The story follows Liam's friend, Morsecube, who suffers an injury to his translator and must go to Professor Rainey to get fixed. On their way back, they stop by Alphabet Universe.
The imaginative approach to kids helping kids and the idea that nothing is impossible is encouraging for kids trying to learn their basics. Professor Rainey's statement that "there's nothing a little imagination can't fix" is a great theme and readies little viewers for more adventures in learning.
The animation is pretty solid. It shows an understanding of set-up, scene structure and transitions. The introductory theme song is a little fast and challenging to get into. The "Morsecube You're Misunderstood" sequence is heartfelt and I love the drama Liam brings to the song. The Alphabet sequence should probably go a little slower; it would be helpful if the little fly-out images on each letter were larger and on screen a little longer.
The backgrounds work well, providing colorful and cohesive backdrops for the scenes. The music is very inventive and I like that it is sung with a young person's voice rather than something slick and announcer-y. The opening theme song is a bit fast and difficult to catch all the different aspects of it. It would be nice to get a longer visual so we have a few seconds more to get the joke.
This whole animation is a fun trip into a visual animated style that young kids can relate to. Minecraft comes to mind. Liam (played by Liam) takes the lead and proves to carry the heart line of the story. His heartfelt song to Morsecube proves that friendship means helping them, even if it means a trip through time. Professor Rainey is also appropriately authoritative without being too grown-up. The singer/narrator of the alphabet sequence is fun and appropriately energetic.
The complexity of developing animated stories -- from the design of the characters and the action, to the story and the development of the songs and the educational priority in what is, in essence, an eight minute musical - requires a strong collaboration amongst the artists. It is obvious that this team is on track with their vision, understanding their technology and the requirements for making an engaging, educational segment. Of course, it has to be the Morsecube song that Liam sings. It is the underlying heart of the story and shows us that educational material can and should be engaging and emotionally appealing. I love the clenched fist and the closed eyes when he assures Morsecube that he'll take care of him. The drama is great. This series would be best shown on virtual screening and that's what it appears to be designed for. The film's message is that learning is life. It never stops and you never know when you might end up in a whole new world. The development of learning tools that engage kids, maintain their attention and provide a reliable friend who guides you through, is an important element in childhood education. It is a part of re-visualizing educational material so it doesn't bore young learners - and that is definitely - or should be - of special interest to all parents and educators.
I give Liam Butler and His Friends: New Kid on the Block 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, perhaps older, and certainly adults. Reviewed by Chris T., KIDS FIRST!
The story follows Liam's friend, Morsecube, who suffers an injury to his translator and must go to Professor Rainey to get fixed. On their way back, they stop by Alphabet Universe.
The imaginative approach to kids helping kids and the idea that nothing is impossible is encouraging for kids trying to learn their basics. Professor Rainey's statement that "there's nothing a little imagination can't fix" is a great theme and readies little viewers for more adventures in learning.
The animation is pretty solid. It shows an understanding of set-up, scene structure and transitions. The introductory theme song is a little fast and challenging to get into. The "Morsecube You're Misunderstood" sequence is heartfelt and I love the drama Liam brings to the song. The Alphabet sequence should probably go a little slower; it would be helpful if the little fly-out images on each letter were larger and on screen a little longer.
The backgrounds work well, providing colorful and cohesive backdrops for the scenes. The music is very inventive and I like that it is sung with a young person's voice rather than something slick and announcer-y. The opening theme song is a bit fast and difficult to catch all the different aspects of it. It would be nice to get a longer visual so we have a few seconds more to get the joke.
This whole animation is a fun trip into a visual animated style that young kids can relate to. Minecraft comes to mind. Liam (played by Liam) takes the lead and proves to carry the heart line of the story. His heartfelt song to Morsecube proves that friendship means helping them, even if it means a trip through time. Professor Rainey is also appropriately authoritative without being too grown-up. The singer/narrator of the alphabet sequence is fun and appropriately energetic.
The complexity of developing animated stories -- from the design of the characters and the action, to the story and the development of the songs and the educational priority in what is, in essence, an eight minute musical - requires a strong collaboration amongst the artists. It is obvious that this team is on track with their vision, understanding their technology and the requirements for making an engaging, educational segment. Of course, it has to be the Morsecube song that Liam sings. It is the underlying heart of the story and shows us that educational material can and should be engaging and emotionally appealing. I love the clenched fist and the closed eyes when he assures Morsecube that he'll take care of him. The drama is great. This series would be best shown on virtual screening and that's what it appears to be designed for. The film's message is that learning is life. It never stops and you never know when you might end up in a whole new world. The development of learning tools that engage kids, maintain their attention and provide a reliable friend who guides you through, is an important element in childhood education. It is a part of re-visualizing educational material so it doesn't bore young learners - and that is definitely - or should be - of special interest to all parents and educators.
I give Liam Butler and His Friends: New Kid on the Block 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, perhaps older, and certainly adults. Reviewed by Chris T., KIDS FIRST!
This is the second episode in the series. Episode one, "Liam Goes To Liamland" was selected by six festivals in 2021/2022, including: Children's Film Festival Seattle, KIDS FIRST!, A-Film Teens Fest, FIFES Comedy Festival, Anmtm! Online Animation Awards, and was a finalist in Teens of LA Film Fest.
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