Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling

Of all the intellectual properties being remade, revived, and otherwise kept alive in our age of ceaseless nostalgia and infantilism, the return of something as satirical of modern life as Rocko's Modern Life was most welcome. Among other things, the new Netflix special focuses on our aversion to accepting change, yet it also does justice the artistry and humor of the original series more flawlessly than reboots normally do. Fitting, then, that the other recent thing we saw from Nickelodeon was that Dora movie.

The synopsis for Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling, the first entry in Nickelodeon's franchise since 1996, reads as follows: "After being stuck in space for 20 years, Rocko and his friends return to a late-2010s era O-Town with modern amenities such as constantly updating touchscreen phones, radioactive energy drinks, food trucks, and coffee shops on every corner".

This synopsis, coupled with the highly discernible fact that Rocko's Modern Life has always dealt with aspects of modern life, was apparently not enough for some people if you've read the Internet reactions. One of the characters from the series, the son of the loud-mouthed frogs Mr. and Mrs. Bighead, is now a "daughter". In spite of the fact that transgenderism very much falls under the umbrella of "modern life", and the clever detail that frogs can actually alter their biological sex, this is evidently still pandering and butchering a childhood classic. Are you starting to see what I mean when I talk about how welcome this special's lesson is?

After all, the thing that devastates Rocko (Carlos Alazraqui) the most upon his arrival in the 2010's, is the fact that his favorite show The Fatheads is no longer on the air. Without spoiling too much, the show he eventually gets, even though it is perfectly recreated, ultimately seems wrong to him.

In addition to Alazraqui, the voice talents we remember are all back: Tom Kenny, Charlie Adler, Mr. Lawrence, and so forth. In spite of its point about change, this is a lovingly recreated follow-up to something we all remember; it is a labor of love that, had it been more soulless, would've had an easier time getting released. Netflix seem to be getting idea, hence why that Dark Crystal series may be the next thing I praise from them. They may be cashing in on nostalgia and fan familiarity on some level still, but at least some f-cks are being given now!

The people at Nickelodeon who are bringing their old cartoons back like Rocko, Hey Arnold and Invader Zim deserve all the praise in the world. Static Cling does what Rocko has always done, satirising and tackling modern society, and I'm tempted to say it may work better in the 21st century than it did in the 90's. Obviously that's just my preference, but I ADORED this special, it's honestly like Rocko never left! It has the same witty humour and raunchy moments that made the show so unique (and controversial) in the first place, tackles modern issues amazingly, has a ton of heart and includes a great commentary/message on change. Even if you aren't a fan of Rocko, give this special a shot, I think you'll probably like it.

Even though this show won't appear familiar to people who haven't watched the original Rocko's Modern Life, it managed to exceed my expectations as a standalone film, actually. This was a hilarious movie, and it never once felt like it was just made for the sake of reviving an old show. All of the jokes and characterization of the old show is still there, but it has a message to tell about accepting change, in a world where everything in our lives change rapidly.

It's recommended to check several episodes of the show out first before seeing this special however, as most of the special would be lost without certain context. Regardless, this was one of the best things Nickelodeon has ever decided to green-light and I'm so glad I was able to sat through it the whole way, laughing along with my favorite characters from 20 years ago. If Rocko doesn't get revived in the future (which I doubt), this is the perfect conclusion to wrap the show up in a perfect bow.

In general, this show and this movie are a must watch.

If you liked the show, watch it. Maybe my expectations were too high, but it was nice to see the characters again.

Even though I wasn't born yet when the original series was airing, I did enjoy watching reruns. This special still captures the weirdness that I liked about the show. It also addresses change and I liked how self aware the episode felt. For nostalgia purposes, this is a fun little send off to watch. Because we don't need a full blown reboot or remake of every nostalgic thing. Looking at you Disney....