Bebe’s Kids (1992)
Test tube, baby.
Brief Backstory
Taking inspiration from a comedy skit by the late Robin Harris, Bebe’s Kids became one of the first animated movies to feature all African American voices as leading roles. While there have been African American characters in earlier animated works, such as in the unremarkably dull Josie and the Pussycats and the classic series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, these were mainly cartoons for television. This alone made Bebe’s Kids a pioneering movie, but critics did not enjoy it, mostly because of the humor. Home video releases improved the reception over time, but not to the level of (obviously) Disney at the time.
Story
Robin Harris decides to spend time with a woman named Jamika and her son Leon at Fun World, but Jamika needs to have three vicious and insurrectionist children Kahill, LeShawn, and Pee-Wee brought alone because their mother Bebe isn’t around. This proves to be a nightmare when the trio brings domestic terrorism to Fun World.
Random Facts
This came out nearly after two months, making it the first “new” animated movie to exist.
The Proud Family was derived from Bebe’s Kids, though no where near as violent.
Bebe’s Kids was adapted into a game for the Super Nintendo, which has commonly referred to as one of the system’s worst games, along with Great Waldo Search and Wizard of Oz. Nintendo Power gave it the lowest rating until at least Superman on the Nintendo 64.
The roller coaster’s tracks aren’t banked; Roller Coaster Tycoon discourages this.
One of the kids is voiced by the same person who voiced Fievel.
Random Opinions
Another example of how one can be corrupted by three – Leon eventually partakes in some of the brutality though not at the level of Bebe’s Kids.
Bebe’s Kids can be seen as an example of systematic racism.
I haven’t seen Westworld, but the robotic guards remind me of the Simpsons’ Itchy and Scratchy Land.
Robin’s outfit makes me think of Jaq from Cinderella.
Pros
- Hilarious scenes.
- The song “he ain’t havin’ it” when the kids (except Leon) begin their attack.
- Faizon Love is a goddamn king at comedy.
- The trial scene is a great narrative of how poorly treated minorities are.
Cons
- Some of the humor’s dated, but not all of it. Toilet humor is also thrown in as well unfortunately.
- Animation is not very good for the early 90s.
- Somewhat dated, mostly due to the slang.
Rating: 6.5/10 – Decent
It’s a good animated movie from the early 1990s, and in my eyes a purely chaotic comedy movie that holds up well after 30+ years.
Obviously no where near as good as early 90s Disney, but that’s just a different league. Bebe’s Kids don’t die, they multiply.
One response to “Bebe’s Kids”
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First time I’ve heard of Bebe’s Kids was Nostalgia Critic’s review. I’ll write a review on it if I don’t have nothing on my plate. Anyway, I got some picks you in case you wanna gain more subscribers. Here’s some of my all-time favorite comedies from the ’90s. Clerks, Mallrats, Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, The Waterboy, Half Baked, Dogma & Galaxy Quest.
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