Recess: School's Out

The bad guy in Recess: School's Out is a megalomaniacal ex-elementary school principal (voiced by James Woods--one of Hollywood's greatest scenery-chewers) who is determined to do away with summer vacations by altering the orbit of the moon so that there's no more summer. Woods' oily antagonist is by far the most amusing thing in this latest in a seemingly endless glut of cheaply animated TV 'toons cashing in on the purchase power of kids. But at least this one shows a little ambition in its outlandish plot, as the neighborhood kids from this ABC Saturday morning cartoon sneak out of summer camp to save the day. Nothing special, but the little screen popularity, Disney brand name, and sell-through price make this a strong optional purchase. (R. Blackwelder)