An old college friend posted this on his Facebook: “Activate interlock! Dynotherms connected! Infracells up! Mega thrusters are go!” And someone else commented, “Let’s go Voltron Force!” If you’re around my age, you’d recognize this in an instant, even hum the accompanying music.
And if you’re my age or older, you’d recognize this: “Wonder Twin Powers—Activate!”
This summer, I’ve been digging up old gems from my childhood. In my last column, I mentioned the shows that introduced me to whodunnits early. In this one, thanks, in part, to that Facebook post, I’m all about the old animated films and shows I would watch faithfully during those long summer vacations. Films and shows I’m going to be watching again as a kid at heart!
Let’s start with the films.
The Land Before Time (1988). My niece Keona is so into this, after my sister forced her to watch the old VCD I bought years back. It’s one of my sister’s and my favorite animated films (Steven Spielberg and George Lucas tandem, for the win!), so we’re just as thrilled as she to be part of the adventures of Littlefoot, Cera, Ducky, Petrie and Spike. Keona can now sing “If We Hold on Together” with feelings, too!
The Flight of Dragons (1982). When I found a copy of this film, I was thrilled to death. It’s about a scientist named Peter Dickenson (John Ritter) who finds himself in a world where magic is starting to fail as man focuses more on science. Peter, who is a descendant of an ancient hero, is summoned by a wizard to help create the Last Realm of Magic. Somewhere along his magical adventure, Peter becomes a dragon, has to fight an ogre, and has to deal with science versus magic. I remember crying buckets while watching this film, and I’m looking forward to remembering why!
The Last Unicorn (1982). Speaking of crying, I also bawled while watching this movie. It’s still one of the most beautiful animated films I’ve ever seen, and I’m excited to have my niece (and future children) watch it. Based on a novel by Peter S. Beagle, it tells the story of a unicorn (voiced by Mia Farrow) who is told she is the last of her kind and sets off to find what happened to the others. With the help of Schmendrick the magician (Alan Arkin), she ends up fighting evil King Haggard (Christopher Lee), who is trying to capture all the world’s unicorns.
The Sea Prince and the Fire Child (1981). This is, perhaps, my first introduction to star-crossed lovers. It’s a Japanese animated film produced by Sanrio and it’s about the children of the warring gods of fire and water who fall in love and fight to stay together. How tragic, right? At least Romeo and Juliet only came from warring families! And, yes, I also cried watching it.
And now, to the animated series.
The Smurfs. Anybody who grew up in the eighties would recognize these little blue white-hatted, white-trousered creatures who only stand three apples high! Still fresh in my memory are two of my favorite characters: Papa Smurf and Smurfette, who was only created by the evil wizard Gargamel. I was also reminded of this series by the news that there will be a live-action/CGI-animated film called The Smurfs Movie starring Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry and Hank Azaria next year.
For the rest, let me just quote their unforgettable lines—lines that I still find myself uttering at random, unexpected moments in my often humdrum adult life.
“I am Adam. Prince of Eternia and keeper of the secrets of Castle Greyskull. This is Cringer, my fearless friend. Fabulous secret powers were revealed to me the day I held aloft my magic sword and said... By the power of Greyskull! I am He-Man!” - He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
“I am Adora. He-Man’s twin sister and defender of the Crystal Castle. This is Spirit my beloved steed. Fabulous secrets were revealed to me the day I held aloft my sword and said “For the honor of Greyskull! I am She-Ra.” - She-Ra: Princess of Power
I’m such a dork, I know!
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