Simply the Best!
Written: Apr 29 '00 (Updated Aug 11 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great characters, setting, stories, humor and adventure
Cons: Edited in syndication
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| J.Mika's Full Review: TaleSpin |
Running from 1990-1991 as part of the “Disney Afternoon,” TaleSpin is perhaps the best animated series Disney has ever made. Rich in adventure and imagination, TaleSpin is the highlight of Disney’s long list of animated TV shows -- a series unparalleled in terms of creative, original storytelling and characters.
A spin-off from Disney’s “The Jungle Book,” TaleSpin places familiar characters such as Baloo, Louie, and Shere Khan into a unique 1930’s-era world which revolves around aviation. Baloo is now a happy-go-lucky ace pilot in the harbor city of Cape Suzette. He and 12-year-old navigator Kit Cloudkicker work for Rebecca Cunningham, the owner of an air cargo company called “Higher for Hire.” Their companions include Rebecca’s 5-year-old daughter Molly; Louie, now the owner of an island club; and Wildcat, a dimwitted but lovable mechanic. There’s also the “Sea Duck,” Baloo’s twin-engine seaplane, which can be considered a character in its own right (much like the Millennium Falcon in “Star Wars”). Together, the characters embark on exciting adventures around the globe, succeeding through ingenuity, teamwork, and most of all friendship.
The main adversaries in TaleSpin are the Air Pirates, a motley band of thieves led by the egomaniacal pirate Don Karnage. One of the most colorful Disney villains, Karnage (“roll the r”) provides both menace and humor, as he crosses paths with the heroes on numerous occasions. Other antagonists are Shere Khan, cutthroat chairman of mega-corporation Khan Industries; Colonel Spigot, a bumbling air force commander from the frozen country of Thembria; and a host of other adversaries throughout the show’s 65 episodes.
Needless to say, TaleSpin is not your run-of-the-mill Disney series. TaleSpin has the rare ability to appeal to both children and adults, through its clever balance of adventure, humor, and drama. Each TaleSpin episode is special and distinct, designed “more like little movies than TV episodes” (according to co-creator/producer Jymn Magon). One of Disney’s most mature animated shows, TaleSpin can handle sometimes-serious plots without losing its light-hearted, fun spirit. TaleSpin also has depth, something most other Disney animated shows lack. The relationships between the main characters are extraordinary, particularly the Baloo-Kit-Rebecca relationship which serves as the foundation of the show.
Furthermore, TaleSpin has very clever writing. Much of TaleSpin’s humor is sophisticated enough for teenagers and adults to enjoy, relying on situation comedy and witty dialogue rather than common slapstick (although there’s that, too). Wholesome and uplifting, TaleSpin teaches valuable lessons without being preachy or overbearing, by working these lessons subtly into the episode's plotline -- the characters as well as the viewers learn something from each adventure. Finally, TaleSpin is able to touch the viewers’ hearts in many ways, regardless of their age.
The show features the talents of several notable voice actors (such as Ed Gilbert, Sally Struthers, and Jim Cummings); as well as great music by composer Christopher L. Stone; and often, breathtaking artwork and animation done by Disney’s France and Japan TV animation divisions. Especially noteworthy is TaleSpin’s use of computer animation to render flying aircraft in several episodes -- making it the first Disney series to utilize this state-of-the-art (at the time) technology.
Despite TaleSpin’s excellence (its four-part pilot episode “Plunder and Lightning” won a 1990-1991 Emmy Award for “Outstanding Animated Program -- Prime Time for Programming One Hour or More”), the show never received the publicity or recognition it deserved. Disney itself has edited the series during syndication, and strangely continues to downplay this marvelous animated program. TaleSpin is a fun, exciting, and heartwarming show, one of the best on TV and highly recommended for all ages.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
J.Mika
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 1 member
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