BEBE'S KIDS (1992)

Directed By: Bruce L. Smith
Written By: Reginald Hudlin
Based On Characters By: Robin Harris
Editing By: Tim Ryder & Lynne Southerland

Voices: Faizon Love, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Marques Houston, Nell Cater, John Witherspoon, Tone Loc, George Wallace


I was first introduced to the comedy of Robin Harris through not only one of my favorite Films HOUSE PARTY, but also by my uncle who had a cassette tape of harris’s stand-up material it was hilarious so funny at the time it had me rolling on the floor. He had a bit that was about taking out a woman and her son for a date but ending up having to take her roommates kids along with them. Bebe’s kids all of whom are young but seems like they were already criminals. Years later I was reminded of this bit when Bernie Mac in THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF COMEDY was talking about taking care of his sister’s kids who were all dangerous. Bernie managed to make his story into a hit sitcom. I am not saying he ripped this off. I am just saying he had a similar bit and found a way to cash in on it and have it live up to his ideas creatively. Where asYears before this Robin Harris died suddenly and was not able in his surge to being a comedic superstar, But somehow someone found a way to cash in on his bit.

Based on a popular bit from The stand-up of the late legendary comic Robin Harris. Considering how raunchy the bit originally was it is surprisingly odd fit for a children’s film. Which is one of the problems that plagues the film.

The film is clearly aimed at kids and even adds elements that are clearly designed for them to enjoy. But the humor and situations are more geared for adults. While the film is amusing at times. It is never fully funny. The animation looks cheap. The film feels oddly rushed and not at all well thought out. It’s a disappointment to a legacy that was cut down way too soon. It ends up seeing like a get rich quick idea then a actual testament to his talents.

The story follows Robin Harris meeting a woman at a funeral, who says she’ll only go out with him if she can bring along her son. He agrees to take them out but must also take out the woman’s friends kids who she got stuck babysitting at the last moment. The kids of her friend Bebe Who are dangerous and rambunctious who he instantly takes a dislike to.

It’s a African-American animated film that could have been done better if not rushed and had a little more pride then awash with stereotyping. It feels like a film made on a street corner for kids. Instead of done by a studio by professionals. The material deserves better