How many ways can you squash a tomato? (Ooglies)

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Ooglies
Date:	15/10/09 (192 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Decent animation, fun and colourful

Disadvantages: See Review

I don't often sit around watching children's TV (honest!), but my attention was caught by 'OOglies', a new animated sketch show created by the BBC.

The OOglies are a selection of fruits, vegetables, and general household objects who have a little pair of wobbly eyes attached to them, and get themselves into all kinds of mischief. Actually, the premise of the show is a little disturbing, as the general outcome of each sketch is that the characters get killed (usually squashed, burned, or chopped-up) in a range of different manners - think 'Final Destination' for kids, with veg instead of teenagers...

To give you an example of the on-screen shenanigans, one sketch features an amorous strawberry trying to cross a gap between two kitchen surfaces in a variety of different ways - and always ends up splattered on the kitchen floor - poor strawberry. Then there's the gang of mischievous hot chili peppers, who encircle their unfortunate victims, turning an otherwise happy onion into some cooked onion rings!

There are certain characters which crop up from time to time in each fifteen minute episode - like the cool-looking magnet who wears sunglasses and a medallion, and the pencil case who is constantly trying to pursue a pencil - it's kind of a roadrunner vs a Wil.E Coyote type of thing - and great fun to watch.

The animation itself (which uses real objects rather than computer generated imagery) is created by a process of using "digital animatics as moving storyboards together with stop-motion software technology". The end result is a simple, bright, and colouful style which should appeal to all ages.

Overall, Ooglie's is a genuinely entertaining and well animated series which will certainly keep kids entertained - especially if they have a sadistic nature! However, although it's presented in a manner which is all fun and games, I'm not sure that watching things get squashed is the healthiest of pastimes - but what do I know! It is very funny however, and very well presented.

The programme is shown on CBBC throughout the week at 3.50pm - or check it out on the BBC iPlayer.

Summary: Entertaining Kids Show