The Wiggles Movie

The Wiggly Movie has taken a bit of a departure from their smaller sets to a larger "town", and for children, I think the plot is good. The action is entertaining, and the music, as always is Wiggly-rific. My 2 and 4 year olds adore these guys, and I think they have a future as Wiggly dancers, already having the dance moves down pat. For any show to keep their attention and loyalty for as long as this has, I say kudos. The sets are very colorful. The costumes are adorable. The script calls for not only immediate audience interaction, but interaction by kids watching on their TV's. It includes them in the action. I think part of the appeal is this factor, not only in the movie, but in the Wiggles videos in general. Wally, in the movie, is a lovable bumbler who finds friendship, hope, and success through perseverance. An important lesson for all.

As a salute to both Barry Manilow and the Wiggles, I will start my review with "Oh Wiggles, you came and you gave without taking, I'll never send you away, oh Wiggles!" Okay, with that necessary intro, I'll say that the Wiggles really do rock. I'm 14, and I love a children's band from Australia, I am in no way ashamed, and why should I be? They create good wholesome entertainment for children and adults alike. This movie is absolutely delightful. When this movie originally opened in Australia, in 1997, it was opening against Titanic, that's right, TITANIC. The Wiggles Movie had one-tenth of James Cameron's budget, but it was not swallowed up by the hype of some ship sinking (a tad ironic, eh?), it was the second highest grossing film in Oz (Australia, for those of you who aren't in the know) in 1997. The Wiggles have a way of relating to children and are in NO WAY irritating. They have quite a fan base and should not be judged by ANY skeptical parents, ban Ren and Stimpy from your house, people, leave the Wiggles, after all, all they want to do is please.

"What is wrong with people? A kid show has to still be smart and funny and not patronizing. The Wiggles is anything but that. It stars these four bizarre fellas who live in Pee Wee's summer home with some oddly low-budget puppets and dance a lot. The acting abilities of these four Brits is questionable, since they overdo all of their lines like kids won't be able to understand them otherwise... We also get some really dopey concert scenes where the 'Wiggles' sing a very repetitive song while shaking their tails..."

A kids show doesn't have to entertain adults. Patronising? It's a show for children, and they seem to enjoy it immensely. The Wiggles themselves have absolutely no pretensions at all. Oddly low budget sets and puppets? Last year they made $34 million and they always invest most of it back into the franchise. He claims that these "Brits" overdo all there dialogue so the kids can't even understand it. First off they are not Brits. Second, all kid entertainers overdo everything- children don't react well with subtlety. And third, if they overdo it so much the kids can't understand it, then how can they sing along to every last one of their songs in concerts and on TV? Criticising a kids show for being repetitive? You are obviously unaware of the fact that kids need repetition to learn- why do you think all kids shows have such a strict pattern and are repeated so much? Uh huh.

And that's the end of that chapter.

My kids flat out love the Wiggles. The silly songs and dances get them up and moving, and the goofy characters make them laugh. The skits may seem inane and repetitive to adults, but their style appeals to children. The Wiggles work well together and have an offbeat charm that makes them fun to watch. Three cheers for this Aussie gang!

I wanted to write in because I just read a scathing report on this movie and couldn't disagree more. Both my nine month old and 3 1/2 year old love The Wiggles. Instead of just sitting and watching, The Wiggles involves the children. Their videos are aerobic workouts! It is meant for kids, not adults to be entertained, and it works!