Yikes.

Well, how about this?

Thumbs Up

Toonzone's forums report that Calling Cat-22! is "funny". Hooray!

Calling Cat-22!

Watch an episode of Calling Cat-22 on Cartoon Network Video now, then watch for more episodes this Sunday, June 15, during the "Not-So-Smart Toons" Marathon (12p-6p)!!

Cartoon Network = Boys

Great article about Cartoon Network's new direction, from last week's Variety.

Ben Gets a 10

Big news about the live-action Ben 10 movie, Race Against Time, which scored huge numbers (for Cartoon Network) when it aired the night before Thanksgiving.

BEN 10: RACE AGAINST TIME Scores as Cartoon Network’s
Most-Watched Telecast in Network History and #1 Show of the Day Among Boys
Live-Action Superhero Beats All Cartoon Network Programming Among Kids 6-11, Kids 2-11 Since January 2002
Cartoon Network Also Posts Its Most-Watched Total Day Ever with Kids 6-11, Kids 2-11

Young Ben Tennyson proved his supernatural delivery and ratings strength last Wednesday night when Cartoon Network premiered the original live-action movie special BEN 10: RACE AGAINST TIME (8:00 p.m., ET/PT), setting all-new records as the most-watched telecast in Cartoon Network history, according to preliminary data from Nielsen Media Research. The 90-minute live-action film delivered 3,987,000 viewers age 2+, out-performing the network’s 2002 presentation of Dragon Ball Z, which previously held the #1 ranking. This outstanding performance propelled BEN 10: RACE AGAINST TIME to the #1 telecast of the day on all television—among both cable and broadcast—with boys 6-11 and boys 2-11. Moreover, Cartoon Network posted its most-watched day ever in total day delivery with kids 6-11 (785,000), kids 2-11 (1,101,000), boys 6-11 (615,000) and boys 2-11 (840,000).

My personal take: I thought the movie was really very good and delivered exactly what it set out to deliver: a live-action Ben 10 experience! The alien effects were better than I expected and the performances ranged from good (Lee Majors) to acceptable (the kids) to over-the-top (Eon). In fact, I have very little bad to say about the movie. It's really well done. The only thing that I'm still getting used to is the idea of the live-action cartoon movie as a general concept, and where it fits on the air. Something still feels "off" to me, but it's probably just something we need to get used to. I smell sequel!

Chowder Premieres Tonight

Cartoon Network's new show Chowder premieres this evening, and I'll be watching with Aviella (assuming she does good listening and cooperating and eats all her vegetables). Toon Zone has posted their review, which is pretty much on the mark. I found the first episode to be a nice mix of sweet and funny, with some really cool and unique visual touches. Here's hoping this is the breakout show we've been waiting for.

Lord of the Puffs?

The Internet reports that Peter Jackson is making the live-action PPG movie. Riiiiight...thanks to Mario for the tip!

Ahhh

So I just got back from a very relaxing week on the beach, and even though it sucks when vacation is over, I'm pretty psyched to be back in the office today. My job is pretty awesome, I think!

Anyway, you need to check out the new "Gadget Game" called Loco Motion, which uses your webcam as an input device (not unlike the PS2 EyeToy). Nice work, Brad and games team!

We're On It

Cartoon Network has posted a bunch of information about its 2007 upfront presentation here. The new shows look great, although I must admit that I'm most excited for the MMOG!

Voice Actors <3 Video Games

Check out the super talented voice cast from Billy & Mandy discuss making the game. Actually pretty interesting if you like the show!

ZOMG

This is truly unreal! What a country!