Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling

Of all the intellectual properties being remade, revived, and otherwise kept alive in our age of ceaseless nostalgia and infantilism, the return of something as satirical of modern life as Rocko's Modern Life was most welcome. Among other things, the new Netflix special focuses on our aversion to accepting change, yet it also does justice the artistry and humor of the original series more flawlessly than reboots normally do. Fitting, then, that the other recent thing we saw from Nickelodeon was that Dora movie.

The synopsis for Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling, the first entry in Nickelodeon's franchise since 1996, reads as follows: "After being stuck in space for 20 years, Rocko and his friends return to a late-2010s era O-Town with modern amenities such as constantly updating touchscreen phones, radioactive energy drinks, food trucks, and coffee shops on every corner".

This synopsis, coupled with the highly discernible fact that Rocko's Modern Life has always dealt with aspects of modern life, was apparently not enough for some people if you've read the Internet reactions. One of the characters from the series, the son of the loud-mouthed frogs Mr. and Mrs. Bighead, is now a "daughter". In spite of the fact that transgenderism very much falls under the umbrella of "modern life", and the clever detail that frogs can actually alter their biological sex, this is evidently still pandering and butchering a childhood classic. Are you starting to see what I mean when I talk about how welcome this special's lesson is?

After all, the thing that devastates Rocko (Carlos Alazraqui) the most upon his arrival in the 2010's, is the fact that his favorite show The Fatheads is no longer on the air. Without spoiling too much, the show he eventually gets, even though it is perfectly recreated, ultimately seems wrong to him.

In addition to Alazraqui, the voice talents we remember are all back: Tom Kenny, Charlie Adler, Mr. Lawrence, and so forth. In spite of its point about change, this is a lovingly recreated follow-up to something we all remember; it is a labor of love that, had it been more soulless, would've had an easier time getting released. Netflix seem to be getting idea, hence why that Dark Crystal series may be the next thing I praise from them. They may be cashing in on nostalgia and fan familiarity on some level still, but at least some f-cks are being given now!

This 45 minute flick exceeded my expectations and then some. First of all, it still looked like Rocko's Modern Life. It wasn't some remodeled version, essentially just looked like a clearer version of the old show. The writing was very well done; it didn't feel like a desperate attempt to be like the old Rocko, it just was. The voices were also spot on, i knew it was Tom Kenny as soon as i heard him but he did great with Heffer. The best part of this short was the characters. Of course the main characters were great to see but they managed to fit quite a few minor but memorable characters from the original show, whether it be a part of this story or just someone spotted in the background. The entire thing was very well done and brought me way back. Thanks again, Netflix.

This was my favorite show as a kid. when I heard about the reboot, I honestly was dreading it. I wasn't one of the people desperately wanting this show to be re booted in the least, I thought it would turn out awful. But it wasn't bad and definitely better than I anticipated. I appreciated the references to older shows and was glad to see all the names from the original cast and crew in the credits, especially Joe Murray. Was a little disappointed they didn't even acknowledge Steven Hilenburg who has since deceased (rip), as a means of respect. I also would've liked to have seen more of the hippo lady, and more time with more of the other characters on the show in general. I think most people watching this are those who actually did watch it on TV when it was on so I think more time on various other characters and quirky references would have been appreciated by most.

I think it would have been a bit better if it were longer by like 10 or 15 minutes. That way you have more time to appease those looking for nostalgia and also more time for the storyline without both of them seeming a bit mismatched and rushed. It also would've made the message being brought across seem less blunt and preachy. I don't disagree with the message in the least but I do see where people who didn't rate this special too highly are coming from. They didn't want a lecture or to be preached to or to have a particular message thrown in their face. They just wanted to have some laughs and remember a show they enjoyed.

I liked how it worked out in a way, kind of like a funhouse mirror to reality. But I think that was always the point of the show to kind of mock the audience, either that or to be so ridiculous they got thrown off the air.

There were parts of this special that really had me laughing and almost forget it was just made within the last couple years, but there were also parts that made it painfully obvious it was made within the last couple of years.

All in all however I enjoyed it. It was true to itself and it did have a new storyline, wish there was more time to spend with the characters and the story however.

Even though I wasn't born yet when the original series was airing, I did enjoy watching reruns. This special still captures the weirdness that I liked about the show. It also addresses change and I liked how self aware the episode felt. For nostalgia purposes, this is a fun little send off to watch. Because we don't need a full blown reboot or remake of every nostalgic thing. Looking at you Disney....

If you liked the show, watch it. Maybe my expectations were too high, but it was nice to see the characters again.