Hailey-7

Everybody has seen (or a least knows a little something) about Star Wars. We know the characters, the dialogue, the music, and so forth. Casey Pugh had an idea and that idea was the harness the power the internet and social networking to remake the classic film. The "New Hope" film was cut up into 15 minute segments and fans could select which ones they wanted to remake, the fan-made clips were than voted on and put in the final movie. The final result is a mishmash of different talents from all over the world. We are treated to a mishmash of cut- out animation, flash animation, live-action, featuring an assortment of different actors, family members, toys, cats and puppets playing the various roles. We see homages to various other films including Yellow Submarine, Monty Python, and many others. All and all, it is an interesting experiment in film making for the internet ago.

When you think of Sid and Marty Kroftt, you think of their wacky children's shows that dominated TV in the 1970s. When you think Cesar Millan, you think of the canine behavioral guru, who helps humans handle their hounds. Who ever thought the two would ever come together. No-brainer since all (or most) kids LOVE dogs and puppets. The basic plot is Calvin Millan (Cesar's teenage son) and Mutt (imagine H.R Pufnstuf, if he was a giant dog, geddit "Mutt & Stuff"= "Pufnstuf) run a school/day care center for dogs (played by real dogs).

Rounding out the cast are a talking fire hydrant and two cats who act like Statler and Waldorf. There's not much educational value or kid appeal in this show, but if you want to watch dogs and puppets act silly for 20 minutes, this show is for you!

Netflix is getting more and more series and films that appeal to all ages and audiences. I stumbled on this series while looking for something new to watch. I know it is for very young children and I (usually, but not always) prefer adult-oriented series like "Trailer Park Boys" and "BoJack Horseman". Matter of factually, nobody can resist puffins, the adorable clowns of the Northern seas. The series focuses on two baby puffins and their lives with on an island. The animation is flash, but it has a storybook look and aesthetic, that reminds me of the artwork of Mary Blair and Charley Harper. Not only is the animation and characters just adorable, but you also learn about puffins, their lives, and habitats. It cleverly mixes facts about puffins and other animals with simple storytelling, that makes the series very enjoyable for anyone!