"Fat Albert," opening in theaters on Saturday, starts out in cartoon form, which is how it should have stayed. As with other live-action films inspired by Saturday-morning cartoons (especially the "Scooby-Doo" movies), this family-friendly comedy just isn't animated enough.
In fact, there's a curious lack of energy and enthusiasm on the part of the cast, as if they lacked the motivation to do much with this material. And as a result, this relatively short movie feels considerably longer.
Still, it's hard to come down too hard on a film aimed at kids that features a positive message about self-esteem and self-image. Heck, it's just refreshing to have a kids' movie that doesn't try to get laughs with flatulence.
"Fat Albert" was spawned from Bill Cosby's stand-up comedy skits, as well as the resulting cartoon series, which ran from 1972-79.
In the film, high school student Doris Robertson (Kyla Pratt) is watching repeats of the show when she accidentally brings Albert (Kenan Thompson) and the other Cosby Kids into the real world. It seems the ultra-helpful cartoon hero wants to help the lonely teenager find some friends.
She's not interested in his help, though. Instead, she's busy trying to figure out a way to get the rather silly-looking Cosby Kids back into the TV set. So Albert enlists others in his make-Doris-popular scheme, including her foster sister, Lauri (Dania Ramirez), who's one of the most popular students at their school.
But they'll have to hurry. Albert and the gang begin fading because they are in the real world, and they may just dissolve into celluloid if they stay too long.
Thompson does have an endearing presence, and there's something refreshing about the film's message. But the material, which was co-written by Cosby and Charles Kipps, is padded out more than Thompson's fat suit. The characters sing part or all of their theme song so many times it becomes wearying. How many ways can you sing "Gonna Have a Good Time (Hey Hey Hey)"? Quite a few, including a hip-hop-flavored version, as it turns out.
The film saves the best scene for last, as Cosby reunites with the old friends who inspired the Cosby Kids characters. It's the one genuine and emotional moment in the entire film.
"Fat Albert" is rated PG for comic violence (mostly slapstick), some mildly off-color humor and some mildly suggestive talk (flirtation). Running time: 90 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com