The Simpsons

“The Simpsons “ is a funny television for adults and children. It has some very funny characters, such as Homer and Bart. It’s funny that everybody’s skin is yellow. Homer is a lazy dad of three and all he does is think of food. Bart is a con artist who constantly pranks his principal, Principal Skinner. Other characters in the Simpson family are Marge, Lisa, and Maggie, Santa’s Little Helper their dog and Snowball their cat. There are other funny characters too such as Krusty the Clown, Chief Wigam Apu, Comic Man and Granddad.

There have been many successful series of the Simpsons and I and I’m sure millions of others would give the Springfield lot ten out of ten. It gives me twenty-five minutes of television joy everyday. Doh!

Review by Emmet

Xiaolin Showdown

Xiaolin Showdown is an excellent tale about the battle between good and evil. It takes many twists and turns as four children embark on the journey to collect the ancient Sheng Gong Woo. The first child is Omi, a fairly small child. Originally an orphan, Omi is now being brought up in the peaceful lifestyle of the Xiaolin monks. As peaceful as they are, he must undergo a very strict training regime. Omi has a huge head, both mentally and physically and since he hasn’t ever been introduced to slang, he constantly jumbles up phrases.

As Omi trains hard in the Xiaolin temple, Master Fung (the head of the Xiaolin monks) has some very shocking news for Omi. Omi had always believed that he would be the singular apprentice of Master Fung but this was all about to change because three other children are about to join him at the Xiaolin temple. Their names are Ramundo, Clay and Kimico. Ramundo is Brazilian and a babe magnet or so he thinks. His hobbies include tricking (pranking) his fellow monks and he is a master at getting on people’s nerves. Then, there is Kimoco, a stereotypical child from Japan with all the latest gadgets. Her hobbies include talking to her friends on her cell phone (as she likes to call it) and she loves hair care and makeup products. Lastly, we come to Clay. He is big for his age and also has a very big stomach. He’s not really up to date with the latest gadgets, he considers himself to be a cowboy. His hobbies include bull riding and defending his most prized possession, his cowboy hat. They each have their own elements. Omi can conjure the element of water. Ramundo can summon great storms, Kimico can burn her enemies with fire and Clay can use the earth crush his enemies.

Enough about the good side, let’s go to the bad side. The main evil in the story comes from Woo Ya, an ancient sorceress; she intends to bring about the destruction of the world. She cannot fulfill this dream because she is restricted to her feeble ghost form. So she constantly relies on Jack Spicer. They constantly disagree because Jack likes to come in with fancy theme music and practice his diabolical laugh. On the other hand, Woo Ya is all down to business. The good guys must stop Woo Ya before she collects all the Sheng Gong Woo and puts the world into eternal darkness.

Xiaolin Showdown is a very good cartoon and is well worth a watch. I would recommend it for all age groups. It is broadcast on Toonami, Cartoon Network (satellite channels) and TG4 (TG4 version in Irish).

Review by Kieran O’Neill (6^th class)

Malcolm in the Middle

Malcolm in the Middle is about a clever boy trying to cope with a dysfunctional family. Malcolm has four brothers, two older, two younger. His older brothers are called Francis and Reese. His younger brothers are called Dewy and Jamie. When Francis was younger he was a troublemaker, and was sent to military school, later traveling. Reese has assumed Francis’ role, but can be surprisingly emotional. Malcolm is the middle child (hence the name). Dewy is the next youngest child who, like Malcolm, is also surprisingly intelligent, but in more artistic ways. Malcolm is very mothered by the mother of the family, unlike Dewy. Jamie is the youngest child and is a baby.

Malcolm in the Middle is an exceptionally funny program and can be seen on Monday nights on TV3 at eight o’clock.

Jack Jackman (6^th Class)

Spongebob Squarepants

Spongebob Squarepants is a yellow sponge that lives in a pineapple under the sea along with his pet snail Gary. His neighbours and friends include Patrick Star, a starfish Squidward Tentacles, a squid and Sandy Boots, a squirrel.

Although Spongebob likes Squidward and thinks that Squidward likes him, he is mistaken. Spongebob’s best friend Patrick Star lives two doors down from him under a rock. Spongebob works at the Krusty Krab for Mr. Krabs who is obsessed with money. Spongebob specializes in making “Krabbie Pattie” burgers. He loves his job and wakes up every morning looking forward to going to work. Squidward hates his job, because he works with Spongebob. Plankton is Spongebob’s arch-enemy, because he disturbs his work and also because he tries to steal the Krabbie Pattie recipe which is exclusive to the Krusty Krab. Plankton’ restaurant The Chum Bucket is put out of business week after week.

I think this is a good cartoon that keeps the viewer entertained. It is exceptionally funny with plenty of comic episodes for all age groups. The animation is also first rate. I rate it 9/10, but to have a look yourself. Go to Nickelodeon on weekdays. For Spongebob as Gaeilge, tune in to TG4 weekdays at 5:25 pm. You can also catch Spongebob’s great new film at all good video stores.

Review by Conor Mc.Guire(6^th class)