Rockin' with Judy Jetson

Coming from somebody who grew up on Hanna-Barbera and still loves most of their output, 'The Jetsons' is still very hard not to like. It still is funny, charming and has an intriguing premise that it makes great use of.

'Rockin' With Judy Jetson' is good nostalgic fun. It is one of the better films in the "Hanna-Barbera Superstar 10" series, a series of a collection of specials/films made during the late 80s featuring Hanna-Barbera stars like Scooby Doo, Yogi Bear, The Flintstones, The Jetsons and Huckleberry Hound. None of them are great or masterpieces, but none are bad, 'Yogi's Great Escape' is perhaps the weakest (found the Scooby Doo films better than reputed though still problematic) but was still an average effort.

Sure, 'Rockin' With Judy Jetson' is not in the same league as the show, none of the films in the "Superstar 10" series based on these characters are. It is however still very charming and entertaining and has an appealing nostalgic element. Jane has very little to do, which is a shame, and not everything in the story comes together quite as it should, with a few logic lapses and not quite making sense. Personally thought that although reasonably pleasant the songs were on the forgettable side, at least though they weren't pointless.

On the other hand, the animation is well above average, pretty good actually and one of the better-looking films in the "Superstars 10" series. The imaginative setting and intriguing premise helps, while the colours are vibrant and the backgrounds meticulously detailed. The characters are not too rough-looking either. The soundtrack has some groovy moments.

Luckily, 'Rockin' With Judy Jetson' has enough amusing moments to satisfy and a lot of it is irresistibly charming, with some nice conflict that doesn't muddle the story. The pace is bright and breezy, the story is appealing mostly and other than the under-using of Jane all the characters make a positive impression.

As do the terrific voice cast who do justice to their characters with aplomb. The messaging is also very admirable.

In summary, charming, entertaining and nostalgic. Worth catching. 7/10 Bethany Cox