each episode follows Gumby and his friends and what happens during their adventures while teaching kids some valuable information. Most episodes have some sort of moral message and, since there isn't a continuing, viewers can watch at any point of the series and understand what is going on. I enjoy the fact that, despite most of it being pretty fantasy-like, it intertwines actual science and real-world knowledge to the point where I found myself learning stuff about economics, which was a pleasant surprise!
My favorite episode is Shady Lemonade. In this one, Gumby and his friends go to a lemonade place and discover that the owner scammed them. Later that day, they save a man's cat and the man gives them a very large reward. They decide to use that money so people can get lemonade at a cheap price and not worry about getting scammed. I picked this episode because, despite it not have some fun adventure, it is still a unique and fun story which kept me entertained. On top of that, the moral of the story is great - for every action there is a reaction, just like it shows in Shady Lemonade.
The Adventures of Gumby: The 60s Series Volume 2 has so much to love about it. Stop motion animation is sadly a dying art and, in this series, you see what makes it so fantastic. This is an art form that has more of a human touch. In hand drawn animation, you draw pictures with pen and paper. In computer animation, you type on a keyboard. With stop motion, you physically touch the characters and alter them at will. On top of that, the voice acting is wonderful as are the songs. There is some background music in many episodes, which isn't too noticeable but adds to the flow of the show. Despite it being over 50 years old, I still greatly enjoyed it and laughed throughout every episode. I also admire the series because its creators don't ever talk about morals or try to explain them, but you still learn a good lesson from the fun, easy-going stories.
This series is designed for kids and parents have nothing to worry about. I recommend it for ages 4 to 18. I believe adults will enjoy this show too, even though it is a kid's show, because it sparks your imagination and its out of this world stories will make you laugh. For spectacular stop motion animation, wonderful voice acting, fantastic songs and perfect stories, I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
The Adventures Of Gumby: The 60's Series, Volume Two is a good show with groundbreaking animation and an immense amount of creativity behind it. The Adventures Of Gumby follows a happy chunk of green clay named Gumby and his friends - Pokey, Prickle the little yellow dinosaur and a blue flying mermaid named Goo. Gumby can go anywhere, including inside books and turn into anything. The crew goes on lots of fantastical and quirky adventures together. One of the things I enjoyed about this DVD is its diverse set of characters. The Adventures Of Gumby: The 60's Series, Volume Two has all the favorites from Volume One and introduces new creations like Nopey, a dog who can only say "no" and Dr. Zveegee, an evil scientist intent on capturing Prickle and using him for research.
The collection has 40 fun-packed and colorful episodes. My favorite is Point Of Honor. This episode sees Gumby infuriated at Prickle for pushing him and challenges him to a duel. It is surprising to see a quick change of tone in this show and watching these friends in conflict is quite engrossing. Another episode I enjoyed is A Bully For Gumby. This episode follows Gumby and Pokey trying to trick the Blockheads, their usual rivals, after they attempt a dangerous prank. I loved watching Gumby and Pokey outsmart the villainous Blockheads. Another fun episode is Dragon Daffy, in which Prickle is denied entry to an ice cream shop because the cashier thinks he is a dragon. Prickle tries to convince him he's a dinosaur and sends Gumby to find his mom so he can prove it.
I really have to give credit to Art Clokey for using claymation in an innovative television series and creating such classic characters. The special features on this DVD are very good and many honor his legacy. One of the special features I really like is the short film The Clay Peacock. This short demonstrates Clokey's exquisite animation ability and the music gives it an ominous vibe. I also liked the 60's Crew Interviews. This featurette helps you get a better understanding of what it was like working at Clokey Studios and it is interesting to hear how these people got their jobs.
I recommend this series to ages 6 to 8.These are short cartoons and are quite suitable for young kids' attention spans. The episodes are extremely colorful but I think younger kids maybe won't understand the jokes. I rate this 4 out of 5 stars. It is available now on DVD so, go check it out.
Reviewed by Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11.
For the first time ever, you'll enjoy these special features: "Clay Peacock" art film, animated theme song, bumpers, photo gallery, and an interview with Rick Baker and others that worked on the Gumby series. Imaginative, comical and heart-filled. That's Gumby! Our loveable heroes, their friends and the mischievous Blockheads are off for yet another adventure!
KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!
Kid Critic video review by GERRY ORZ |
Kid Critic video review by BENJAMIN PRICE |