The RHLC!

[CensoredAlso]

It does upset me that companies have such little respect for history and high quality work. And the assumption that somehow "updating" a classic song will make it better. I mean, if you want classic, create something good of your own. Don't try and redo someone else's work. It almost never turns out well. I felt that way about the Willie Wodka movie (thought it wasn't too bad). It's presumptuous to think you can repeat or out do a classic.

Of course, the ultimate goal is really to get people into the theater. Though, most of these remakes don't make much money anyway. ::shrugs::

The sugary kid's stuff is, to me, like the worst of reality TV. A lot of people may like them, but that doesn't mean they are quality programming.

 

[Ilikemuppets]

I like the Frog climbing up the tree on the original, "Long Hard Climb".

 

[Muppet Newsgirl]

It does upset me that companies have such little respect for history and high quality work. And the assumption that somehow "updating" a classic song will make it better. I mean, if you want classic, create something good of your own. Don't try and redo someone else's work. It almost never turns out well. I felt that way about the Willie Wodka movie (thought it wasn't too bad). It's presumptuous to think you can repeat or out do a classic.

Of course, the ultimate goal is really to get people into the theater. Though, most of these remakes don't make much money anyway. ::shrugs::

The sugary kid's stuff is, to me, like the worst of reality TV. A lot of people may like them, but that doesn't mean they are quality programming.

Oh yeah. I mean - some of these kids' shows are so sugary they'd rot your teeth.

And it's really bad when the movie companies take a book and completely redo it on the screen. (winces)

I'm taking a class on children's literature this semester, and we're asked to look at certain books and analyze them (how do they treat their target audience, are they "patronizing" or "productive," do they fit certain established patterns for children's books, etc.) I think you could use the same principles to look at kids' shows these days. (and you'd come up with some really negative results)

 

[Skye]

Ah, yes, "Rama Lama Ding Dong." Good number - and very well sung. Between this number, plus "Six-String Orchestra" with Scooter, Richard certainly got a chance to show off his vocal talents in the Star Wars episode.

Absolutely! I loved the Star Wars episode as a whole, but these Richard songs are what pushed the episode from "very good" to "awesome" for me!

And I just have to say, I loved this conversation about being able to tell who's performing who just by certain mannerisms. It's so true! I've noticed Richard's the most (obviously), but they've all got 'em. And it can be so much fun to study it and know who does what! (Watch the Muppets much? Noooooooo, what makes you think that? )

I'm taking a class on children's literature this semester, and we're asked to look at certain books and analyze them (how do they treat their target audience, are they "patronizing" or "productive," do they fit certain established patterns for children's books, etc.) I think you could use the same principles to look at kids' shows these days. (and you'd come up with some really negative results)

That sounds like a really interesting class. And I agree with you completely. A lot of entertainment meant for children that's out there right now can be seen as pretty patronizing. I just don't think people give kids enough credit sometimes. I think they're smarter than many people realize.

 

[CensoredAlso]

I actually did do a paper once on gender and race models in children's entertainment, interesting stuff! I found that in regards to race, most kids shows make the attempt to be equal. But as far as gender stereotypes, we still have a long way to go, lol.

Absolutely! I loved the Star Wars episode as a whole, but these Richard songs are what pushed the episode from "very good" to "awesome" for me!

Absolutely! The episode may not be remembered for those numbers, but they definitely contribute to the overall success.

 

[Muppet Newsgirl]

Hmm...and back during my second year of college, I had to do a huge paper on food commercials and their effects on children. It was part of a mandatory writing course (and the topic for that one was health, nutrition and the problem of obesity).

Yes, the musical numbers starring Richard and his characters do contribute a great deal - just as Richard himself contributed so much to the atmosphere (read: wanton goofing off) at the studios.

And Jon Stone did say, in the days following Jan. 7, 1992, "It's impossible to imagine a world without Richard."

 

[Muppet Newsgirl]

On another topic, I had a slightly unusual dream last night: my mother and I were at a cafe somewhere in New York...and all the items on the menu were assigned Muppet names. Examples: "Miss Piggy" was the sirloin steak and "Fozzie Bear" was some variety of salad.

And I remember ordering "Scooter:" a slice of toasted pound cake served with whipped cream and sweetened fruit.

 

[CensoredAlso]

Lol hmm, that's interesting! And rather gross in Piggy's case! I wonder why Fozzie was a salad! Maybe because people tend to throw tomatoes at him? Wocka, Wocka!

 

[Skye]

Lol, that's a really interesting dream, Erin! I love it. Thanks for telling us about it!

Hey, a "Scooter" sounds yummy. I would've ordered that, too!

 

[Muppet Newsgirl]

And you know, seeing as all the menu items were named after Muppets, perhaps the Muppet crew would have been regulars there.

And I could have sworn that I saw Richard passing by in that same dream, but my memory's a tad hazy.