The Kid

I don't mind animated or kids films I review them on their merits, but this just seemed so terribly underwhelming. After watching films and TV shows for kids both as a kid and later as an adult I've always felt mad when I see something dumbed down for kids. As if children are retarded versions of our adult selves, instead of the amazing knowledge sponges i've experienced.

This is another one of those films that panders to the lowest common denominator and leaves everyone wanting more. Personally I feel whenever I see a kids film it should make me feel a tinge of what that moment was like, whenever everything seemed to have a bit of magic and wonderment in it.

But he isn't dead, so it's puzzling how he'd allow something this bad to bear his name (as well as a bastardized slapdash imitation of his unique drawing style).

Gahan Wilson is one of my all-time favorite cartoonists, his gag panels for Playboy, The New Yorker and many other periodicals having provided many laughs over the years. He is also one of the first cartoonists whose work so moved me I was inspired to become a cartoonist myself. When I first encountered the comic strips, "Nuts" -- which featured the "The Kid" -- in National Lampoon back in the '70s, it was revelatory. I marveled at the subtlety, empathy, and truth in these strips. When they were collected as a trade paperback I saved my allowance money and bought a copy, which I still have.

So, suffice it to say I've been a fan of Wilson's oeuvre since I was about four. I'm now almost 38, so it's been a long-term love affair with his work. More's the pity then, that this animated made-for-TV abomination is so horrible. From the irritating and oft-repeated "nya-nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah" song that introduces each of the segments, to the wretched animation, this thing is a total disappointment. I can't imagine that Wilson was happy with it. He didn't write it, so at least he isn't to blame for the script. Made for Showtime, this is one of those premium cable offerings that overuses cursing for cursing's own sake. I have no problem with cussing; in fact, when used well it can achieve a certain poetry, but sometimes, as in the case of this piece of &^%$, it's only there because they could put it there; it adds nothing.

It really is a shame that "Nuts" wasn't tapped as direct source material, because that would have made for a thoughtful and infinitely funnier offering. This thing comes off as a very poor imitation of "South Park", a show that does everything well that this does so poorly. "South Park" understands kids, understands taboos (and how to make and break them and keep it hilarious).

Avoid this at all costs.

I loved the way this movie shows a child's slightly skewed vision of what adults say to them and how they see the world. This movie has a great story line and group of characters that show various perspectives. Definitely a must see comedy for all adults who had a strange childhood.

I saw this movie like 20 years ago and couldn't remember the name. I thought it was really funny and crazy with my kind of humor...It's definitely worth a watch.

I remember the 1st time I saw this movie! Late night on Showtime when cable was cable. Ever since then I've been looking for this movie! It never left my head! It's funny in so many ways! To actually see life through the eyes of a kid & his friends but animated! I truly missed this movie! It's politically & socially correct! If you ever experienced what this kid did at his age, then you'd really get a feel & understanding of the movie. Honestly it's about coming of age. Back then kids saw & questioned things even when it scared them. So I truly recommend taking a trip back & laughing! #POOPONYOU.