What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this old-fashioned 1995 claymation movie, made by the same people who originated the characters more than a half century ago, pits Gumby and his friends against their perennial enemies, the Blockheads. It's smarter good guys (and gals) versus pretty inept bad guys, with plenty of cartoon action and minor suspense all so unrealistic that only the most sensitive or youngest kids, might be frightened. Still, the hero is sliced and diced as he fights with swords, lasers, and other medieval weapons. Characters are kidnapped, frozen, and turned into robot versions of themselves. The bloodless injuries are all short-lived, however; Gumby and his colleagues all revive and return quickly to normal. It should be noted that the DVD package lists the running time at 117 minutes when in reality it is only 77 minutes long (one hour, seventeen minutes).
- Families can talk about how Gumby finds adventure in books. How true is this for you? What different places have you visited in books?
- Lowbelly's tears are valuable. How did Gumby use those tears to help the farmers? Can you think of ways you might help people in your community?
- Does this movie stand the test of time? What makes some movies endure through the ages?