Grandpa in my Pocket reviews
Review by on 17 Sep 2010
The first Family Film Festival got off to a bouncy start with a balloon-filled party for young viewers, followed by a screening of two episodes of GRANDPA IN MY POCKET, the popular CBeebies programme. Adastra Creative, the team responsible for writing and production, appeared to talk briefly to their young audience (and parents) beforehand, and explained that there is an East Anglian connection: good news for Cambridge fans! There is a seaside setting to the episodes, and the filming location was revealed to be the Suffolk coast; Aldeburgh and Southwold to be precise.
Grandpa’s ability to shrink to the size of a small pencil when wearing his special ‘shrinking cap’ provides some wonderful opportunities for adventure. The episodes we were shown involved: firstly a pirate’s treasure hunt, and secondly a visit to an inventor’s workshop (situated in the familiar Southwold landmark of the lighthouse). Zaniness, occasional songs, and delightful props like the colourful family camper van, all combine appealingly. Underpinning all this fun is a sense of the importance of love, support and understanding between family members. The catchphrase ‘teamwork’ pops up in each episode to remind everyone that children and grownups need to help each other.
Film-going is a social activity, something that can bring us all – whether family or friends – together in delight and discovery. The Festival organisers were very thoughtful to provide a ‘chill-out’ area for children near the screens, as very young visitors may not yet have the stamina for a full sitting!
The Poet
Grandpa’s ability to shrink to the size of a small pencil when wearing his special ‘shrinking cap’ provides some wonderful opportunities for adventure. The episodes we were shown involved: firstly a pirate’s treasure hunt, and secondly a visit to an inventor’s workshop (situated in the familiar Southwold landmark of the lighthouse). Zaniness, occasional songs, and delightful props like the colourful family camper van, all combine appealingly. Underpinning all this fun is a sense of the importance of love, support and understanding between family members. The catchphrase ‘teamwork’ pops up in each episode to remind everyone that children and grownups need to help each other.
Film-going is a social activity, something that can bring us all – whether family or friends – together in delight and discovery. The Festival organisers were very thoughtful to provide a ‘chill-out’ area for children near the screens, as very young visitors may not yet have the stamina for a full sitting!
The Poet
Film details
Grandpa in my Pocket
CAMBRIDGE FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL
Director: Richard Bradley
Director: Martin Franks
Actor: James Bolam
Actor: Jay Ruckley
Director: Martin Franks
Actor: James Bolam
Actor: Jay Ruckley
United Kingdom, 2009.
50 mins.
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