DJ's Dance N' Drive is Starting to Grow on Me

There are a lot of characters I'd like to see making life-size outdoor appearances in Radiator Springs along with Lightning McQueen, Mater and Red. Any of the other citizens -- Doc, Sheriff, Sally, Flo, Ramone, Sarge, Filmore or Lizzie -- would be great.

DJ, the obnoxious boom box on wheels, would have been my last choice. He was a jerk in the film, although he got his comeuppance in the closing credits after Sheriff caught him.

He begins his ten minute show by insulting the little town, which prompts several waitresses and service station attendants to confront him and -- through song and dance -- prove that Radiator Springs really can party. In the end, DJ admits he was wrong. Everybody dance!

At first, I hated the way the show disrupts Cars Land's mellow atmosphere. Over repeat visits, however, I must admit that the talented, lively cast and the fun choice of music (including Dancing in the Streets, Car Wash, Life is a Highway, and Rock This Town) really do bring extra smiles and energy to the crowd.

Actually, maybe it's appropriate that DJ appears in Cars Land; In the film, his cruel and dangerous prank was the plot device that sent McQueen into Radiator Springs in the first place.

I guess one could say that, in Cars history, DJ unwittingly saved Radiator Springs from oblivion. But don't tell him that; He's quite full of himself enough as it is.

Phineas & Ferb Keep Summer Alive at DCA

Christmas draws near, but in the world of Phineas & Ferb, every day is summer -- even though they've added a bit of Holiday music to their Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party. Here we see them dancing away their cares (backed by a chorus of helpful Fireside Girls) at the edge of Paradise Pier.

Phineas (in the striped shirt) looks almost frog-like from the front, which is why he's rarely seen from that angle in the TV show. All things considered, however, the characters translate to walk-around costumes surprisingly well.

It's still startling to see these two at first. Aren't they a bit tall to be ten-year-olds? Yes. Yes they are. The performers do such a great job of bringing the stepbrothers to life, however, that children buy into the fantasy instantly, and it only takes slightly longer for the adults in the crowd to get caught up in the fun.

The Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party, which has been a hit since the day it launched, must be an exhausting workout for the characters. I imagine they embrace the cooler days of fall and winter as a welcome relief after dancing through the show several times a day during the blazing heat of summer.