First I'll admit that I favor the first "Kids For Character" video a lot. This sequel has less clips from TV programs and a lot more songs and in-between skits. This one wasn't as popular and is arguably rare. Fortunately, I own the VHS and managed to preserve the footage.
It's definitely on the modest side, as it was filmed at a family event at a normal park instead of the Universal Studios park. There are no cameos of classic cartoon characters, rather we get nice performances from children's folk singer Joe Scruggs (who has made numerous records and appearances on "Barney") and Eddie Coker (another children's musician, who has also done musical work for "Barney"). The songs by them and the kid performers are pretty good! The three TV programs featured are "Bananas in Pyjamas", "The Big Comfy Couch", and "Wishbone". Shows that were quite influential during their time.
As for the messaging, the first video centered on character traits that are more friendship-oriented. This one is more about personal accountability and the results of the everyday choices kids make. I like how they showed different possibilities for each choice made. Often times, kids don't fully understand why certain choices are unwise. Unfortunately, it's because many adults fail to explain it to them. The video goes beyond "don't choose this" and illustrates "if you choose this, X-Y-Z could happen."
Overall, a good one to educate kids ages 4-8 in addition to the first video. However, I do think that kids may gravitate more towards the first since there's more pop-culture appeal.
It's definitely on the modest side, as it was filmed at a family event at a normal park instead of the Universal Studios park. There are no cameos of classic cartoon characters, rather we get nice performances from children's folk singer Joe Scruggs (who has made numerous records and appearances on "Barney") and Eddie Coker (another children's musician, who has also done musical work for "Barney"). The songs by them and the kid performers are pretty good! The three TV programs featured are "Bananas in Pyjamas", "The Big Comfy Couch", and "Wishbone". Shows that were quite influential during their time.
As for the messaging, the first video centered on character traits that are more friendship-oriented. This one is more about personal accountability and the results of the everyday choices kids make. I like how they showed different possibilities for each choice made. Often times, kids don't fully understand why certain choices are unwise. Unfortunately, it's because many adults fail to explain it to them. The video goes beyond "don't choose this" and illustrates "if you choose this, X-Y-Z could happen."
Overall, a good one to educate kids ages 4-8 in addition to the first video. However, I do think that kids may gravitate more towards the first since there's more pop-culture appeal.
