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Unstable Fables
Unstable Fables
from Wikipedia

Unstable Fables is a trilogy of animated films produced by The Jim Henson Company in association with Flame Ventures, Prana Studios, and The Weinstein Company. The direct-to-DVD feature-length films were distributed by Genius Products.[1][2][3]

The films' casts include Brad Garrett, Jay Leno and Jamie Lynn Spears. The films irreverently and unfaithfully retell classic fairy tales, folktales, and fables with a modern twist.[2] The first film, 3 Pigs and a Baby (based on "The Three Little Pigs"), was released on DVD on March 4, 2008.[4] The second title, Tortoise vs. Hare (based on "The Tortoise and the Hare"), was released on September 9, 2008.[5] The third and final release, The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show (based on "Goldilocks and the Three Bears"), was released on December 16, 2008.[6]

3 Pigs and a Baby

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3 Pigs and a Baby
DVD cover
Directed byHoward E. Baker
Arish Fyzee
Written byCraig Bartlett
Joseph Purdy
StarringJon Cryer
Brad Garrett
Steve Zahn
Jesse McCartney
Timothy McCartney
Steve Wilcox
Music byJim Lang
Production
companies
Distributed byGenius Products
Release date
  • March 4, 2008 (2008-03-04)
Running time
76 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

3 Pigs and a Baby is the first animated film in the series based on "The Three Little Pigs". The direct-to-DVD film was released on March 4, 2008 and stars Jon Cryer, Brad Garrett, Steve Zahn and Jesse McCartney.[4]

Plot

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The Three Little Pigs become the target of a special-ops team of wolves. The wolves plan to finally infiltrate the impenetrable house of bricks by leaving a tiny wolf cub on the unassuming pigs' doorstep. The pigs take the baby in and raise him as their own. The newest addition to their family, Lucky, grows up into his teens not knowing his history, his role in the wolves' plan or the difficult choice he will have to make about the family that raised him.[7]

Cast

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DVD bonus features

[edit]
  • Animation Education: Behind the scenes of the animation process
  • Re-Imagining A Classic: A conversation with director Howard Baker and writers Craig Barlett and Joseph Purdy
  • The Voices of 3 Pigs and A Baby: Behind the scenes look at how the stars record their lines before animation is complete and how it all comes together.

Tortoise vs. Hare

[edit]
Tortoise vs. Hare
DVD cover
Directed byHoward E. Baker
Arish Fyzee
Written byTom Martin
StarringJay Leno
Danny Glover
Vivica A. Fox
Keke Palmer
Cybill Shepherd
Drake Bell
Music byJim Lang
Production
companies
Distributed byGenius Products
Release date
  • September 9, 2008 (2008-09-09)
Running time
76 minutes
LanguageEnglish

Tortoise vs. Hare is the second animated film in the "Unstable Fables" series. The direct-to-DVD film, based on Aesop's fable "The Tortoise and the Hare," was released on DVD on September 9, 2008[5][8]

The film features the voices of Danny Glover, Jay Leno, Vivica A. Fox, Keke Palmer and Drake Bell.[5][8]

The film won a Film Advisory Board award.

Plot

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Fifteen years following his surprise victory over Murray Hare in a televised cross-country race, Walter Tortoise and his wife Dotty watch their daughter Crystal perform at her school talent show. Crystal performs a moving interpretive dance for which she only earns a 3rd place medal, to the chagrin of her father.

Meanwhile, Murray Hare works as a used car salesman before remembering to pick up his son Butch from the science fair. On the car ride home, Murray suggests joining the track team to Butch, who would prefer studying rocks, minerals, and astronomy. Suddenly, a radio broadcast advertising the Mt. Impossible Nature Adventure Race catches the attention of a redemption seeking Murray Hare. After arriving to their neighboring homes from the talent show and science fair, Murray and Walter pull into their driveways before they begin to exchange banter and brag about the accomplishments of their respective children. During this exchange, Murray challenges the Tortoise father-daughter duo on his son’s behalf. A challenge which Walter accepts quickly, before Crystal has a chance to voice her complaints.

Murray’s wife arrives from work momentarily and shares a brief exchange with Dotty, criticizing her stay at home nature.

The day of the race arrives, and the pairs are joined by fellow competing Pig and Mole family pairs. The race begins and ultimately the Mole family wins the race, citing furious excavation and ignoring personal problems as pivotal to winning the race.

Cast

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DVD bonus features

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  • How to Draw a Character: Director Howard E. Baker shows how to draw a character from the film.[9]
  • The Voices of Tortoise vs. Hare: Behind the scenes look at how the stars record their lines before animation is complete and how it all comes together [9]
  • A Sneak Peek at the Next Unstable Fable: A look at The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show, the next Unstable Fable film.[9]

The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show

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The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show
DVD Cover
Directed byHoward E. Baker
Arish Fyzee
Written byChris Parrish
StarringJamie Lynn Spears
Brooke Shields
Tom Arnold
Music byJim Lang
Production
companies
Distributed byGenius Products
Release date
  • December 16, 2008 (2008-12-16)
Running time
78 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show (promotionally titled as simply Goldilocks and the 3 Bears) is the third and final animated film in the series. The film is a twisted retelling of the story of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". The direct-to-DVD film was released on December 16, 2008.[5] The film features the voices of Tom Arnold, Brooke Shields, and Jamie Lynn Spears.[10]

Plot

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Goldilocks, a spoiled television star, moves in with a family of three bears to be filmed in a Big Brother-style reality TV show.

Cast

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DVD bonus features

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  • How to Draw a Character: Director Howard E. Baker shows a group of school children how to draw storyboards for a film.
  • Making Goldilocks & the 3 Bears: An exclusive behind the scenes look at the animation process, voice recordings, and story development.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Unstable Fables is a of computer-animated films released in 2008, reimagining classic fairy tales with contemporary twists and family-oriented humor. Produced by in association with Flame Ventures, , and , and distributed by , the series features voice performances by notable actors and targets young audiences with themes of friendship, family, and personal growth. The first installment, Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & a Baby, follows three pig brothers—voiced by , , and —who discover a baby wolf on their doorstep and raise him amid threats from his wolf family. Directed by Howard E. Baker and Arish Fyzee, and written by and Joseph Purdy, the film explores prejudice and adoption in a lighthearted manner. The second film, Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare, depicts a rematch between boastful hare Murray (voiced by ) and determined tortoise Walter (voiced by ) in an extreme race, joined by their children ( and ). Also directed by Baker and Fyzee, with a screenplay by Tom Martin, it emphasizes teamwork and perseverance following the original fable's outcome. The concluding entry, Unstable Fables: The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show, centers on celebrity Goldilocks () joining a reality TV show by living with a family (, Tom Arnold, and others), leading to chaotic cultural clashes. Like the others, it is directed by and Fyzee, blending on fame with the traditional story's elements. Across the series, recurring production talent and a focus on moral lessons wrapped in highlight its appeal as accessible, fable-inspired entertainment, though critics noted mixed reviews for quality and originality.

Overview

Series premise

Unstable Fables is a trilogy of computer-animated films that reimagines classic fairy tales through an anthology format, featuring three standalone stories inspired by "," "," and "." Produced by in association with Flame Ventures, , and , the series updates these timeless narratives with contemporary settings and irreverent humor, transforming traditional fables into accessible family entertainment. The shared thematic core emphasizes modern explorations of family dynamics, personal growth, and intergenerational relationships, often highlighting themes like , , and the balance between ambition and . Each film incorporates lighthearted suitable for young viewers, blending pop culture references and relatable scenarios to appeal to children while offering subtle lessons for parents. Targeted primarily at families with children aged 5-12, the stories promote pro-family values through diverse character interactions, such as unconventional and sibling-like bonds among animal protagonists. With each installment averaging 75-80 minutes in runtime, the series was designed as affordable, direct-to-DVD content to extend the legacy of innovative family-oriented beyond traditional into 3D CGI formats. This approach aimed to deliver quality, standalone viewing experiences that encourage repeat watches and discussions on everyday challenges like rivalry and acceptance.

Development and production

In May 2006, announced the launch of Unstable Fables, a new brand of computer-generated (CG) animated feature-length films, in partnership with , Ventures, and . The collaboration aimed to produce modern twists on classic fairy tales, with overseeing creative development, Flame Ventures handling production coordination, and managing the animation. Production commenced in September 2006, following the initial announcement. The CG animation for the trilogy was outsourced to ' facility in , , allowing for efficient handling of the visual effects and character animation across all three films. Screenplays for the series were developed under the supervision of , emphasizing themes of moral lessons intertwined with contemporary humor to appeal to family audiences. The films operated on a low-budget direct-to-DVD model, targeted for distribution rather than theatrical release, which helped streamline costs through the partnerships. Distribution was managed by , an affiliate of , ensuring wide availability in the home entertainment market. Music for the series was composed by collaborative teams, integrating original scores and songs to enhance the storytelling and comedic elements shared across the productions.

3 Pigs and a Baby

Plot

Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs and a Baby reimagines the fable. The story is framed as a flashback recounted by the three pig brothers—Richard, Mason, and Sandy—to their construction company boss after an accident. The pigs, who run a building firm, find an abandoned baby wolf cub on their doorstep and decide to raise him as their own, naming him Lucky. Unbeknownst to the pigs, the cub was planted by a group of wolves as part of a long-term plan for revenge against the pigs, following the defeat of the . The pigs raise Lucky lovingly in their pig community, treating him like family despite his wolf nature. As Lucky grows into a teenager, he begins to rebel, dyeing his fur blue, listening to with anti-pig lyrics, and questioning his identity. This draws the attention of the wolves, who attempt to recruit him as a spy to infiltrate the pigs' community. Through adventures involving school, friendships (including with pig best friend ), and confrontations with wolf schemes, Lucky learns the value of and loyalty. The film explores themes of , , identity, and the true meaning of , culminating in Lucky choosing his adoptive pig over his biological wolf heritage.

Cast and crew

The film was directed by Howard E. Baker and Arish Fyzee, who employed a dynamic style to blend humor, action, and emotional moments suitable for family viewing. The screenplay was written by and Joseph Purdy, adapting the classic tale into a modern story about unconventional family dynamics. Voice acting was led by as Richard Pig, the optimistic and responsible brother; as Mason Pig, the gruff but caring eldest; and as Sandy Pig, the laid-back middle brother. voiced Lucky, the adopted wolf cub who grows into a rebellious teen. Supporting voices included as Dr. Wolfowitz and the Musical Comedy Wolf, as the Big Bad Wolf, as the mom wolf, and as Card Pig. Additional cast members such as , , and filled various roles in the pig and wolf communities. Composer Jim Lang created the score and original songs, incorporating upbeat tracks and musical numbers to enhance the film's lighthearted tone and teen rebellion elements. provided additional music composition.

Release and home media

Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs and a Baby was released directly to DVD in the United States on March 4, 2008, distributed by in association with . The model targeted family audiences during the early spring season. It later became available on digital platforms, including streaming services. The DVD included bonus features focused on the production process, such as a look at the pipeline from drawings to CGI, a titled "The Story of '3 Pigs and a Baby'", and insights into voice recording and story development. Internationally, the film premiered in select markets in 2008, with a DVD release in on September 5, 2008, and further distribution in and other regions following in 2009.

Tortoise vs. Hare

Plot

Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare is set fifteen years after Walter 's unexpected victory over the boastful Murray in a famous race. Walter (voiced by ), now a relaxed family man, and his wife Dotty () attend their daughter Crystal's () talent show, where she places third. Meanwhile, Murray (), working as a used car salesman, pushes his son Butch () to excel in sports despite Butch's interest in science. Hearing a for a new extreme race called the "Fable Fitness Face-Off," Murray challenges Walter to a father-child team race to redeem his family's honor. The competition features teams from various fable families, including and the Moles. The race involves grueling obstacles testing speed, endurance, and strategy. As the teams compete, personal conflicts arise: Murray's overbearing attitude strains his relationship with Butch, while Walter encourages to find her own path. The Mole family ultimately wins by focusing on and ignoring distractions, teaching the protagonists lessons in perseverance, family support, and . The film concludes with the and families reconciling and appreciating each other's differences.

Cast and crew

The film was directed by Howard E. Baker and Arish Fyzee, who emphasized dynamic action sequences and character-driven humor in the race setting. The screenplay was written by Tom Martin, adapting the classic fable into a modern family adventure with themes of competition and growth. Voice acting was led by Jay Leno as the arrogant yet endearing Murray Hare, Danny Glover as the wise Walter Tortoise, Vivica A. Fox as the supportive Dotty Tortoise, Keke Palmer as the ambitious Crystal Tortoise, and Drake Bell as the reluctant Butch Hare. Additional voices included Cybill Shepherd as Shelly Hare (Murray's wife), Chris Elwood as Rex the Stork (the race announcer), Jenni Pulos as Gilda the Goat, and Nolan North as additional characters. The ensemble delivered performances highlighting generational clashes and emotional depth. Composer Jim Lang provided the score, incorporating upbeat tracks to accompany the race scenes and emotional moments, enhancing the film's energetic pace. Production involved , Flame Ventures, , and .

Release and home media

Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare was released on DVD in the United States on September 9, 2008, distributed by in association with . The 76-minute film targeted family audiences during the back-to-school season. The DVD included bonus features such as a "How to Draw a Character" tutorial with director Howard E. Baker, a on "The Voices of Tortoise vs. Hare" showcasing voice recording sessions, and trailers for other Unstable Fables entries. Digital streaming became available later on platforms like . Internationally, the DVD launched in various markets in 2009, including the and select European countries.

The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show

Plot

In The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show, the story revolves around Goldilocks, a rising star whose status has left her spoiled and isolated from genuine connections. To revitalize her image and career, she participates in a program that requires her to live with the Bear family—Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear—who form a musical family band in an effort to break into the spotlight and share in the fame. The narrative unfolds through high-stakes auditions for talent competitions and chaos on the show set, where egos clash and alliances shift amid cutthroat rivalries. Tensions escalate as Goldilocks's immersion in celebrity excess collides with the Bears' emphasis on heartfelt bonds, exposing the superficiality of and prompting personal reckonings. Ultimately, the film resolves with the characters reconciling through lessons on harmonizing ambition with sincerity, underscoring and the strength of mutual support over fleeting . This of reality TV incorporates lively musical numbers showcasing the Bears' band performances, while emphasizing the quirky, endearing dynamics of the anthropomorphic bear household as they navigate fame's pitfalls together.

Cast and crew

The direction of Unstable Fables: The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show was handled by Howard E. Baker and Arish Fyzee, who brought a lively, performance-driven approach to the film's format, emphasizing energetic staging and character interactions suited to its satirical take on . The was written by Chris Parrish, whose script integrated original songs and comedic sketches to reimagine the classic as a celebrity-driven musical spectacle. Voice performances were led by as the ambitious and musically inclined Goldilocks, whose role showcased her singing abilities in several upbeat numbers central to the show's variety format. Brooke Shields provided the voice for Ruby Bear, the poised matriarch, while Tom Arnold voiced Mac Bear, the boisterous family head, infusing humor and vocal energy into the ensemble's musical sequences. Supporting roles included Colton Parsons as Junior Bear, as the slick agent Jay, as Misty Bear, and Ben Baker in multiple parts such as Richard Pig and various classmates and paparazzi, all contributing to the film's blend of dialogue and song. On the production side, Jim Lang crafted the original score and songs, enhancing the musical elements with catchy, parody-infused tracks that underscored the style. Additional music contributions came from Christopher Lord, supporting the film's dance and performance sequences, though specific choreographers are not prominently credited in production records.

Release and home media

The Unstable Fables: The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show was released directly to home media in the United States on DVD on December 16, 2008, as part of the series' distribution model. The holiday-timed release was distributed by in association with . Subsequent digital releases became available on streaming platforms, including Prime Video. The DVD featured bonus content focused on the film's music-oriented elements, including versions of songs, a "Behind the Bear Band" , mode, and talent show bloopers. Additional extras provided behind-the-scenes insights, such as a lesson on how to draw characters led by director Howard E. Baker and a making-of covering , voice recording, and story development. Internationally, the film saw releases in select markets starting in 2009, with a DVD launch in on June 12, 2009, and in the on July 6, 2009; broader European distribution followed in 2010.

Reception

Critical reviews

The Unstable Fables trilogy received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with aggregate scores reflecting limited appeal beyond young audiences. On , Tortoise vs. Hare holds a 32% approval rating based on 36 reviews, 3 Pigs and a Baby scores 33% from 60 reviews, and The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show fares slightly better at 38% from 4 reviews. IMDb user averages hover around 5.1/10 for Tortoise vs. Hare (790 ratings) and 3 Pigs and a Baby (944 ratings), dropping to 4.7/10 for Goldilocks (294 ratings). Critics commonly praised the series for its humorous modern twists on classic fables and its emphasis on family-friendly lessons about perseverance, , and self-acceptance. highlighted the voice performances, noting that celebrity talents like as the Hare in Tortoise vs. Hare and in 3 Pigs and a Baby bring recognizable energy and personality to the characters, enhancing the lighthearted tone. commended the vocal ensemble in 3 Pigs and a Baby for adding "fantastic personality" that makes the story enjoyable for children. However, the films faced criticism for their uneven animation quality and predictable storytelling, often described as indicative of low-budget production from the late . Reviewers pointed to dated visual styles and inconsistent pacing, with the Computer Graphics Movie Review noting that Tortoise vs. Hare features "decent visuals" but feels "overextended" and loses humor amid drawn-out sequences. Similarly, the same outlet called 3 Pigs and a Baby "mediocre," critiquing its failure to fully capitalize on the Henson Company's legacy despite some clever moments. Breaking down by film, 3 Pigs and a Baby earned the strongest praise for its heartfelt family dynamics and witty inversion of the original tale, with awarding it a full 5/5 for "smart comedy" that delivers positive messages on cooperation. Tortoise vs. Hare was appreciated for its energetic rematch premise and lessons on balancing speed with strategy, though critics like those at noted mild cartoonish peril and adult-oriented wine references as minor distractions (4/5 rating). The Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Show received nods for its satirical take on reality TV fame and musical elements, but was faulted for clichéd teen drama tropes, earning a 4/5 from for solid storytelling despite the predictability.

Commercial performance

The Unstable Fables series was designed as a low-budget animation project, enabling and partners to target the home entertainment market without the financial risks associated with theatrical distribution. This approach capitalized on the growing demand for affordable family-oriented CGI content in the mid-2000s, positioning the franchise within a niche that emphasized quick production cycles and adaptations for DVD consumers. Specific sales figures for the films are not publicly available. Distributed exclusively by in , the films avoided competition in theaters but contended with higher-profile animated features like (2005), which had a $40 million budget and earned over $51 million domestically through . Initial sales performance in the direct-to-DVD channel was bolstered by strategic timing around family viewing seasons, though the overall home video market began contracting in 2008 amid rising digital piracy and shifting consumer preferences toward streaming. Genius Products, which handled distribution for the trilogy, reported strong quarterly revenues earlier in 2007 ($145 million in Q2), but the sector's instability contributed to broader challenges for the company by the following year. The Weinstein Company's subsequent $49.5 million write-down on its investment in Genius in 2009 underscored the modest financial returns from such ventures, as the direct-to-video model struggled against declining physical media sales. Post-2010, the films gained additional visibility through digital platforms, including availability on , which helped generate ongoing ancillary revenue in an era of transitioning distribution models. Internationally, the series saw distribution via dubbed versions without theatrical engagements, finding a receptive audience in regions like and where localized family animation held appeal. This global reach, managed through partners like , extended the franchise's market positioning beyond initial U.S. DVD efforts, though specific earnings remained tied to the niche's limited scale.

Legacy

Unstable Fables exemplified the surge in low-cost, computer-generated adaptations of classic fairy tales during the late , aligning with a broader where studios increasingly produced irreverent, family-oriented animated features for home release to capitalize on established intellectual properties. This approach paved the way for similar budget-conscious releases in the , including parodies like Up (2011), which echoed the formula of twisting public-domain tales with modern humor and accessible CG animation. Produced by , the trilogy marked an extension of the studio's ongoing shift from traditional toward full , building on decades of digital experimentation that began in the 1970s with early segments and evolved into more integrated CG elements by the 2000s. However, despite its innovative voice cast and contemporary spins, Unstable Fables did not spawn a lasting franchise or significant follow-up projects for Henson in this vein, remaining a one-off exploration in their CG portfolio. The films retain a niche nostalgic appeal for audiences who were children in the , evoking memories of the era's glut of animations that blended familiarity with quirky updates, much like other overlooked titles from the period such as (2008) or (2006). This sentiment has sustained modest cultural nods through retrospective discussions on the unique character designs and lighthearted . As of 2025, Unstable Fables has experienced streaming revivals, with titles available for purchase or rental on platforms like and subscription access via on Apple TV Channel, keeping the series accessible to new generations and fueling ongoing fan interest.

References

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