The Cosby touch (he's co-writer and co–executive producer) is in full effect, schmaltz notwithstanding, as Albert and the gang run through their series of pleasantly diverting escapades.
Fat Albert (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:81
Fresh:17
Rotten:64
Average Rating:4.3/10
Consensus: A bland but good-natured adaptation of the cartoon show.
Theatrical Release:Dec 25, 2004 Wide
Box Office: $47,971,571
Synopsis: Inspired by the 1970s animated television series, FAT ALBERT transports the loveable characters from their animated universe into the real world. When Doris (Kyla Pratt), a sad teenager in... Inspired by the 1970s animated television series, FAT ALBERT transports the loveable characters from their animated universe into the real world. When Doris (Kyla Pratt), a sad teenager in Philadelphia, turns on a rerun of FAT ALBERT AND THE COSBY KIDS, her tears compel the always-helpful Fat Albert to jump through the TV screen to her rescue. His friends quickly follow, and to Doris's astonishment, the whole Fat Albert gang magically transforms into real live people right in her living room. Not knowing what to do with her odd new friends, Doris adamantly denies having a problem, and encourages the boys to jump back into the TV set. But Albert can see that Doris is lonely and is determined to find her some friends. As Albert tries to fix Doris's problem, the rest of the gang tries to adjust to their new, unscripted world. Meanwhile, Albert finds himself falling in love with Doris's foster sister, Lauri. But as soon as the gang begins to enjoy the perks of being real, their brightly colored outfits start to fade. Taking this as a sign that they do not belong in the real world, the boys decide it's time to go home. Bill Cosby (co-writer of the film and creator of the original series) makes a guest appearance as himself, warning Albert that he must return to his animated world before evaporating into a cloud of celluloid dust. But before Albert can leave, he must solve Doris's problem. Kenan Thompson (of Saturday Night Live fame) is charming as Albert, who demonstrates the power of believing in one's self by never letting anything (including his size) get in the way of his goals. [More]
Starring: Kenan Thompson, Kyla Pratt, Dania Ramirez, Omari Grandberry
Starring: Kenan Thompson, Kyla Pratt, Dania Ramirez, Omari Grandberry, Marques Houston, Keith Robinson, Aaron Carter, Jeremy Suarez, Raven Symone, Keri Lynn Pratt, Shedrack Anderson, Jermaine Williams
Director: Joel Zwick
Director: Joel Zwick
Screenwriter: Bill Cosby, Charles Kipps
Producer: John Davis
Composer: Richard Gibbs
Studio: 20th Century Fox
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Reviews for Fat Albert
I'm happy to report that Fat Albert captures a lot of its source's melancholy appeal
Albert doesn’t embarrass the original creation like it had every right to do, and delivers the Cosby-infused world with minimal pushing or shoving.
Pure of heart, devoid of toilet humor, it sticks close enough to Bill Cosby's cartoon series to pass muster.
There are better, more artful movies in the theaters this bountiful holiday season, but few so generous-spirited and none that will leave you feeling so cheerful.
Should prove to be great fun for kids, especially for those who want to know what their dads used to watch on Saturday-morning TV.
Sweet, low-key and funny and should entertain its audience. If it ever finds one.
Call me a sap. Call me a sucker. But Fat Albert couldn't help but make me smile.
There are no bodily function jokes in Fat Albert, and not one disbelieving or stupid parental figure. As family fare goes, that alone may be worth the price of admission.
The actors playing the live-action incarnations of the show's characters do them justice.
The movie ambles along at a pleasant, undemanding pace, with good-natured humor.
Much to my surprise, I found myself laughing (in a good way) throughout Fat Albert, and even got a bit misty eyed.
It's pretty painless viewing, but the uneven suspension of disbelief and its obviousness will only appeal to little ones. The rest will write this off as a bit of fluff from the junkyard.
Fond, nostalgic memories of the '70s cartoon Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids will be instantly erased when the infectious theme song ends and this live-action feature's utterly preposterous story line begins.
'Fat Albert' is a massive bore that moves from one predictable scenario to another.**
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