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 Twenty-seven years ago, Tom Newman founded Impact Productions. Starting with a stage show called The Masterpiece: A Toymaker's Dream, he built an organization known internationally for its uncompromising message and artistic excellence. In the years since their inception, they've created numerous award-winning commercials, television specials, and a feature film (The Christmas Child), all in an effort to fulfill their mission and reach a sight and sound generation.
Their first children's series called Pahappahooey Island premiered ten years ago. This year Impact partnered with speaker Joyce Meyer to create two new episodes: Pahappahooey Island: What About Me!? and "Hide It in Your Heart," both based on some of Meyer's classic messages for the entire family.
Synopsis
Ali, Millard, Captain Hobbs and Hacksaw set off on a special treasure hunt, but evil Ichabone Slink has made them think only of themselves. As they search for the enticing prize, each is tempted to look out for their own interests. Can Miss Ruby (voice of Joyce Meyer) help the friends learn the best ways to work together?
Puppets on Film
I wasn't familiar with the Pahappahooey Island series, so I was expecting an animated series, and was pleasantly surprised to see puppets used for the show. I'm a big fan of Sesame Street, so seeing the puppets in action was a great reminder of how "animated" puppets can be in contrast to cartoon animation. It's a testimony to the filmmakers that their stories interested Disney puppeteers enough to join the project, and the presence of these professionals takes the production up several notches.
Rather than using static backgrounds, the filmmakers created special stages designed to accommodate the humans operating the puppets and incorporated lots of elements to give a dimensional effect to the settings. They successfully created a complete world for the puppets to live in and explore. Filming this type of production has to be a unique challenge because of the need to hide the human operators and simultaneously make the puppets look as good as possible, but the production team did a terrific job in that regard.
It is a bit startling to hear Joyce Meyer's distinct voice among the other character voices. Where they are voiced to fit the characters, her character is created to fit her voice. When Joyce speaks, you know it's her. The portions involving Meyer are a little preachy, but that could be the influence of hearing her voice so distinctly.
The music is fun and catchy, and you'll probably find yourself humming the tune at odd moments, as I did after watching a couple of episodes. And chances are you'll remember some of Joyce Meyer's admonitions at very appropriate moments. After all, we all need to know how to share, play and work together.
Rating
What About Me!? does not have an MPAA rating but is a solid G, as in General Audience, Good for everyone.
Courtesy of a national publicist, Angela screened a promotional copy of Pahappahooey Island: What About Me!?
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