It was during the 1980s that John Kricfalusi looked out on the animation landscape and was disgusted by what he saw. Everything was lifelessly drawn and perfectly packaged to market action figures and other merchandise to the masses in an inoffensive manner. There was no true passion behind the medium that had sparked wonder inside him as a child, and he was determined to do something about it. Ron Cicero and Kimo Easterwood’s “Happy Happy Joy Joy: The Ren & Stimpy Story” details the creation and destruction of one of the most important shows of the 1990s and the polarizing figure at the center of it all.
John K. originally pitched a variety show entitled “Your Gang” which was passed on by the Nickelodeon executives at the time, but they did take a shine to the characters of Ren & Stimpy, which led to the production of their own series. This initial era of development is showcased as a free-for-all of creativity from a shaggy little upstart called Spumco. The film provides detailed interviews from the creative team that proves to be equal parts “those were the days” nostalgia and “I don’t know how we survived” shell-shock. Most agree that creator John K. was a creative genius who put his entire heart into crafting the best show possible, but the legend of his temper and unyielding demands led to a great number of fractured relationships both creatively and personally.
Kricfalusi would argue that his methods were effective as “The Ren & Stimpy Show” debuted to some of the highest ratings in cable that had been seen up until that point. The film highlights the genuine love that the fans developed for the show as stars like Jack Black and Iliza Shlesinger explain how this show was unlike anything they had seen before. With this immense popularity came the desire for more content from a creator that was becoming more difficult to manage with every episode. Not only was John K. sparring with Nickelodeon Standards & Practices and encouraging his team to ignore network notes, he was pushing his team to the breaking point and being a perfectionist to the detriment of everyone and everything, including the longevity of the show.
The documentary offers an objective look from all parties involved from the network executives and the animation staff to the prickly creator himself. This footage is what elevates this film from a mere history of one of the greatest animated series ever to air to something more immediate and important. Throughout the film John K. is labeled as many things, but it is not until certain #MeToo revelations in the final act that the film gives you an emotional gut-punch that puts you in a state of stock and reframes the interview you have been witnessing throughout. While he appears to believe that his apologies are enough to wash away the specter of abuse that hangs in the air, the audience is left to reckon with the fact that great art is often tied up with detestable figures, and it is up to them to see what they can tolerate.
“Happy Happy Joy Joy” offers an in-depth look at the development and highlights of the beloved not-really-for-children’s show that should satisfy both die-hard fans and those interested in a story of narcissism run amok.
Reviewed at Sundance Film Festival, January 30, 2020. Running Time: 107 MIN
“Happy Happy Joy Joy: The Ren & Stimpy Story” will be playing at The Big Sky Documentary Festival, as well as other major US and international events in 2020. Distribution plans have not currently been disclosed.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
