Spike & Mike - Unprotected

I've sat on this review for a long time. I've watched the DVD of 19 shorts and tried to figure out what it is about this collection that would appeal to people. First off, it should be noted that the entire disc consists of humor that appeals to those interested in the offensive, the vulgar, the bizarre, and/or the nonsensical. If this disc was playing at a party with the sound off, anyone who happened to watch it for a moment would probably laugh purely based on the concepts (Ninjew, any of the Maakies). However, once the sound was turned up people would surely lose interest. The writing and voice acting seems amatuer at best - and maybe that's the allure. Spike & Mike have obviously gotten together a collection of shorts from writers or animators that show some promise in being able to develop truly obscure ideas. The final goal is not to create the most professional looking short, most of them are fairly crude in comparison to the sort of thing you'd see on Cartoon Network, but to allow people to have an outlet for their cartoon'ed creativity. It's unfortunate that the majortity of works here are "Incredibly Immature Adult Material," but it certainly has its audience. Those who love the crudeness of Ren & Stimpy, the stupidity of Beavis & Butthead and distribute high-fives whenever someone rips a good one after a meal...this is perfect for you. If you're looking for something a bit less crude in subject matter - Bill Plympton, Don Hertzfeldt - you'll probably want pass. Recommended viewing based purely on visuals: Maakies, Lupo the Butcher, Gack Gack and Hangnail. Recommended viewing based obscurity: Ninjews, Peepshow, Swing Sluts. [www.spikeandmike.com]