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7.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 7.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Forgotten Babies remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a soft spot for the Our Gang shorts, you’ll probably find this mildly charming. If you hate hearing kids scream or seeing houses get absolutely trashed, steer clear. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone seeking peace and quiet.
There is something inherently stressful about watching Spanky deal with these kids. You can tell the production wasn't exactly working with a script that demanded high-level acting. It’s mostly just loose chaos held together by tape and a prayer.
The pacing is… well, it’s basically just one disaster after another. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion, but with more oatmeal on the floor. I kept waiting for someone to actually stop and take a breath, but that clearly wasn't on the menu.
I noticed a moment where Pete the Dog just stares into the camera with this look of total bewilderment. He looked like he wanted to be anywhere else. I honestly felt that in my soul.
It’s weird how these old shorts feel so raw compared to modern stuff. There’s no polish, just kids being kids and destroying things. It’s surprisingly relatable in its own messy way.
Also, the sound mixing is all over the place. One second someone is whispering, the next there’s a crash that sounds like a piano falling down a flight of stairs. It’s not great, but it’s real.
If you enjoyed the frantic energy of Forgotten Babies, you might find some similar vibes in the wild pacing of Crazy Like a Fox. Both films have that weird, unplanned feel where things just happen because the scene needs to end.
I wouldn't call this a masterpiece or anything close to it. It’s just a weird little 10-minute time capsule. Sometimes, that’s all you really need on a Tuesday afternoon.
The bit with the bathtub? Don't ask. Just watch it if you want to see pure, unadulterated household destruction.
My final thought? It’s a bit of a trainwreck. A fun one, though. 🐶