IZ and the Zizzles

iZ and the Zizzes is a 2007, American, animated, family, sci-fi, musical, direct-to-video film, produced by DiC Entertainment. It is based on the iZ toy of the same name by the toy company, Zizzle. It was one of the final productions by DiC, both in terms of straight-to-video and overall.

Plot
iZ is a robot who was created by a scientist named Dr. Zizzle with the intention of using him to make the world a better place. But some government agents-in-black have other plans for him. In response, iZ flees and escapes, as he struggles to find out what he is and learn about his purpose. Meanwhile, a radio D.J. has been struggling with trying to score the next big hit for his station and is told that if he doesn't have one soon, he and his family will have to remain in the Midwest and won't be able to move back to New York. After iZ makes his way to the station, the D.J. has the idea that iZ is just what he needs to gain success. He brings iZ back home to show his wife, who is a record producer, before iZ finds their son and daughter, along with a friend, all of whom make up a rock trio. With their sound previously not gelling well, as well as their ability at working together harmoniously, once they find iZ and hear what he can do, they believe they've found that perfect sound and that he's just what they need.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) The writing of the storyline is great, as it has so much more going for it than being too simplistic, and it's one of the stronger toy-based cartoons.
 * 2) The characters are great and likable, especially iZ himself, with him expressing sadness when he's trying to find out more about himself, like what he is and his origins.
 * 3) The voice cast sounds great. The most notable member being singer Yasmeen Sulieman ( better known simply as Yasmeen, who fans will remember and recognize as being best known for her 2002 R&B hit, "Blue Jeans") as the voice of Vera Franklin. Those who are familiar with her may be sold on this for that reason alone.
 * 4) The original songs are catchy and well-written, both musically and lyrically.
 * 5) The character designs and art style are well-designed, giving it a uncanny, yet very charming animesque style.
 * 6) Plenty of moments to keep viewers entertained throughout the whole thing.
 * 7) It got a follow-up to this.
 * 8) As one of the very last things produced under DiC, the studio went out on a sweet note (pun unintended).
 * 9) It may possibly be one of those toyetic cartoons that actually outdoes the toys on which it's based. That is, at least, McDonald's iZ toy-line.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) It's worthy enough to be expanded into a T.V. series, but never got that far due to DiC closing down.
 * 2) The sequel has yet to be available on home media.
 * 3) The English dub of the sequel is unavailable online.
 * 4) McDonald's iZ toy-line wasn't as impressive.