Metacritic reviews

The film is sweet and often genuinely funny, with lively musical numbers and a cast of entertaining personalities.

A spirited re-creation of the series that once ruled Saturday mornings.

An awkward blend of live action and animation.

The animated scenes conjure aromas of the stilted "Clifford," and the overall approach is to throw preordained movie sequences (rap number, shopping spree) together and hope for the best.

Kenan Thompson may not look the part, but he's instantly likeable as Fat Albert.

Fat Albert's originality is lost on the big screen.

While endearing as cartoons, they don't wear flesh well.

fFat-footed and ham-handed in its attempt to reconstitute a popular '70s TV cartoon show as a full-length, family-skewing feature.

Alas, this eternally sunny character's mantra, "I don't have a problem, I solve problems," makes for paltry dramatic tension.

Basic knowledge of the original series is mandatory, but the more familiar you are, the more glaring this movie's considerable deficiencies will seem.