“The Powerpuff Girls: Dance Pantsed”; starring Ringo Starr, Tara Strong, Elizabeth Daily, Tom Kane, Tom Kenny, and Cathy Cavadini. Directed by David Smith, produced by Cartoon Network.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical when it was announced that there would be a new “Powerpuff Girls” special on Cartoon Network. After seeing the “hip” new redesigns and hearing that show creator Craig McCracken had nothing to do with the special, I was doubly wary.
“The Powerpuff Girls: Dance Pantsed” brings back the entire original voice cast in a brand new computer generated version of Townsville in a double-long, 30 minute episode. Mojo Jojo is back to his old tricks and comes up with an overly complicated, multi-phase plan which includes many phases in order to take over the city of Townsville, leaving the Girls to once again save the day.
This is definitely, the big budget modern version of the “Powerpuff Girls.” The animation is slick and the jokes come one on top of the other, which is what made the original show as great as it was. Just as many jokes will fly right over the heads of kids, leaving adults chuckling at completely different times.
Mojo’s plan is hilarious and absurd, and nothing that could have been done during the initial run. A lot has changed since the show went off the air almost a decade ago. Has it really been that long? The episode culminates in a massive dance off between robotically controlled “Powerpuff Girls,” dancing for evil, and the Professor, the Mayor, and Miss Bellum dancing for the forces of good. It’s weird, but hilarious.
I could easily get used to this new version of “The Powerpuff Girls.” I hope more specials are planned or, better yet, a whole new series. I want more.
Best line: Buttercup: “Can’t a girl rebuild an engine in peace?”
Best Part: This:
Ringo Starr guest voices as Fibonnaci Sequins, the flamboyant mathematician. And he cut this track for the Girls.
Overall rating: 8 out of 10