The Adventures of Dr. Jenny: Jumpin' in the Jungle

Although I generally cringe like a whipped cur when removing the shrinkwrap from a new children's live action music video--too often filled with kids who act like they've just visited a meth lab, singing lyrics that would turn Tony Orlando and Dawn's collective tummies--The Adventures of Dr. Jenny is a genuine winner. Veterinarian Dr. Jenny, along with a multicultural kid crew, explores common themes in uncommon ways in the eight songs presented here, which include "Bad Hair" (a humorously literal rendering of the popular catchphrase), "What Time Is It? (in which a macaw thinks it's a pig), and "Take Me Home" (a heartstring-tugging visit to an animal shelter). Using various film speeds, forwards and reverses, and superimposed images, the filmmakers keep the action moving at a swift clip, and while there are a few low-key generic religious references to "God's creatures" and "guardian angels," most of the program is simply secular goofball antics with a touch of true heart. Highly recommended. Aud: K, P. (R. Pitman)