TVSquad

A few bits of animation news from the past week or so:

So, back in June I told you about a new Web series from Cartoon Brew Films called Cartoon Dump. The series would feature some of the worst cartoons ever made. Well, now it's online. Fans of Mystery Science Theater 3000 will be thrilled to see Frank Coniff as Moodsy the Clinically Depressed Owl. I'm looking forward to more.

Last year, the final Tom and Jerry cartoon ever made was shown on Cartoon Network, and now it's on YouTube. It's called "The Karate Guard." Check it out. Thanks to Jeff Pidgeon.

I've been hearing a lot about a new PBS series called Wordgirl, and finally decided to check out some of the clips on YouTube. This PBS site reads that the new series is actually just a collection of two-minute interstitials, but they're actually really clever (and it will become a full series this September). I'm not saying I would watch it (I'm not quite the target audience), but I think it's something you can watch with your kids that won't drive you to suicide the way Barney does. Also, it boasts some pretty cool voice talent: Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), and Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live). I've placed Wordgirl's interview with Jim Leher below.

Re-Animated, Cartoon Network's original live-action movie, comes out on DVD August 21. The movie has its heart and funnybone in the right place, but doesn't quite gel into anything worthwhile. The plot centers on a young boy named Jimmy, who, after an accident at Gollyworld, is given the brain of famed animator Milt Appleday, which allows him to see all of Milt's cartoon characters in real life. The movie has a few clever moments, and comedian Bil Dwyer clearly had a blast playing Jimmy's goofy, sugar-addled father, but unless you're under the age of ten, I can't really recommend it.

Finally, take this Family Guy video quiz and let me know how you did. I only missed one.