Jem and the Holograms

Continuing blog posts about Blasts from the Past, today we give you Jem and the Holograms.

All the flash and fabulous-ness of the 1980s can pretty much be summed up in the animated TV series, Jem and the Holograms. Originally created to accompany a set of colorful-haired dolls meant to compete with Barbie (fail!), the animated TV show soon surpassed the toy in popularity. And now, it's back. And we have the first season on DVD.

Jerrica and her three best friends run a foster home for troubled girls, but funding is running out and, if a miracle doesn't happen SOON, they'll all be out on the street. Then comes a mysterious gift from Jerrica's deceased father. This gift enables the shy young lady to transform into JEM, the hottest rock star to hit the scene since...well, since anyone! Jerrica/JEM puts a band together and enters the local Battle of the Bands. Soon they are superstars and don't have to worry about affording to keep the foster home up and running. But this doesn't mean their life is easy. Rival band The Misfits, who JEM beats in the Battle of the Bands, and their crooked manager are determined to bring JEM down in any way they can (not to mention expose her secret identity). And that's just the beginning: In Jem and the Holograms, you'll find adventure, romance, excitement, and plenty of drama! And don't forget the killer soundtrack! Each episode features original music...and music videos!

According to IMDB, a live-action adaption of Jem and the Holograms will be hitting theaters this October. If the hype surrounding the movie is correct, it'll be a hit! So you'll want be sure to check out the original show before watching the movie.

The Verdict: This TV show is pretty cheesy, but in the best possible way. I remember loving it as a kid. And, revisiting it as an adult, it's still pretty awesome (definitely not one of those things that have you wondering what little kid you was thinking). Teens will like it because it's quirky, entertaining, and completely different than anything that's on TV today. Parents will like it for the nostalgia factor. Definitely check this one out before the movie hits and you have to wait months for it! --AJB

p.s. As a musician, I DO wonder how The Misfits can get by without a drummer (I mean, isn't that an essential component of a band?). Ditto for how the Holograms can do what they do without a bassist (I play bass guitar, so I notice things like that). Not to nit-pick. I'm just saying...