Review: George of the Jungle Remade
Teletoon and Cartoon Network Bring a Remake of the Classic Cartoon
Cartoon Network has brought back a cult classic of cartoons, and instead of airing reruns on Boomerang, they're airing a remake on their main channel. It's George of the Jungle, a cartoon so revered, a movie was actually made of it with Brendan Frasier and John Cleese. Remakes, like any other show or movie, always have the potential of being successful. Usually such success depends on the success of the original feature. Despite any reverence and nostalgic love for George of the Jungle, viewers will quickly remember that George of the Jungle was not funny back then, and it definitely isn't funny now.
The Newness of George of the Jungle
The new George has done its best to pull itself out of the sixties appeal to the new viewership of the aughts. The show has flashier colors, crisper animation, a hippier opening theme (it's the same from the sixties just with a jazzier tune), and new characters.
Meet Doctor Scott, a traditional medical doctor and father to Urusla. Sharing an office with him is Witch Doctor, who really needs no further explanation. Witch Doctor also has a daughter, Magnolia, and she's Ursula's best friend. Magnolia is Ursula's opposite in almost every shape and form. Magnolia has lived in the jungle all her life, speaks fluent Valley Girl, and dresses like she's going to star in a tropical party.
Unlike the original show, Ursula is not George's mate. They're not even dating. There hasn't been the slightest romantic twinge between either of them. Nothing between George and Magnolia either. Therefore, you will not hear Ape repeatedly tell George that Ursula's name is Ursula, and she's his mate. At least this time around, George knows her name and does not call her "Fella."
What's Not New: George is Still Not Funny
So much potential to improve George and yet the show has decided to keep with the original formula. If it worked in the sixties, surely it will still work, right? Each episode still has over-the-top situations that George finds himself in as King of the Jungle, but he never really learns anything. Ape still gets him out of every scrape. Every now and then, there is a joke or gag that successfully lands, but these are far and few between.
Nostalgia and Children Most Likely Fans
Nostalgic fans will initially be intrigued by the George remake, but then they will be reminded that sadly, George isn't funny. It's better to be nostalgic for Rocky and Bullwinkle. Young children may enjoy George for a little while, but the same hum drum formula may not hold their attention for long. One joke or gag over and over is only funny for so long, even for children.
George of the Jungle airs on Cartoon Network every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. EST.
New George of the Jungle
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