Computer Warriors

Most of the elements which are found in cartoon shows with licensed characters are present in this half-hour pilot episode from computer animation whiz kids Kroyer Films: the characters are trademarks (of Mattel Toys), commercial sponsorship figures largely in the program (in this case a huge Pepsi can), and the plot line incorporates a simple good guy vs. bad guy philosophy which allows the series to continue without any real need for originality until the primary market grows weary with the toys and switches allegiance to the next offering. In a nutshell, four good "computer warriors" chase and fight (but never quite defeat) four bad computer viruses. On the plus side, the computer animated chase sequences across the internal circuitry of the computer are quite good and reminiscent of Disney's Tron (which Kroyer also worked on). On the minus side, the dialogue is liberally peppered with computer buzzwords that are liable to zoom over the heads of most children (and most adults). The tape concludes with a brief behind the scenes look at computer animation set to a rap song. Not a necessary purchase. (Available from most distributors.)