The evolution of Rock Baker's Cartoon Cuties is breathtaking, moving from a comic-book format to a prose volume and now into amazing, motion (C.B. International/Indellitoon) cartoon shorts.
Mark Holmes (a fine chap who I've mentioned in previous posts in relation to Femforce and Joshua Kennedy's movies) is responsible for the technical aspects of these clever, musical slide shows (presented, by the way, in spiffy "Static-Mation" and "Indellicolor"). And each Holmes-spun entry is a genuine, Baker concoction, elevated by the pin-up king's peppy artwork and humble storytelling. At the moment, there are seventeen, collaborative efforts completed, with more in the pipeline.
The cartoons run up to three minutes in length: easy to digest, but at the same time, so darn appealing that one can't help but demand more.
As expected, the cartoons' content spotlights Baker's stand-out Annies: Crissy Carrots (the franchise's mega star), Minevra Mallen (my foremost fave); the buxom Baxter Twins (Jeannie and Beverly); delightful Daisy Poise; tantalizing Trixie; yummy Yvette Pond; mesmerizing Misty Carter; cuddly Candy Sweeth; captivating Carole Corday; sultry Simone Grace; and that hot, new Creek Bend Cutie, Mala Winston. The always identifiable Roger Ralphwitt grants the gals his warm and appreciative assistance.
It would be wrong of me to give away too much of the plots. However (if only for the sake of enticement), the stories include a cake-delivery mishap; a squirrel on the loose; a bear-clawed picnic; housework gone mad; talent-show buffoonery; a possible, alien invasion; and enough calamitous, movie mishaps to make Lucille Ball blush with envy. Naturally, there are ample, amorous hi jinks woven throughout to increase the Cutie caliber and a heap of tenderness tiered on top. (For the record, "The Family Way" is one of the most touching tales I've ever encountered.)
To underscore the scenarios, Holmes' musical insertions abet the pacing, much as do well crafted scores for the best silent movies. Such gives each experience the perfect, melodramatic essence to ensure one's emotional investment.
Make no mistake: Baker and Holmes' team-ups are presently in experimental mode, acting as hearty groundwork for what might someday become a series of full-fledged, traditional animation shorts. Still, what exists will satisfy all Annie fans and no doubt earn Baker and Holmes a swarm of additional admirers.
One would be wise to give these sweet and endearing shorts a spin. A smile on one's face and jubilation in one's heart are assured:
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