* We did not receive monetary compensation for this post. We were invited to the event and received a goody bag. This review is in our own words and is our opinion.
Recently, the L.A. Zoo hosted Media Day for the premiere of Koala Kid the latest DVD from Walmart & Walmart.com, and distributed from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Tee and I took our enthusiastic daughters, Teagan and Ananda for a tour of the Koala exhibit, as well as as a meet-and-greet with Jenni Pulos, one of the voiceover stars of the Koala Kid movie. Plus, we watched a special screening of the Koala Kid at the Witherbee Theater.
Koala Kid is the story of Johnny, a rare, white koala bear from the outback of Australia. Because Johnny’s appearance is unique, he often has trouble being accepted. Oftentimes, he is taunted, teased and bullied. Thus Johnny is like countless children worldwide who experience bullying. The April release of Koala Kid was in conjunction with Stand 4 Change Day and Defeat the Label, national and international anti-bullying campaigns, dedicated to promoting inclusive and “bully-free” communities.
“Johnny represents what’s going on in the real world. Kids get bullied every day and Johnny can relate to those kids and how they feel,” says Jenni Pulos, who plays Charlotte in Koala Kid. This video is important. It says those kids no longer want to be bullied anymore,” says Pulos.
In order to avoid being bullied, Johnny decides to join a traveling circus. But, he is forced to be part of the freak show, instead of the Big Top. However, when a series of events occur, Johnny transforms into an unlikely hero known as the “Koala Kid.” As the supposed fearless protector of animals, Johnny gets himself in a heap of trouble when he finds himself up against a giant crocodile named Bog, and the rest of his henchmen. This laugh-filled adventure includes an all-star cast of voices with Rob Schneider as Johnny; Alan Cumming as the villainous crocodile named Bog, Tim Curry (Blacktooth); Frank Welker as Higgens, the monkey photographer; Bret McKenzie as Hamish, a Tasmanian Devil; and Jenni Pulos as Charlotte, the boomerang-throwing female koala.
Both Teagan and Ananda thoroughly enjoyed visiting the koala exhibit. They were fascinated watching the koala eat the eucalyptus plants and sit on the trees. I, on the other hand, was fascinated by the zookeeper’s fast facts about koalas. Did you know that koalas eat their moms’ poop for the first few months of their lives? And, some experts talk about human mothers chewing up their infants’ food before giving it to them. Hah! Koalas are also non-social and non-aggressive animals, that breed at just two years of age. Their brains are the size of a walnut, and they can weigh anywhere from 15 to 35 pounds. Koalas eat mainly eucalyptus leaves, which are grown in the Sepulveda Basin. After experiencing Media Day with these folks from Down Under, I too, was impressed with Koala Kid!
Penny, Jenni Pulos and Tee
Jenni Pulos also has just dropped a CD titled “Old School Kids Beats,” a family-friendly rap collective. This CD includes the tracks, “Poo in the Potty,” “The Doctor Says,” “Bullies Aren’t Cool,” and “The Cell Phone 411.” She says rap her inspiration comes from her love of Old School hip hop. “I’m inspired by Will Smith and Digital Underground. I like those kind of rappers who made rap fun,” says the busy Bravo actress.
– That’s IT Mom, Penny
Koala Kid, Rated PG, 85 min.
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this post. We were invited to the event and received a goody bag. This review is in our own words and is our opinion.
