'Home Movies':
Home Movies originally aired on UPN, which later became The CW, in 1999. Originally animated in Squigglevision, Home Movies later formed its own visual style. The dialogue feels natural because the actors improvise from an outline. Home Movies was one of the original shows to air as part of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, and continues to be popular.
Premise:
Brendon Small is an eight-year-old boy who sees himself as a director along the lines of Martin Scorsese. He uses his video camera to make movies with his friends Jason and Melissa. Brendon lives with his divorced mom, Paula, and his baby sister, Josie.
Characters:
The main characters is Brendon Small, a budding auteur who isn't terribly athletic. Jason is his candy-addicted best friend, along with Melissa, who lives with her single dad, Erik. Paula is Brendon's common sense mom who struggles with her own life as much as her son does his. Josie is Brendon's baby sister, who puts marbles in her nose at one point. At the school, Coach McGuirk is a dysfunctional teacher, always thinking the grass is greener.
Creator:
Loren Bouchard is the creator of Home Movies. He learned the animated craft well by writing, directing and editing Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist for six seasons on Comedy Central. Bouchard also created Lucy, Daughter of the Devil for Adult Swim.
My Two Cents:
I have a very soft spot in my heart for Home Movies. Growing up as a geek who loved movies, wasn't good at sports, and lived with a single mom, I can completely relate to Brendon.
But more than the fickle follies of Brendon and his friends, it is Coach McGuirk's very inappropriate comments and actions that really get me laughing.
This gem of a show would thrive on network TV today, if only it had a chance. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the entire series on DVD.
