Does anyone remember when children's entertainment (TV shows and films) were more than just contrived, over-wrought, unfunny, irritating, obnoxious, hyperactive shitshows?
I definitely do. I can't watch the Disney Channel when I babysit without feeling my skin crawl. Every movie and show they crank out has the same plot, unfunny punchlines, brain-dead parents and adults and morbidly unrealistic high/middle school situations of each of its predecessors.
Children's films used to move slower. They weren't all about bathroom humor. They weren't all paced by standards of a speed addict. There was more depth, space and sense of place. They felt like LIVE ACTION FILMS, only better.
Everything has seemingly turned to pure junk food, sugary and sappy, with low-cal entertainment, cheap materials and a trashy wrapping. Children aren't left any room to absorb and think, they're force fed. There's nothing left for parents or older viewers to find funny.
Even the new Princess and the Frog hand-drawn film Disney is going for does not look all that impressive.