Attached to the release of NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS is a nice surprise for animation fans. Walt Disney Pictures is theatrically releasing a new 2D Goofy short inspired by the classic "How To" shorts from the Golden Age of animation. Frustrated with his puny set, Goofy heads out the Shiny Things mega store to hook himself up with a gigantic home theater system. But as often happens to Goofy, his big plans to watch the big game on a nice new TV don't turn out as planned.
Capturing a classic retro feel, HOW TO HOOK UP YOUR HOME THEATER is a funny confection that is full of joy. Directors Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers bring the same vibe and style to this short that made the series so beloved. Despite a few recycled gags, many of the jokes take poignant pokes at our obsession with bigger and better gadgets. The animators breathe life into our favorite clumsy canine with an understanding of who the character has always been. It's Goofy's enthusiasm that makes us love him not his skill. With several more animated shorts in the pipeline at Disney, this short is a promising start to a new era at the studio, as well as the future of 2D animation.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
