Each seven minute episode find the brothers in a new situation. There’s ‘Fangs of Horror!’ in which Adi and Enk get into trouble with Dracula, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Xan, and rescue comes in the form of a particularly powerful hairdryer. Or ‘Cape of Majesty!’ which features a sword fight with the Queen. Or ‘Lederhosen of Desire!’ which is simply an irresistible title. Or 75 other equally exhilarating titles to choose from.
A fine balance is struck between familiarity and originality, the 2D Flash animation lending the cartoons an old-fashioned charm whilst the sharp sense of humour underneath keeps them modern. The quality of the programme was recognised when it won the Best Children’s Animation BAFTA in 2006. The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers is not as funny as Spongebob Squarepants, which it seems to want to compare itself to, but Spongebob can rely on its dialogue whilst the best episodes here are those that are largely dialogue free. What they both do share is that silliness that appeals to 5 year olds, hungover 20-somethings, and their mums. A daring feat that even the Adrenalinis would be impressed by.
The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers (all 541 minutes of it) is out on DVD April 9th 2012.
