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I feel like putting in a cross-post, so I will. I love the Monkees, always have, always will. I was a kid when they came out, and was glued to the set every Monday night. Thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread. While in college, I used to be on the campus radio station, and at that time, you could still program your own music. It was a cross between Carole King, the Monkees, Michael Nesmith and the First National Band, and all the elements that made up the 60's music I grew up with. I still have all the original albums! Anyway, my 7 1/2 year old son is now watching the Naked Brothers Band on Nickelodeon. I admit, it's not as zany as the Monkees, but there is something there that truly reminds me of the show. Maybe it's the innocence, the way the kids act, I don't know. But I really don't mind watching it with my son. The kids are just kids, there's nothing mean or nasty about the things they do, and it reminds me of a more fun time in life. If you have a 1/2 hour, check it out.

Yes, I'm a grownup, and yes, I monitor what my 7 1/2 year old watches. He is IN LOVE with the Naked Brothers Band. He knows it's not reality. On the other hand, I remember watching the Monkees, way back when, as a kid of about his age. I thought it could be real, these 4 guys who "really played" their instruments, lived in this great house, and had all sorts of adventures. They always ended up either running after or from something, fighting a villain, or falling in love. Usually all three! The Naked Brothers Band isn't about acting, it's about the kids. Nat and Rosalina, Jesse and Alex, the rest of the group. Dad is goofy, but not made fun of. I like that. There's enough slick programming for kids out there that use product placement, mean comments, cloaked prejudice and/or racism, and all sorts of other stuff. This is just what it is. Funny, clean, and geared for the 7-14 age group. It ain't rocket science. But who's looking for that on a Saturday night? I know that there are a lot of people out there trashing the Naked Brothers Band, you won't find that in our house!

Actually, when interviewed about this movie, Mel Brooks said it was an homage to Jack Benny. And if you look, the Bronskis live on Kubelsky Street, Benny Kubelsky is Jack Benny's real name. There are many other touches that also show Brooks' love for the original. Anne Bancroft is a true treat. Her comedic talents shine, she was truly a rare actress, and will be missed.

It was well done, with Mel Brooksian flair, and respectful of the original. I won't add comments about the acting, there are so many pros and cons at this point, one more won't make a difference. But if you have some free time, see BOTH of the movies. It's not sacrilege to like them both.