Watch The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure

The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure is a 2012 children's musical film directed by Matthew Diamond. It tells the story of three colorful, fuzzy creatures named Goobie, Zoozie, and Toofie who set out on a quest to find five magical balloons before a big party. Jaime Pressly, Cloris Leachman, and Christopher Lloyd are the notable actors who lend their voices to characters in the movie. The movie opens with the Oogieloves excitedly waking up, singing, and dancing around their whimsical house. They receive a letter from their friend J. Edgar, who invites them to his surprise party. However, J. Edgar accidentally drops five magical balloons that he needs for the party, and they fly off across Lovelyloveville. The Oogieloves must retrieve them before the party starts. The trio sets out on their adventure, traveling through flower fields, dark forests, and even under the sea with the help of their trusty friends and soon to-be-friends along the way. They meet a variety of cheerful characters, including Rosalie Rosebud (Toni Braxton), Marvin Milkshake (Chazz Palminteri), and Ruffy (Cary Elwes), all of whom aid in the hunt for the balloons. The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure plays like an interactive show with a colorful, cartoonish feel. It includes frequent direct addresses to the audience, encouraging them to participate in various activities like dance breaks and scavenger hunts, elevating it beyond just being a film but an interactive experience. They call this technique "Juice-Dancing," a confusing term that comes up frequently throughout the film. The Juice-Dancing moments allow kids watching to move, dance and generally feel involved in the story. The musical numbers that feature catchy tunes and easy to follow dance moves are particularly engaging. It is an enjoyable, fun-filled experience for young children who will surely love the Oogieloves with their bright, bubbly personalities and primary-colored costumes. The movie aims to be an interactive experience for small children rather than an entertaining one that teaches life lessons. The intentions are clear as a lot of time is spent in encouraging children to sing and dance along, gesture during the songs, and memorize words. The movie's intention is noble; creating a unique entertainment experience for children and involving them in a participatory musical adventure. However, it also feels as if the participation aspects may have been more successful if it were a TV show rather than a movie, as the intended audience for the film can only participate if they own the movie and are playing it at home. The entertainment landscape for kids has changed significantly in the years since the movie came out, so the lack of subsequent adventures of the Oogieloves suggests that the idea didn't catch on. Overall, The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure is a sweet and good intentioned but ultimately forgettable story with some decent music and dance routines. It works best as a film that keeps young children engaged for any form of relaxation that their busy day might require. It is unlikely to leave a lasting impact on either the children or the parents who end up sitting through it with them.