Linda Thomas: at the movies

Fat Albert
Rating: PG

Overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Best for Ages: 5+

Ages 3 - 7: Yellow
Ages 8 - 12: Green
Ages 13 - 17:Green
Violence Amount: Green
Violence Portrayal: Green
Fear: Green
Illegal / Harmful: Green
Language: Yellow
Nudity: Green
Sex: Green
Review:
There was an animated TV series from 1972-1979 called "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids". This series was created, hosted and voiced by Bill Cosby, who used his childhood experiences growing up in Philadelphia for the stories. Next, the "New Fat Albert Show" aired from 1979-1982. The live action movie based on these series takes place in modern day, inner-city Philadelphia. The seven African-American friends are Fat Albert, Rudy, Mushmouth, Bill, Dumb Donald, Russell and Weird Harold. While a lonely young girl is watching the show, she begins to cry because she has no friends. Miraculously, Fat Albert sees her and comes out of the TV to help her. All his friends follow him. They can't get back in the TV until the next day because their show is over for the day. They decide to hang out with Doris and try to help her. Albert meets Doris' stepsister, Lauri, and immediately has a crush on her. The boys lead Doris through a series of misadventures until they finally find their way back into the television. If you have seen the TV show, you will be familiar with the characters and that will help in your enjoyment of the film. There is some momentary language but it is mild. Doris is a quiet, unsure of herself, young girl who needs to realize her real value. The boys are just the ones to help her. The value of friendship is dealt with in a humorous manner. The movie is not a classic, but it is entertaining for young children.