Jetsons: The Movie (1990) voices George O'Hanlon, Mel Blanc, Penny Singleton, Tiffany directed by Joseph Barbera, William Hanna Movie Review

Jetsons: The Movie (1990)   3/53/53/53/53/5


Jetsons: The Movie (1990) voices George O'Hanlon, Mel Blanc, Penny Singleton, Tiffany

Meet the Jetsons

Businessman Mr. Spacely has a problem as one of his factories on another asteroid is being threatened by the asteroid's inhabitants, the Grunchees, as the factory is threatening their natural habit. As such Mr. Spacely orders George Jetson to relocate to the asteroid in order to sort out the crisis not something he or his family Jane, Judy and Elroy are keen on doing. But once they reach the asteroid George, having been taken hostage by the Grunchees, sees another side to the crisis going on.

As a kid growing up in the UK during the 70s and 80s I remember that at tea time there would usually be a Hanna Barbera cartoon on TV, and my favourite out of their shows was The Flintstones. In fact whilst I know I watched a couple of episodes of "The Jetsons" as a child I was never overly bothered by it. I mention that because I am sure those who grew up watching the original "Jetsons" cartoons might be more impressed with "Jetsons: The Movie" than I was. In fact I would say that "Jetsons: The Movie" works for those who grew up loving the cartoon and the very young who have never come across it before.

The thing about "Jetsons: The Movie" is whilst it has some futuristic fun from flying cars which collapse to the size of a lunchbox and automated washing systems the lack of subtlety when it comes to capitalism and environmental issues makes it a bit heavy handed. In fact for those who watch but prefer other cartoons what you see is a lot of influence as parts of "Jetsons: The Movie" reminds you of "The Flintstones" as wells as "Scooby-Doo" but you can see how the original Jetsons could have influenced "The Simpsons". In a way spotting the similarities and influences is more fun for those who watch "Jetsons: The Movie" without any nostalgic attachment to the cartoon.

Having said all that "Jetsons: The Movie" also has another strange sort of appeal to those who grew up on 80s music as with Tiffany cast as the voice of Judy Jetson we get a few musical moments, yes musical moments in a Jetson cartoon. It is kind of nice to have Tiffany adding a song here and there but at the same time I don't think it really belongs in the cartoon especially one with a seriously surreal music video.

What this all boils down to is that "Jetsons: The Movie" for me was a mild distraction and more entertaining to see how it fits in to the cartoon universe with various aspects which felt familiar to other cartoons both older and newer. But for me it is really a cartoon for those who grew up loving the Jetsons and who will enjoy the 80 minute catch up.


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