Search - Handy Manny: Handy Manny's Motorcycle Adventure on DVD

An enjoyable, educational full-length "Handy Manny" adventur

Dennis A. Amith (kndy) | California | 12/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Welcome to the world of Sheetrock Hills where Manny Garcia, a bilingual Latino handyman helps save his city (from breaking down) with making repairs with his team of talking tools. The children's CG animated series is created by Roger Bollen, Marilyn Sadler and producer Rick Gitelson (known for writing/producing for animated shows such as "Rugrats", "LazyTown" and "Dragon Tales") and is shown on Playhouse Disney.

With the Christmas season coming up, Disney is releasing "Handy Manny - Motorcycle Adventure" which comes with a bonus "A Very Handy Holiday" episode.

In "Handy Manny - Motorcycle Adventure", Manny plans to go back home for a family reunion. So, Manny packs up the tools and they go on a road trip. But as they are heading to the family reunion, the take a quick stop at the gas station to fill up. Meanwhile Pat, Squeeze and Flicker quickly go inside a tool truck to find out if Pat's cousin is inside. But with the truck going on another route, Manny knows he must find and get back his friends. Will Manny be able to get to his family reunion in time?

"Handy Manny" focuses on the following characters:

Manual "Manny Garcia - Voice acting by "That 70's Show" actor Wilmer Valderrama. Manny is half Puerto Rican and half Mexican. He is the repairman that many people call if they are in need of a talented and trustworthy repairman.

Manny's talking tools:

Accompanying Manny to his jobs are his tools such as:

Felipe "The Phillips Screwdriver" - The tool who suggests ideas that can make problems worse. Considers himself important but also the Spanish translator of the tool group.

Turner "The Flat Screwdriver" - The grumpy tool who is always at odds with Felipe.

Stretch "The Tape Measure" - Loves to measure things and loves to count.

Squeeze "The Pliers" - Impatient and always ready to fix things.

Pat "The Hammer" - The funny and talkative person of the group, also not too smart one in the group.

Dusty "The Handsaw" - Always gives good advice and enjoys cutting wood.

Rusty "The Monkey Wrench" - Always worrying and is often scared.

Fllicker "The Flashlight" - Speaks Spanish and speaks very little English.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

In the past, "HANDY MANNY" was featured in full screen with an aspect ratio of 1:33:1. This time around, "Handy Manny - Motorcycle Adventure" is now featured in 1:78:1 widescreen. The animation is 3D and colorful and the type of animation that children have enjoyed from the popular Disney TV series.

As for audio, audio is presented in English via Dolby Digital Sound and comes with a Spanish Language track. The soundtrack for the main feature includes the song "Rolling Down the Hightway" by Los Lobos.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"HANDY MANNY" comes with the following special features:

* GAME TIME: Adventure Mode - Using your remote, viewers can play two educational, interactive games.
* A Very Handy Holiday - (24:06) In this special holiday episode, Manny and the tools are building gifts for Christmas and have to get ready for Kelly's Christmas. But during the holidays, the lights on the town Christmas tree has gone out and Mayor Rosa asks for Manny's help. But as they prepare for the party, some of Manny's friends are having problems during the holidays. Mrs. Portillo has locked herself out of her store and can't get in. Sherman's car is stuck on the road and Mr. Lopart's Christmas lights are not working. With Manny willing to help his friends in need, will Manny and his tools make Kelly's holiday party in time?

JUDGMENT CALL:

With the holiday season coming up, if you are looking for a family friendly and educational animated DVD, "Handy Manny - Motorcycle Adventure" is definitely a series that will entertain the children for the holidays.

Both the feature and the holiday episode are safe for children and there is nothing harmless. The overall concept of the series is about Manny and his talking tools of finding a way to fix a problem for his clients and friends and overcoming any challenges that Manny has to face through teamwork.

Will everyone enjoy this animated series? Granted the series may skew towards young boys, especially those who want to build and get to know the various tools. But because the show is structured with male and female characters, young girls can enjoy the series as well.

Overall, parents who have children who enjoy "Handy Manny" will definitely find "Handy Manny - Motorcycle Adventure" to be an enjoyable way to educate your child, especially when they are on vacation for the holidays. Definitely a DVD worth checking out!"