classics – Movie Roar

“Pepe Le Pew” Still Captivates Audiences

Pépé Le Pew falls in love with Penelope. She can’t stand his stench.
Source: Looney Tunes

Pépé Le Pew entertains with his loveable silliness and smelliness. Enjoy his amusing diversions as he tries to woo Penelope, the cat.

Pépé Le Pew Creates Lovable and Silly Cartoons for Kids

Love is always in the air in Paris with Looney Tunes: Pépé Le Pew Collection.

The Warner Bros. disc features 17 comical shorts of the lovable French skunk Pépé Le Pew. He strolls around Paris in the springtime when everyone thinks of love and romance. Pépé sees Penelope, falls in love, and pursues the black cat, which is delightful. Penelope is not so thrilled, though. She does everything in her power to get away from the smelly Pépé. The cartoon drawings show hilarious expressions that will delight the kids. Giggles are sure to follow.

*Paris is the city of love—the perfect backdrop for a skunk casing a cat.*
Source: Pexels.com

Pépé Le Pew Blinded By Love

Pépé Le Pew episodes usually involve Pépé pursuing a black female cat that appears to be a female skunk, according to love-struck Pépé. But kids of all ages who watch the cartoons know that Pépé is blinded by love.

He is so in love that he doesn’t even know that Penelope Pussycat is a cat with a white stripe painted down her back. The creators of this comic cartoon series made a reason for the painted line. The white strip happened when she crawled under a newly painted picket fence.

As Pépé pursues Penelope, she runs away from him. Not because she is shy, but because, being a skunk, Pépé has a rancid odor and an aggressive manner. She was watching Pépé hop after her at a carefree pace, as a love-stricken skunk entertained.

Ze Arms of Pépé are Upon You

Countless memorable scenes of the lovestruck skunk come to mind. Pépé is on the yacht with his girlfriend and says, “I am ze captain, and you are ze first mate. Promotions will follow quickly!”

I remember Pépé swimming underwater, “When you are a skunk, you learn how to hold your breath for a long time.”

Another unforgettable line is, “Acres and acres of girls!! And they are mine!! All mine!!!”

I chuckle as I recall these moments. They are so very precious. My kids can’t relate to some of the funny lines, but I know they watch riveted to the screen because the cartoon artists created unique characterizations.

*Watching Pépé Le Pew fall in love with a cat is so funny.*

“This little love bundle. Now she is seeking for us a trysting place. Touching, is it not? Come, my little peanut of brittle. I will help you. Wait for me. Wait.” Pepe Le Pew

Is Skunk Spray Toxic?

While Penelope tries to escape him, she fails but suffers the smelly consequences. Just imagine being chased by a love-struck skunk. The smell is so strong and permeating. Penelope’s reaction is not even normal regarding a skunk’s spray. Pépé Le Pew never sprays her, and he only longs for her, keeping the pungent smell at bay.

“What is this? Oh, but of course. This little one wishes to commit suicide to prove her love for me — what a sweet gesture. Nevertheless, I must prevent it.” Pepe Le Pew

Acting Exercises Using Pépé Le Pew as a Prompt

Kids have great imaginations and love to copy what they see others do. If you are a parent and you have the time, after the kids watch one of the Pépé Le Pew and Penelope episodes, encourage them to act it out. Even as an acting teacher, this is one of the best acting exercises for kids.

Young kids take great pleasure in acting out what they just saw on the screen. Looney Tunes Pépé Le Pew cartoons have little dialogue, so it should be easy for each child to act out the story.

You cast one child as the skunk and the other as Penelope. You can have a boy like Pépé Le Pew and a girl like Penelope. Just let them have fun with the characters.

When they finish their scene, validate and encourage them for their excellent performance.

Chuck Jones Delivered Over a Thousand Voices

Chuck Jones created Pépé Le Pew and hired a talented man, Mel Blanc, who has over a thousand voices. Blanc provided the voice for Pépé and based his mannerisms on Charles Boyer’s Pépé le Moko from Algiers (1938).

Others have stated that Pépé may have copied Maurice Chevalier’s mannerisms. I can’t entirely agree because only Boyer would pursue. Chevalier is not stupid enough to think of a cat as a skunk.

With all that, Chuck Jones: Memories of Childhood is a short documentary in which Jones says he based Pépé on himself. He declares that he is ultra shy with girls and that Pépé is a pursuer of girls.

One thing is sure: Pépé Lew Pew episodes are a delight to watch for kids. The stories are very innocent but funny. I hope you and your kids enjoy them as much as my family has over the years.

Best Family Friendly Movies

I hope you can take a peek at Pépé Le Pew, because these cartoons are nothing like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Foghorn Leghorn, or Elmer Fudd. Pépé Le Pew’s hallmark is the silliness and resilience of the love-struck skunk.

As you watch Looney Tunes Pépé Le Pew, I guarantee you will find yourself chuckling and enjoying the misadventures of Pépé Le Pew and Penelope. I wish more were available because they are unique cartoons in the Looney Tunes repertoire.

Timeless, Adventurous, Stimulating Movies for Kids

*Well-made movies for kids will raise their emotional tone.*

Finding fun movies for kids to watch can sometimes be straightforward. Then there are times you need help choosing the perfect film. Here’s my list, which is worth sharing with your kids.

Exciting Movies for Kids

Finding simple, fun, and memorable holiday or seasonal movies for kids can be challenging. But look at these classics and pick a couple for the kids to watch. Some are old, and some are modern, but kids of all ages find them entertaining.

“Ferdinand” (2017)

In a classic story, Ferdinand is a massive bull with an even larger heart. People think he is a dangerous beast. He gets captured and taken away from his home. Set on returning to his family, he hooks up with a crazy team of characters. Together they go on a wild adventure.

Walt Disney’s “Peter Pan” (1953)

Walt Disney’s Peter Pan is one of the most timeless and adventurous movies ever on the silver screen. Kids can watch the story over and over because Peter Pan never grows old. He will always be a boy. The story teaches kids about friendship, responsibility, faith, and trust.

“Early Man” (2018)

Nothing could be more timeless than a movie about a prehistoric person. Award-winning claymation studio Aardman produced Early Man. They mastered claymation in film. Aardman made Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, and Chicken Run.

Early Man follows Dug, voiced by Eddie Redmayne. Dug is a caveman who has super-goofy friends. They brave their invaders by challenging them to a soccer game. It is the only way they can get their home back from Lord Nooth, voiced by Tom Hiddleston. Lord Nooth is the ruler of the Bronze Age City.

“Smurfs: The Lost Village” (2017)

Smurfs: The Lost Village is an animated movie.

Magical creatures occupy the forest, and the kids will find them fascinating. Smurfette and her pals must locate a secretive lost village ahead of the wicked wizard named Gargamel.

The movie is like a roller coaster ride, and the kids will enjoy the journey as the Smurfs face danger and experience plenty of action.

“The Little Prince” (2015)

The Little Prince is a timeless movie. The story subtly teaches kids about what is essential in life as a fable of loneliness, loss, friendship, and love.

I have to confess that the movie trailer is so charming and pleasing. Netflix is streaming some noteworthy movies, which are worth the subscription.

With the voice acting talents of Ralph Fiennes, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, and Rosario Dawson, The Lego Batman Movie is timeless. Kids can watch it repeatedly.

Chris McKay directed this super-silly movie, and it features one-liners and a visually gratifying story that is fun. The kids can play with the Legos before or after they watch the film. Parents, make sure you have your own set of Batman Legos.

“The Sandlot” (1993)

The Sandlot is a magical movie that kids will watch repeatedly. The story takes place during the 1960s when Scotty arrives in the neighborhood. Denis Leary and Karen Allen play with his parents. They are brilliant, helping Scotty come to terms with himself and trying to fit in with the other boys from the sandlot. He doesn’t know how to play baseball, but that’s about to change.

The movie follows Scotty and his friends as they spend a summer retrieving a baseball, facing crazy adventures and scary situations, and sharing a first kiss. All nine boys grow and become best friends. The movie is a fun and enchanting comedy.

“Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” (1976)

Though the story doesn’t seem like it’s for kids, they will still enjoy the animation and exaggerated characters. Even the adults will chuckle at the thought of Frosty the Snowman’s marriage being threatened by a jealous Jack Frost, voiced wickedly by Paul Frees.

The 1976 movie features two screen legends, Andy Griffith, best known as Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show, and Shelley Winters, who won two Oscars for A Patch of Blue and The Diary of Anne Frank. Griffith is the narrator, and Winters is the voice of Frosty’s wife.

“The Smurf’s Holiday Celebration” (2011)

The Smurfs are bound to put a smile on any kid’s face during the holiday season with The Smurf’s Holiday Celebration. They are so cute, but their stories are full of action. The creatures that threaten the lovable Smurfs might not make some of the youngest kids too happy. Though parents may want to keep a watchful eye, a happy ending will put a pleasant smile back on the kids’ faces.

“Twas the Night Before Christmas” (1974)

Twas the Night Before Christmas begins with the children of Junctionville’s letters to Santa Claus being returned unopened. So Santa didn’t read what they wanted for Christmas. Nobody knows why they didn’t get delivered. Alas, a bitter soul has angered Saint Nick by claiming Christmas is a myth.

The skeptical rodent, Albert Mouse, must be humored and turned around to believe in Santa. Following the story of Albert being persuaded to change his mind about Santa makes it fun for the kids because Santa returns to Junctionville.

The ending is charming and inspired by Clement Moore’s poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Joel Grey, George Gobel, Tammy Grimes, and John McGiver add their voices to the 1974 movie.

“Frozen” (2013)

Frozen is genuinely a timeless movie for all ages. “Let It Go” unleashes our desires to let our worries go. The song won an Oscar because it adds much to the fateful tale of two sisters longing for their rekindled relationship. The frozen spell keeps the movie suspended in time as a lovable snowman offers his charm. There is also a reindeer acting like a domesticated dog.

Kids can watch the movie repeatedly. It is so much fun for kids because most DVDs have a sing-along version with captions for each song’s lyrics. Frozen II, the sequel, is now available to stream and on Blu-ray or DVD.

“Love is putting someone else’s need before yours.” Olaf

Peanuts movies are timeless. They started in the 1970s with It’s Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown, and There’s No Time for Love, Charlie Brown. They continued to the 1980s with It’s Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown, and It’s an Adventure, Charlie Brown. The franchise has over 45 movies and counting. My favorite is A Boy Named Charlie Brown.

It’s a blast to watch Snoopy fly in his doghouse while dogfighting as the Red Baron, wearing legwarmers, and dancing to the current music. Kids never tire of such antics. They also like to wonder if Charlie Brown will succeed at his chosen goal, like winning the spelling bee or getting his first kiss.

I can’t go without mentioning all the quirky friends who support Charlie Brown, no matter how many times he fails. From Linus to Peppermint Patty, you can’t help but feel the love. These are such cherished characters and stories.

“Bernie the Dolphin” (2018)

Bernie the Dolphin isn’t a well-known kids’ movie like Disney movies, but it’s about two kids with a heart of gold.

Kevin and Holly spend a lot of time swimming and diving with Bernie. Bernie is a dolphin. He goes missing, and the two kids try to find him. While looking for Bernie, they discover a potential threat to baby sea turtles.

The kids’ goal is to stop the development and protect Bernie.

Disney Classics

Let’s not forget the Disney classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first animated feature film, and Peter Pan. Walt Disney worked with some of the best animators of the time. All these movies were pretty much hand-drawn. Though the adults will appreciate the artists’ talent, the antics and colorful characters will mesmerize the kids in each classic.

Kids Movies on Netflix and Amazon

You can catch some of these timeless movies on Netflix or Amazon. Even local libraries rent these movies on Blu-ray and DVD. Either way, it’s best to plan their movie night and let the kids join their friends and enjoy watching a fantastic film.

“X-Men ’97” Revival

Created by Beau DeMayo, X-Men ’97 is an animated series streaming from Disney+, based on the Marvel superhero team X-Men.

It’s a revival of the X-Men, continuing from where the series ended under DeMayo’s guidance.

Voice actors include Cathal J. Dodd, Ray Chase, and Jennifer Hale.

“Dora and the Fantastical Creatures”

The beloved Latina heroine Dora is coming to the big screen in an all-new animated short film called Dora and the Fantastical Creatures. The film will only show in theaters starting Friday, Sept. 29th, and is perfect for kids of all ages. Movie fans of all ages around the world who see PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie will experience the original theatrical short. It heralds the return of Dora as an all-new CG-animated preschool series. It’ll stream only on Paramount+ in the U.S. and internationally in spring 2024.

In Dora and the Fantastical Creatures, Dora is voiced by Diana Zermeño, and Asher Spence voices Boots. They embark on an incredible adventure to the land of alebrijes, the most magical and colorful creatures in the rainforest. They must band against Swiper, which Marc Weiner voices, to save the beloved alebrijes and their Copal Tree Celebration.

The short film also features Anairis Quiñones as Luna Arcoiris, Danny Burstein as Sol, and Kate del Castillo as Ale.

“Frog and Toad” Apple TV

Frog is a frog. Toad is a toad. They have a lot in common, but they are also very different.

Frog and Toad are best friends who know that the true secret to friendship is not only enjoying the things you have in common but also embracing the things that make you different.

Since our differences make us special, Frog and Toad celebrate what makes them unique.

The voice actors include Nat Faxon and Kevin Michael Richardson.

“A Boy Named Charlie Brown”

A Boy Named Charlie Brown was originally released in 1969 as the first Peanuts movie ever based on Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip. The movie is Peter Robbins’ swan song as the voice for Charlie Brown. Before the movie, he voiced Charlie Brown several times for television specials.

The story follows Charlie Brown, who decisively demonstrates he can do something right. He wins the spelling bee in his class. All the kids regard him with their usual rudeness despite winning his class spelling bee. Then, he does everything in his power to win the championship of his school and wins. He gets to go to the city and be in the National Elimination Spelling Bee.

Vince Guaraldi, who composed the music for the six previous TV specials, creates new arrangements of the old music for the movie. He even spices it up with several new songs by Rod McKuen. McKuen wrote the title song, “A Boy Named Charlie Brown,” and sings it as well, which establishes the movie’s overall feel: there is a little bit of Charlie Brown in all of us.

One of my favorite scenes is Schroeder’s poignant gesture to Beethoven. The music plays as marvelous, complex Technicolor scenes come on the screen in a very fancy presentation.

Another really good scene is with Snoopy and Linus. It is a delightful setting where Snoopy and Linus are wandering around the city looking for his blanket, which he lent to Charlie Brown for good luck in his spelling bee. Snoopy encounters an ice skating rink and fantasizes about being in a hockey match as he skates around the rink. He even has a confrontation with the Red Baron, and those scenes are always fun to watch.

When the movie ends, let the credits roll so you can see the principal voice actors alongside their animated characters.

I recommend this movie because it is so much fun to watch, though I have a hard time seeing Charlie Brown having such a bad time. But he is happy at the end, and that counts for me.

“Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots”

Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots is a classic cartoon for preschoolers. The Pig snorts up funny episodes where kids just keep laughing and giggling.

The first episode is called The Golden Boots, and the other 45 episodes are very familiar but fun for the youngsters. I can’t help but like the messages that include kindness, laughter, and gentle life lessons that make Peppa Pig one of the world’s most beloved preschool cartoons. Kids will never get tired of Peppa because he is so much fun to watch.

“Scholastic Storybook Treasures: The Classic Collection”

20 Holiday Adventures – Scholastic Storybook Treasures is the fourth release under the Scholastic Classics label, with loads of content to entertain kids while they learn family values such as right and wrong, truthfulness, and doing unto others. As the title says, the DVD contains 20 holiday stories. My favorites are The Night Before Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, Max’s Christmas (from Max and Ruby, currently airing on Nick Jr.), and Noah’s Ark.

Classic storybooks come to life and draw kids’ attention, making a wonderful way to introduce kids to reading. Other stories on the disc include Merry Christmas, Splat, Morris’s Disappearing Bag, Merry Christmas, Space Case, Bear Snores On, Too Many Tamales, Lemonade in Winter, The Snowy Day, Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas, In the Month of Kislev, Seven Candles for Kwanzaa, Great Joy!, Antarctic Antics, Giving Thanks, Bear Has a Story to Tell, The Clown of God, and Brave Irene.

The next Scholastic Collection is narrated by Oscar winners Kathy Bates and Paul Giamatti, and B.D. Wong from Law & Order. 20 Fairy Tales – Scholastic Storybook Treasures features twenty classic tales on a single DVD. My favorites are Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Hansel and Gretel, and The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

The classic fairy tales are so much fun for the kids to watch while learning family values and the importance of reading. You can even place your storybook in the room with them while they watch the classic stories on the screen. The rest of the classic titles on the DVD are Doctor De Soto, Each Peach Pear Plum, Extra Yarn, Harold’s Fairy Tale, Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China, Princess Furball, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Little Match Girl, The Red Shoes, The Three Little Pigs, The True Story of The Three Little Pigs!, The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor’s New Clothes.

“The Seventh Dwarf”

After appearing in select NY and LA theaters, The Seventh Dwarf is available on Blu-ray and DVD. The animated movie is an adventure story that unites all your favorite fairytale characters in one kingdom and stars the voices of Peyton List, Norm MacDonald, Nina Hagen and Joshua Graham. There are great messages for kids to learn, like friendship, problem solving, accepting differences and working as a team. The humorous scenes are really fun to watch, as well as the action and suspense scenes.

The story begins with the characters celebrating Princess Rose’s (Sleeping Beauty) 18th birthday. Everyone in the kingdom has come to Fantabularasa Castle, including Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood. But just before the stroke of midnight, Bobo, the youngest dwarf, accidentally pricks the finger on the cursed needle and sends the kingdom into a century-long slumber. Bobo decides to take the matter into his own hands by finding Rose’s true love, Jack. Jack must save her with a kiss, Bobo and the other six dwarfs go on a treacherous journey. They face a fiery dragon and outwit the jealous, scheming and evil witch, Dellamorta.

The puns may go over the kids’ heads, but they are there for the adults to enjoy. The animation is well done, even though this is not a big movie; it’s fun entertainment.

I am sure kids will want to rewatch the movie because it has some cute scenes and silly songs. The story features a mash-up of fairy tales with a few obvious changes that add a bunch of fun. The writers are quite imaginative with the changes they add to the stories, creating a bit of spark in the old fairy tales.

“Power Rangers: The Perfect Storm”

Power Rangers DVDs are so popular with the kids and some adults. Each collection is worth owning, and recently released The Perfect Storm is no exception. The five episodes are pure entertainment and never fail to satisfy the ardent fan.

One episode follows Orion, who unlocks every sixth ranger power while his helmet morphs, revealing each one of the Power Rangers’ helmet designs with his costume. As a result, the rangers lose their energy because it is taken from them when Orion morphs. How will they get their power back? It is such a fun story to watch.

Another episode with a quirky twist features one of the monsters becoming smitten with a ranger. A love triangle forms when another monster tries to destroy the ranger to have the female monster all to himself.

The next episode is about two of the rangers who switch bodies. It’s hilarious when they adjust, learn how to be the other Power Ranger, and notice the disparity in their personalities. They even try to discover what triggers the change.

In another episode, Tensou ventures outside the command center to witness the arrival of a fierce storm. It approaches quickly, and Tensou is hit by lightning. He loses his memory and is lost. The other rangers search for him. Once they find him, they do everything in their power to help him recover his memory.

I can see how the kids will go crazy over these storylines. Overall, and of course, The Perfect Storm will please any Power Ranger fan.