Madam President

Based on popular writer/illustrator Lane Smith's titular children's book, the animated Madam President is like a whimsical PowerPoint oral report brought to life, as a young girl takes viewers through a day in the life of a female chief executive. Naturally, the first order of business is waffles, followed by a daily brief featuring input from the President's cabinet members—including both usual (Secretary of Transportation) and unusual (Secretary of Pizza) posts. Flanked by Secret Service critters, Madam President smoothes over differences (and hands out miniature flags wherever she goes), holds a press conference (“no comment”), uses the presidential prerogative of the “veto” (repeatedly), and shares with viewers a slightly revised version of “Hail to the Chief” (with lyrics including “hail to the chief and her rad administration”). At the end of the day, however, the most powerful woman on the planet ends up responsibly cleaning her own room. Directed by Pete List, ably narrated by Anna Chiodo, and featuring a rockin' soundtrack by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds, the cool-looking Madam President (with cutout-style CGI animation) is a winner. DVD extras include an interview with Smith, and a read-along option. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)