Fat Albert

A lot like the comedian's best work: amusing, appropriate for kids, and far more spiritually nourishing and less insulting than typical Hollywood fare.

Cosby cartoon comes to life in tween-centered story.

At the end of this weak comedy is a strange and touching scene in which Bill Cosby and his childhood pals from Philadelphia, now elderly men, gather at the grave of Albert Robertson, the real-life inspiration for Cosby's bighearted Fat Albert.

The Cosby touch (he's co-writer and co-executive producer) is in full effect, schmaltz notwithstanding, as Albert and the gang run through their series of pleasantly diverting escapades.

The original cartoons are better.

Its messages are innocuous and may hold the attention of the littlest viewers, but older audience members may find themselves repulsed by their nostalgia.

This is the first time in a long time I wanted to tap out of a movie.

A bad movie, but I've seen much worse.

Director Joel Zwick ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") helms this redundant and distinctively shabby movie that wasn't even filmed in Philly.

I enjoyed Fat Albert - much to my surprise ...