Kids Black
Jul/090
Something I Said - Bebe's Kids
Something I Said - Bebe's Kids
Dwight Hobbes
Insight News archives
A classic that missed out on making it to DVD, Bebe's Kids never quite got to enjoy much press, certainly not the sort of splash coverage Disney's p.r. muscle, for instance, orchestrated for Alladin, Pochahontas or The Lion King. Nor was it met with a world of praise or, really, much attention at all, from mainstream critics. It simply didn't have a big studio budget behind the scenes. Which meant not having merchandising tie-ins to McBurger Thing to shove it down young throats. All it really had going for it, aside its already catchy title was the fact that it's a fine piece of laugh-loaded, surprisingly thoughtful animated viewing that kids and grown-ups both could sit down and have a ball watching.
Based on characters created by comic genius Robin Harris, Bebe's Kids is a warmhearted, irreverent tour de force of bone-dry wit with several sterling earmarks of quality. Reginald Hudlin's writing is tight, Bruce W. Smith's directing is well paced and the whole experience is chock full of wry humor with a simple storyline and a positive message: the caring difference men can make in the lives of daddy-less children is vitally important. Of course, sometimes it calls for a great deal of patience and a strong store of understanding (these young 'uns, here, are a handful and a half) but the result is way worth it.
The plot deftly includes a priceless subtext, inventively championing the appreciation of cultural diversity without resorting to stale or stilted rhetoric. The dialogue's flavor, snappy and authentic, smacks of black urban homes everywhere, killers lines delivered with hilariously glum deadpan. For example: "I'll smack all the black off you; "You mama's so fat, she's on both sides of the family" and "Go 'head, beat him like he owe you money". Those particular throwaway lines are beautifully executed by Faizon Love, who so faithfully reads Harris' style for the protagonist "Robin", complete with swiss-clock timing, you'd swear it was Harris, himself come back from the grave. The supporting cast of voices features some of the finest professionals in the business - Vanessa Bell Calloway (What's Love Got To Do With It, The Inkwell), stage, television and film veteran Moses Gun, television star Nell Carter, comedian Louie Anderson, master impressionist Rich Little and an hysterically on-target personification by rapper Tone Lōc, laid back and laconic as smallest and smelliest Bebe kid "Pee Wee", who travels with a compliment of flies circling his diaper. Providing the flawless musical backdrop is a hook-strewn, in-the-cut soundtrack with new numbers by, among others, The Ojays and The Emotions. Some of the off-the-cuff language is slightly salty, but 11 kids out of 10 have regularly heard bluer expletives come out of their parents' mouths long before they watched Bebe's Kids so it's not going to warp any young mind. Also, the curvy character Vanessa Bell Calloway voices, "Jamika", is drawn hot as a sunburn (not much unlike the actor, herself), but, again, youngster see more provocatively protruding posteriors (say that five times fast) on Beyoncé videos.
The story is straightforward. "Robin", trying to romance "Jamika", takes her, her son and her friend Bebe's trio of menacing minors to Funworld, where, naturally, all pandemonium breaks loose as these little kids can't behave to save their lives and every time they turn around find something else to get into. Before he can accomplish his libidinous ends, to which baby-sitting the brats is the means, he comes to learn bad kids don't get that way by themselves and to appreciate that, deep down, they ain't necessarily bad, especially if they're paid attention instead of palmed off someone or parked unattended in a hovel. Bebe's Kids makes its point without preaching. It merely tells it like it is, reflecting on the simple, human solution to what still is today a pressing social problem. And, in the process of getting the message across this movie-viewing gem delightfully strikes one uproarious chord after another.
Too bad it's out of print and never made it to DVD, because Bebe's Kids is the quality of family oriented film-making that deserved to be around for a long, long time.
--
About the Author
Coming: "Angels Don't Really Fly" EP by Dwight Hobbes & The All-Star Hired Guns featuring Alicia Wiley. The crew: Me, Alicia Wiley, Stanley Kipper, Chico Perez, Jeff "Boday" Christensen, Aaron "Orange A.C." Cosgrove and Yohannes Tona. Singer-songwriter Dwight Hobbes recorded the single "Atlanta Children" (BeatBad Records) and gigged 10 years in the Long Island/NYC area, including The Other End, Kenny's Castaways and My Fathers Place. Fronted the Boston blues band Midlight. In Minneapolis, Hobbes opened for David Daniels at First Street Entry, James Curry at Terminal Bar, sat in with Yohannes Tona, Alicia Wiley at Sol Testimony's Soul Jam, The New Congress at Babalu, Willie Murphy at the Viking Bar and Wain McFarlane & Jahz at Lucille's Kitchen. Dwight Hobbes still drops in at the occasional open mic around town. Dwight Hobbes has written for ESSENCE, Reader's Digest, Washington Post, Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, City Pages, Mpls/St. Paul, MN Law & Politics, Pulse of the Twin Cities, Twin Cities Daily Planet, Women & Word, San Diego Union-Tribune, The Circle, to Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (where he contributes the commentary columns Hobbes In The House and Something I Said. He's spoken his mind over National Public Radio, Minnesota Public Radio and KMOJ in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Was regularly featured as guest commentator on NewsNight Minnesota (KTCA-Minneapolis/St. Paul) and Spectator (Minneapolis Television Network). His monthly column "Hobbes In The House" in MN Spokesman Recorder comments on domestic abuse and rape. His plays are Shelter - produced at Mixed Blood Theatre by Pangea World Theater, Dues - produced by Mixed Blood Theatre, University of Southern Illinois in Point of Revue, selected for Bedlam Theatre's 10-Minute Play Festival and published by Playscripts, Inc. You Can't Always Sometimes Never Tell - produced by Theater Center Philadelphia, Long Island University, reading at The Kennedy Center and published in the anthology CENTER STAGE, In the Midst - produced by Long Island University, starring Samuel E. Wright. Hobbes spoke on the panel "Farewell To August Wilson" at the Guthrie Theater, broadcast on Conversations With Al McFarlane (KFAI, KMOJ).
The Adolescents- Kids Of The Black Hole
 |
 Brand New Firefly Black GlowPhone GSM Unlocked Great for Kids $32.99 Time Remaining: 26d 18h 1m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 Buy It Now |
 Baltimore Ravens 20 Ed Reed Black NFL Kids Boys Jersey Size XL Reebok $13.99 Time Remaining: 1h 35m Buy It Now for only: $15.39 Buy It Now |
 Nike Air Jordan Kids Shoes Size 45 45Y Gray Black Red White Very Nice $15.34 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 13h 27m |
 NEW 5PC SET KIDS BOY BLACK TUXEDO CHILDREN FORMAL SUIT $25.34 Time Remaining: 10d 1h 17m Buy It Now for only: $25.34 Buy It Now |
 Retro Air Jordan xiii 13s Kids Youth Size 55y 55 package Deadstock $81.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 20m |
 Spider Man Projector Electronic Digital Wrist Kids Watch $3.99 Time Remaining: 19d 21h 1m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now |
 DESTIRA Gymnastics Dance Black Turquoise LEOTARD Child L $7.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 17h 53m |
 4x Black Suns Zenith MTG Mirrodin Besieged MBS MINT Kid Icarus $3.76 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 15h 59m |
 GARY CARTER MEMORIAL NEW YORK METS SLEEVE Jersey Black 8 KID LOGO PATCH 2012 $12.95 Time Remaining: 23d 11h 13m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 Buy It Now |
 NOS VINTAGE VANS COLLECTIBLE or SOUVENIOR KIDS 15 OFF THE WALL PIRATES BLK WHT $29.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 17h 8m |
 Kent Razor V 17 Child Multi Sport Helmet Black Gloss $17.99 Time Remaining: 9d 18h 20m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 Buy It Now |
 Nike Boys Toddler Baby Sandals Flip Flop Black Kids Sunray Size 7 White Swoosh $5.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 11h 11m |
 Boys Girls UnderArmour Flip Flops Kids Size 6 EUC $11.05 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 18m |
 Disney Mickey Mouse Children Kids Black Fashion Leather Wrist Watch Wristwatch $3.87 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 3m Buy It Now for only: $3.87 Buy It Now |
 MACKENZIE CHILDS COURTLY CHECK ENAMEL BLACK WHITE PET DOG CAT BOWLS BOWL SET 2 $29.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 14h 48m |
 Kids Children X Loop Sport Sunglasses Boys Ages 3 12 New $5.95 Time Remaining: 24d 14h 47m Buy It Now for only: $5.95 Buy It Now |
 Batman throw blanket Gotham City afghan superheroes Blue Black boys kids spread $2.95 Time Remaining: 13h 47m |
 Childs Swimming Hat Fabric Swim Cap Blue Red Black $2.37 Time Remaining: 25d 5h 51m Buy It Now for only: $2.37 Buy It Now |
 US Kids Golf Clubs Set of 3 Clubs with Bag Black and Pink $31.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 34m |
 NIB UGG AUSTRALIA DAKOTA KID SLIPPER SHOE SIZE 1 BLACK $64.99 Time Remaining: 2h 9m Buy It Now for only: $74.99 Buy It Now |
 Rovio Red ANGRY BIRDS Trifold Wallet Boys Kids Teenager Black Gifts NWT $11.95 Time Remaining: 9d 13h 51m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 Buy It Now |
 GK Child Medium Leotard Long Sleeve Black with silver sparkle purple accents $4.99 Time Remaining: 9h 20m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 Buy It Now |
 DAMASK BLACK WHITE CHILDREN KID GIRL WALL PAPER BORDER $18.99 Time Remaining: 24d 18h 14m Buy It Now for only: $18.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW KIDS Pastry Vanessa Angela Simmons Glam Pie Hi Vulc Black Current Size 7 $18.00 Time Remaining: 2h 29m Buy It Now for only: $21.00 Buy It Now |
 Nabi kids tablet Nabi 4GB Wi Fi 7in Nabi Kids Tablet in Box $71.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 36m |
 Cute 3D Cars Silicone Black Strap Wrist Watch Children Kids Boys Fashion Gift $3.12 Time Remaining: 19h 54m Buy It Now for only: $3.12 Buy It Now |
 Lucky Brand Love Child Black Bandeau Tie Dye Tankini Swimsuit M Medium NWT NEW $41.00 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 18h 22m |
 Wrist Support w Splint Carpal Tunnel Brace Adult Kids 9 Sizes L or R $6.00 Time Remaining: 3d 7h 48m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 Buy It Now |
 BOYS Youth Kids DC COURT GRAFFIK SE BLACK SUEDE SKATEBOARD SKATE GYM SHOES 3 $12.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 6h 7m |
 Vtg 80s Blk Bandage Bodycon Lace Up Deep V Cage Grunge Club Kids Mini Dress S M $21.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 19h 39m |
 Boys Sun Hat Kids Black Cotton Reversible Beanie Hat 23456789yrs $6.30 Time Remaining: 9d 9h 4m Buy It Now for only: $6.30 Buy It Now |
 JAMAICA 1923 Child Welfare 2 1 2d Black Blue lhm $5.00 Time Remaining: 33m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 Buy It Now |
 Kids Black Boots Child Halloween Costume Size 3 $32.99 Time Remaining: 18d 8h 58m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 Buy It Now |
 RIGHT KIND OF LOVE 2 CDS TONI CHILDSBLACK SORROWSENIGMA GENESIS $2.82 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 56m |
 NEW Outdoor Research Kids Rocky Mtn Low Gaiters Black S M $15.00 Time Remaining: 29d 11h 43m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 Buy It Now |
 COLE by sweet kids BOYS SUIT SIZE10 COLORBLACK PRE OWNED $33.99 Time Remaining: 21h 3m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 Kids ADIDAS Digital Watch Black Rubber Band Chronograph $24.99 Time Remaining: 1h 53m Buy It Now for only: $27.99 Buy It Now |
 1pcs New Nice Cute HelloKitty Girls Kids Quartz Wrist Watch lady Children gift $2.69 Time Remaining: 25d 20h 41m Buy It Now for only: $2.69 Buy It Now |
 NIB NIKE KIDS FUSION ST 2 TD TODDLER BOY ATHLETIC SHOES SIZE 10 C $24.99 Time Remaining: 17h 15m Buy It Now for only: $27.98 Buy It Now |
 NEW BLACK WHITE BOYS FORMAL SUIT TIE KIDS TUXEDO SET $20.30 Time Remaining: 22d 4h 42m Buy It Now for only: $20.30 Buy It Now |
 CAST IRON BLACK BOY ALLIGATOR BLACK CHILD USED $19.00 Time Remaining: 6h 48m |
 African American black art STILL WATERS kids playing in puddle $6.95 Time Remaining: 3h 50m |
 DG Kids Sunglasses Ages 3 12 New Girls Childrens Fashion $5.95 Time Remaining: 24d 14h 15m Buy It Now for only: $5.95 Buy It Now |
 VERA BRADLEY CLASSIC BLACK ORGANIZER GREAT BAG FOR A CHILDS BAG $18.99 Time Remaining: 3h 5m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 Buy It Now |
 Black Hot Racer Kids Electric Power Ride On Car MP3 RC Remote Sport Wheels $159.00 Time Remaining: 26d 8m Buy It Now for only: $159.00 Buy It Now |
 JR WHITE KID FISHING BOY YARD ART STATUE AND HAT BLACK LAWN JOCKEY BUDDY $34.99 Time Remaining: 2h 53m Buy It Now for only: $38.99 Buy It Now |
 African American black art GOD BLESS THIS CHILD $6.95 Time Remaining: 3h 53m |
 New Dexter Kids Youth Tribe II Jr Black Yellow Bowling Shoes Size 4 5 6 $29.99 Time Remaining: 20d 13h 55m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 WOMENS OR KIDS NIKE Air Max 2011 Black Red RUNNING WORKOUT SHOES Sz75 026 $73.00 (37 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 24m |
 Cool Spiderman Projector Electronic Digital Wrist Watch for Kids Black $4.50 Time Remaining: 20d 17h 22m Buy It Now for only: $4.50 Buy It Now |
 Vtg 80s Blk Stretch High Waist Club Kids Snap Cuffs Skinny Jeans Pants S M $29.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 19h 31m |
 Necessary Objects Girls 7-16 Tiered Skirt,Black,Medium Sale Price: $38.00  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Descriptiondress up in the cutest skirt from necessary objects.  |
 PUMA Tazon 4 Fashion Sneaker (Little Kid/Big Kid),Black/Black/Dark Shadow,6 M US Big Kid List Price: Sale Price: $48.62 You save: $4.38 (8%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionKeep your feet in motion while showing off a crisp and clean design. Streamlined running shoe features a synthetic leather upper. Perforations offer breathability to keep excellent air flow. Metallic formstripe at the sides for a flashy, iconic look... |
 Peltor 97070 Junior Earmuff, Black List Price: Sale Price: $13.61 You save: $6.38 (32%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPassive Hearing Protectors Junior Earmuff Black (NRR 22dB), Designed and sized specifically for youth and smaller adults, especially women. Smaller Size. Low profile ear cups with liquid-foam filled cushions are comfortable over extended periods of wear... |
 Partie Traumatic Sale Price: $7.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product |
 Black Beauty List Price: Sale Price: $4.99 You save: $0.99 (17%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDon't waste this one on your children: buy it for yourself. A spectacular adaptation of the Anna Sewell novel, this is faithful to the source material but creates a life of its own on the screen. Told from the point of view of the horse, it recalls a time and a place that could be both beautiful and cruel... |
 Sony Mdr-222Kd/Blk Childrens Headphones (Black) List Price: Sale Price: $9.99 You save: $5.00 (33%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSized for children over 8 years of age --- Most headphones don't fit children comfortably. The MDR-222KD headphones were designed with a child's head in mind. This allows the child to comfortably wear the headphones without strain that full sized headphones might cause as well as fit that eliminates the need to constantly adjust the headphones... |
 Hannah Montana Kids' HHM404 Pink and Black Cuff Strap LCD Watch List Price: Sale Price: $4.99 You save: $5.00 (50%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product |
 "Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?": A Psychologist Explains the Development of Racial Identity List Price: Sale Price: $11.48 You save: $4.47 (28%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAnyone who's been to a high school or college has noted how students of the same race seem to stick together. Beverly Daniel Tatum has noticed it too, and she doesn't think it's so bad. As she explains in this provocative, though not-altogether-convincing book, these students are in the process of establishing and affirming their racial identity... |
 Sunshine Kids Stow 'N Go Car Seatback Organizer, Black Sale Price: $9.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionKeeps everything organized and easy to find when you need it. Our seatback Sto and Go organizer does it all with seven full-sized pockets and two drink holders in a washable, waterproof fabric. The top fastens around any head rest while the bottom fastens around the seat for a secure fit... |
 Timex Kids' T79051 My First Outdoor Black Fast Wrap Watch List Price: Sale Price: $14.99 You save: $4.96 (25%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe Kids' My First Outdoor Black Fast Wrap Watch by Timex is the perfect starter watch for your child. Its sturdy black canvas children's-length band attaches with easy-to-fasten Velcro. Featuring analog-quartz movement and stationary bezel around the handsome, round stainless-steel case, the watch has a white dial with black numerals, black hour and minute hands, a silver-toned second hand and an Indiglo night light... |