The Groovenians (2002 TV Short) User Reviews

A parody cartoon pilot... I still don't enjoy it much though.

[ZetTheLegendaryHero · 4/10 · 12 June 2017]

This pilot is just boring.

Normally I would give a summary of either the pilot or go into detail about the series, but this pilot gives me a headache. So I'll just say the characters are unlikable and the plot is stupid. The animation is horrible as well. Normally I have a soft spot for stuff like that, but I honestly cannot recommend this to anyone.

Edit: I'm going to raise the score from a 2 to a 4 because, while I still stick to what my original review said, I think that there a some small redeeming factors.

First, the show attempts to have a somewhat parodic view of artistic. Second, the show also has a somewhat parodic look at how artists see people who disagree with their art and lifestyle. Third, the animation, which basically stop motion CGI, is (I guess) a somewhat artistic choice rather than bad style. Fourth, the character who mocks artist does sing a song about money, which (I guess) was used as a ironic joke. Fifth, while the character, background, and prop designs weren't the best, I think that went with the idea of the show being a parody of certain artistic lifestyles. Sixth, the show is made by an actual artist. Finally, I find it amusing that an artist decided to make a parodical cartoon of an extreme stereotypical lifestyle some artist actually have.

So, in conclusion, if you realize that the show is a parody, it can be more enjoyable. In addition, while I still didn't find the show that enjoyable, I can still see how some people can.

Quoting Orange County (2002)... "What the f--?"

[Patrick-79 · 7 August 2003]

Okay, this was on only once on Cartoon Network (of the "Adult Swin" persuasion) and I got to tell you, this was total, utter, crap...

There was no key plot, no punchline, nothing witty, nothing exciting, it was just boring, dull, and tedious. Although kudos to their excellent cast, but why the hell did they want to do this in the first place? Of course, the way this was designed, it was intended to be a TV series for Adult Swim, but was destined "Never Again". I swear, I was amazed I actually sat through it. A person with common sense would have the motivation to change the channel.

To sum it all up, this was Adult Swim's worst cartoon attempt ever. They are better sticking with the likes of Harvey Birdman, Sealab 2021, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and their "hand-me-downs" of FOX cartoons.

Worst Cartoon Network pilot ever!

[DannyD1997 · 1/10 · 4 December 2015]

I cannot believe I had to see for myself if it was a bad pilot or not. AND IT LITERALLY IS!!!!!! I would rather be watching Phineas and Ferb than this show. This is like a CGI version of Angela Anaconda or something. Kenny Scharf is a good surreal artist, but he's a terrible animator. If Scharf makes another useless animated project, he's gonna get a different career. Why would Cartoon Network air as god awful as this mess?? Especially on their Adult Swim block!! This is NOT Jimmy Neutron CGI. This is a CGI version of stop-motion. This is the Toyland Video of Cartoon Network. THANK GOD CN DOES NOT NEED TO AIR THIS EVER AGAIN!!!!!! THE GROOVENIANS SUCK SO MUCH!!!!! This is like the 2000s version of the Problem Solverz. If the Groovenians partnered up with the Problem Solverz, that would be even worse. Thank God we don't need to see this ever again.

How Did This Get Made? Oh it didn't? Oh thank God

[pledgerock · 1/10 · 5 June 2020]

Grooveniyans was a pilot that wasnt picked up b, I assume, adult swim for very obvious reasons. It's not good. It seemed like a terrible knockoff of a much better show, Futurama, that was airing around the same time. It's like those terrible Video Brinquedo knockoffs, Ratatoing and The Little Panda Fighter etc. It's so off and awkward that it seems like it just be a satire. But it's not a satire. It's just an awkward, embarrassing experiment that should never have been even imagined. There's not a single laugh in the 22 minute runtime. All the ideas are cliche. There's weird sitcom style laugh track stuff going on, have no idea what that's about. It's almost like it has multiple personalities. If I have to say one nice thing about it it's that Ru Paul seemed game when he was doing his voice recording.

Groovenians was fantastic for those who understood it!

[ankh03303 · 8/10 · 29 December 2004]

Well, I'm sure the previous poster had problems with the show, but that is quite understandable. Most "Adult Swim" fans are dimwits. I can't for the life of me find anything likable on the Adult Swim line up. Those shows are ALL the same! They pass off supposed "insider" humor as funny. There is nothing witty or funny in the self aware sensibility of those shows. Not to mention the absolute negativity and cynicism of them.

On the other hand, I found Groovenians to be full of substance and good, witty humor. In fact, after several viewing (I taped it!), I caught more and more topical, cultural and socially themed jokes than I did in the first viewing. Also, for television production, I found the animation to be outstanding and extremely original. Can anyone who has viewed this not say that it was absolutely different than any other animation on television? Also, the FANTASTIC soundtrack! The music was unbelievable! Mark Mothersbaugh and the B-52s!?! The music worked great with the visuals and story. Also, the show was plain TRIPPY!!! Just sit back, tie on a fatty and watch it. It's raver material for sure.

I believe the cast was involved because of their ties to the artist whose work the show was based on, Kenny Scharf. If you know his work, this show absolutely captured everything he is about. True, that may not be "mainstream", but for those in the know, it's dead on for the NYC pop-art scene. I predict that this overlooked gem will be discovered in years to come, polished off and revealed as an underground cult film! Sorry you didn't get it!

Loved it! Creative & fun

[TastyCornSnack · 9/10 · 30 December 2023]

I honestly feel kind of insane writing this, considering that this pilot was widely panned upon release back in '02. Personally speaking though, I loved it!

I thought the old school CG was really well stylized with the 60's/70's mid-century psychedelic vibe. The aesthetic is like part Jetsons, part Space Channel 5. The animation reminded me of stop motion, which I adore! Additionally, I found the characters to be likeable and I really liked the music. The character designs and worlds are also super imaginative and fun!

It may not be the funniest cartoon, but I found it to be very entertaining. I wish it had been picked up!