Weird science, fun music mark ‘Phineas and Ferb’

(Published Jan. 15, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

In the Disney cartoon series “Phineas and Ferb,” the titular characters are well-meaning genius stepbrothers whose super-inventions let them do practically anything. On separate occasions, they’ve built a city-wide roller coaster, constructed and ran a restaurant in their backyard, and even lifted the lost land of Atlantis from the ocean floor using their scientific creations.

“Phineas and Ferb” was co-created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, who previously worked on other animated shows like “Rocko’s Modern Life” and “The Simpsons.”

Inquisitive Phineas and laconic Ferb are egghead siblings that get along. They quickly transform their outlandish ideas into reality, much to the annoyance of their older sister Candace, who thinks the brothers’ activities are potentially disastrous, or are getting her in trouble. But evidence of their big science adventures often conveniently and totally disappears.

The boys’ inventions aren’t always a secret. In the heartwarming “Mom’s Birthday” episode, they unintentionally upstage Candace’s birthday gifts with their hi-tech greeting card and other gadgets, but they let their sister shine by showing a video of her performing an original song called “Mom, It’s Your Birthday.”

The kids’ adventures are made livelier by catchy tunes, including the ‘80s-inspired “I’m Lindana And I Want To Have Fun” (sung by the kids’ mom, a one-hit wonder), and the touching ballad “Little Brothers” (which makes Candace recall good times with the younger kids). Songs help enhance the stories, adding depth to various characters’ perspectives.

Each episode of the family-friendly series also focuses on Phineas and Ferb’s pet platypus Perry, secretly Agent P, who pursues the mad scientist Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Agent P always thwarts his arch-foe’s nutty schemes, and returns to his unsuspecting owners near the end of every story.

Clean humor, charming music and “impossible” science add up to short but sweet episodes, a working formula that makes the colorful and feel-good “Phineas and Ferb” pleasantly diverting for kids and older viewers.

“Phineas and Ferb” airs nightly at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Disney Channel.