Navigating Life’s Currents With Animated Fun

Read Time:3 Minute, 33 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Benny the Barnacle / Benny the Barnacle: A Shell Game
TV-G

Genre: Animation
Year Released: 2022, 2024
Runtime: 24m / 28m
Director(s): Kevin Collier
Writer(s): Kevin Collier
Cast: various; visit for Benny the Barnacle or A Shell Game
Where To Watch: available now; the original here www.tubitv.com, A Shell Game here www.youtube.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the vibrant world beneath the waves, the animated series BENNY THE BARNACLE introduces us to Benny, a wise barnacle who refuses to call one place home as he’s swept across the ocean floor by the currents. His adventures bring light and wisdom to the undersea community, portrayed in a narrative that's as soothing as it is enlightening. This series, written and directed by Kevin Collier, starts with Benny showing how even the smallest creatures can have significant impacts.

The excitement builds in the next episode, BENNY THE BARNACLE: A SHELL GAME, where Benny, alongside his friend Killer the Krill, embarks on a series of new adventures. This sequel deepens the narrative with their quests, bringing themes of perseverance and friendship to the forefront and translating Christian virtues into engaging, worldly storytelling that resonates with a broad audience.

Though straightforward, the animation of both films is crafted with care and effectively captures the quirky charm of its characters. The simple style supports the series' educational goals, complementing its narrative with visuals that are as engaging as instructive. Voice talents Thom Stambaugh and José Carlos Gutiérrez add depth to Benny and Killer, infusing the series with warmth and vivacity.

Both episodes are respectable as educational tools, ideally suited for settings like Sunday schools where foundational values are highlighted. Their plots, rich with moral teachings and accompanied by captivating songs and colorful scenes, make the core lessons accessible and appealing to all viewers, regardless of their spiritual beliefs.

Furthermore, the series emphasizes environmental awareness by subtly integrating ocean conservation themes and the impact on marine habitats. Through its engaging narratives, the show entertains and educates young viewers about the importance of preserving our oceans.

Structured episodically, A SHELL GAME retains young viewers' attention by presenting moral challenges and their thoughtful resolutions. New characters like Doug the Slug (not all the adventures occur purely underwater) enhance the undersea world, adding complexity and richness to the straightforward yet profound narrative.

A standout feature of this series is its nuanced approach to delivering life lessons without a heavy-handed moralizing tone. These teachings are woven into the story's fabric, ensuring they enhance rather than overpower the entertainment value, making the series a hit with young audiences.

Visually, the series creates a stunning undersea landscape bursting with color and creativity. These designs delight the eye and foster imagination and curiosity among its young viewers. The familiar yet fantastical marine setting provides an engaging and educational backdrop.

BENNY THE BARNACLE and its sequel enrich the landscape of children’s animation by merging captivating stories with essential life lessons. These shorts are perfect for family viewing, providing content that is not only enjoyable but also enriching, ensuring that Benny's adventures remain a cherished part of children's viewing experiences.

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[photo courtesy of COLLIER ANIMATION STUDIO]

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