‘Butterfly in the Sky’ Review: ‘Reading Rainbow’s’ Creation and Bittersweet Cancellation Get Their Due in Vibrant Documentary

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As a movie enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of documentaries, I must say that “Butterfly in the Sky” is a heartwarming and poignant tribute to a forgotten gem of children’s television programming. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of weaving together past and present, creating a narrative that’s as engaging as it is informative.

The documentary “Butterfly in the Sky,” directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, currently streaming on Netflix for rental, chronicles the journey of a group of innovative educators who came together to develop iconic children’s programming. This touching tribute combines intimate, softly lit conversations with real-life footage (including personal home videos and broadcast segments) as well as behind-the-scenes photos, guiding us through the story of this program, its creative triumphs, and the unfortunate circumstances that led to its end. Unlike the fairy tale-like narratives from the Emmy-winning series, this bittersweet retrospective leaves viewers with a deep feeling of loss due to the heartless bureaucratic forces that disregarded the show’s valuable contributions to society.

Thomason and Whitcomb’s approach, seamlessly blending past and present, is reminiscent of documentaries like “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” (“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”) and “Street Gang: How We Got To Sesame Street”, focusing on early childhood development. However, their straightforward style effectively highlights the personal stories shared by those who spearheaded this educational revolution. For instance, Series co-creator and executive producer Twila C. Liggett, PhD converses in an elementary school classroom, while co-creators and supervising producers Cecily Truett Lancit and Larry Lancit are captured in their living room amidst stacks of videotapes. This choice of interview settings lends a tangible, intimate feel to the proceedings.

Examining over two decades of a cherished pop culture icon may seem overwhelming, but Thomason and Whitcomb explain why this show was significant and groundbreaking in the grand scheme of our continually changing society. The choice of host and executive producer LeVar Burton for the role brings about deep reflections on the importance of having Black male representation in the early ’80s. This push for diversity was equally crucial for the child book reviewers, as they resonated with their young viewers. Now, their television screens could reflect their own images and foster their growing curiosity.

The documentarian duo shine a spotlight on the series’ numerous contributions that changed the landscape of television, as they explain that there were no educational programs at the time geared toward ages eight to ten. Some of the most poignant parts of this feature dwell on the program teaching compassion and kindness to these still-malleable minds watching in times of national crisis, with non-patronizing episodes on homelessness, poverty, war and the devastating aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Narrowing its scope slightly, it also shows ways in which being on the show enriched the lives of featured players, in “where are they now” style follow-ups.

This production isn’t just about heavy subjects; it’s predominantly a celebration of creativity. The grown-ups participating were as enthusiastic about exploring their childlike imagination as the children watching. Behind the scenes, there are numerous amusing stories waiting to be shared, such as the one where the sound technician slipped inside a bat cave and landed headfirst into a heap of bat droppings teeming with worms. Director Dean Parisot (“Galaxy Quest”) shared this rather disgusting tale. The director’s openness to experimentation makes for dynamic montages showcasing his thrilling stunts, including log-sawing, scuba diving, and a risky one involving being buried under a mountain of adorable golden retriever puppies. Additionally, they share an entertaining story about Run-DMC’s visit to the set.

The creators of the series clearly value its educational significance, even though the final episode didn’t deliver as powerful a message as it potentially could have. They subtly hint at the irony that the No Child Left Behind Act led to the show’s demise, but without fully exploring the topic. It’s fortunate that they don’t try to tell us whether or not we’re worse off without the show, but the sadness that it’s no longer educating young people today is deeply felt.

Individuals lacking this particular programming aren’t necessarily professional authors who saw significant sales increases after being spotlighted (in what could be likened to a proto-Oprah Effect), but rather, younger generations of children who are missing out on the additional intellectual nourishment critical for emotional development. With reading abilities and understanding dwindling in the U.S. for quite some time now, and exacerbated by the pandemic, “Butterfly in the Sky” serves as a vital platform to advocate for the enduring impact of this renowned series.

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2024-12-24 02:17