Recess: All Growed Down (December 9, 2003)

This is a direct-to-video animated film based on the tv show Recess. It is a compilation of the episodes "The Legend of Big Kid", "Wild Child", and "The Kindergarten Derby" (told as stories by the gang to the kindergartners after getting captured). It was released simultaneously with another direct to video Recess film, Recess: Taking the Fifth Grade. The first episode follows T.J. and how he became one with the kindergarteners when he was captured by them, earning their admiration and respect. The second tells of a time when T.J and the gang became Peewee Pals with some of the kindergarteners mentoring them by sharing their interests. The last episode centers on “the kindergarten derby” a race organized by the big kids where the little kids are forced to run while the others bet on them. After these tales fail to convince the current leader of the kindergarteners, “Chief Stinky” to let the gang go Gus spins an imaginary tale of when he was a kindergartener, and a wild child at that. This is what finally convinces the rest of the Kindergarteners to stand up to Chief Stinky and the gang are released. This is an example of a well-done compilation where every episode follows a common theme thus making sense together. The stories themselves are entertaining, though kindergarteners that act tribal is a bit of an interesting choice that does not quite sit right with me. Of the three direct-to-video compilation films, this is certainly the best providing a unique perspective on the Recess gang.

Final Rating: 5.5/10