CARTOON FAMILIES WE LOVE
The Moomins are up there as one of the nation’s favourite cartoon families. In the upcoming film, Moomins on the Riviera, we are reminded why the world originally fell in love with the whimsical comic back in 1954. To celebrate the Moomin family, let us take a look at some of our other favourite cartoon families, including The Flintstones, The Simpsons, The Griffins (Family Guy), The Incredibles and The Jetsons.
THE FLINTSTONES
Set in Bedrock during the Stone Ages, The Flintstones, first aired in 1960. Audiences quickly fell in love with accident-prone Fred, loving wife Wilma, and their best friends, the Rubbles. These working class families faced all the same challenges families do today, with the slight complication of coexisting with dinosaurs, saber-toothed cats, and woolly mammoths. The Flintstones and the Rubbles, became the stars of the longest running prime time animated series in the United States. They appeared on television until 1966 and inspired other TV programs, films, and other media, securing their place in cartoon history.
THE SIMPSONS
In 1997, The Simpsons surpassed The Flintstones as the longest running animated series. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie are undoubtedly the most iconic cartoon family in history. The Simpsons is a satirical depiction of a middle class American lifestyle and pokes fun at everything from the entertainment industry to politics. Many of the character’s catchphrases have entered popular culture and have even appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary (D’oh!). The Simpsons changed the widely held idea that cartoons were for children and paved the way for many other adult-targeted animated shows.
THE GRIFFINS (FAMILY GUY)
Family Guy first aired in 1999, capitalizing on the growing adult animated sitcom market. The Griffins are the dysfunctional family of Peter, Lois, Meg, Chris, Stewie, and Brian. Throughout their long run on television, the Griffins have captivated audiences with their slap-stick and sometimes controversial humour. Stewie’s desire for world domination, Meg and Chris’s constant struggle to fit in, Peter’s bumbling personality, and Lois’ desperate attempts to hold the family together reminds families of their own, slightly crazy family. Family Guy has garnered many awards and critical acclaim.
THE INCREDIBLES
Fifteen years after Mr. Incredible and his wife, Elastigirl, are forced to stop their crime-fighting ways and live in suburbia they and their family are drawn into a battle against Syndrome. In their fight for justice, the difficult relationship between children and parents, as well as husband and wife are explored. Violet struggles to feel understood while Dash’s reckless and impulsive behaviour causes frustration for his parents. Meanwhile, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl try to improve their own relationship. Through it all, the Incredibles are able to come together as a family and defeat Syndrome.
THE JETSONS
Set in a futuristic utopia, The Jetsons live in a world of robotic contraptions and fanciful inventions. George, Jane, Judy, and Elroy Jetson depict the leisurely lifestyle of the future. Despite their robotic conveniences, the family constantly complains of their difficulties. The Jetsons charmed audiences with their silly, quirky behaviours and aired for three seasons. In 1986, the iconic theme song became a pop hit. Following its primetime run, The Jetsons aired on Saturday mornings entertaining decades of viewers.
THE MOOMINS
The Moomins are a family of white, roundish fairy tale characters that vaguely resemble hippos. In the home in Moominvalley, the Moomins experience a number of adventures. Momminpappa, Moominmamma, and Mommintroll are a carefree, exploratory family. The “Moomin Boom” started in the 90’s as the 104-part animated series, Tales from Moominvalley were produced. Audiences fell in love with the unusual characters and their curious ways. The Moomin family’s adventures continue in Moomins on the Riviera.
MOOMINS ON THE RIVIERA IS COMING TO UK CINEMAS 22 MAY
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