C Bear and Jamal

C Bear and Jamal, starring Tone Loc, the rapper who delivered the raucous, infectious tune Wild Thing to the masses in the early '90s, is a Fat Albert for the new millennium, with a few key updates. For starters, Jamal's gang isn't strictly African American, though he is. Instead, the crew of wisecracking, street-smart kids he knocks around with includes an Asian girl, a Hispanic boy, and a few interracial-looking characters. Also new is the moral mentor's incarnation: In place of a Bill Cosby-style narrator, this series has C Bear (played by the gravelly voiced Loc), a sarcastic stuffed bear who springs to life when no one else is around and steers Jamal in the right direction, not to mention keeps kids' attention with loose, lighthearted, mostly memorable rap numbers. For instance, on the DVD's nine episodes, C Bear helps Jamal conquer a case of class consciousness after a visit to his rich cousin, wear down a bully with words of kindness, recognize the sometimes painful consequences of too much truth-telling, and get in touch with the benefits of being himself when making friends.

C Bear and Jamal's messages are most accessible to kids 7-12; they'll also appreciate the cartoon's quirkily drawn characters (Jamal's grandparents are especially well crafted) and offbeat, slang-heavy banter. Parents, on the other hand--especially parents who were Fat Albert fans as kids--will love the parallels to the old-school show and the constant good-conscience reinforcements. --Tammy La Gorce