While this documentary may not provide the level of insight or as cohesive a narrative as other films from recent years about children's entertainment, Hot Potato benefits from the sheer charm and approachability of The Wiggles themselves. It's inspiring to see these men and women be perfectly ordinary people who just patiently put in the work to get to where they are today. The film doesn't necessarily find a central idea or philosophy behind The Wiggles' music, but their creativity and enthusiasm for performing manages to turn the simplest things (like fruit salad) into a celebration of life. The documentary isn't particularly good at balancing its tones, especially when it deals with the struggles that various Wiggles have faced in their personal lives, but it remains likable and wholesome all the same.
Synopsis
Hot Potato is a backstage pass to the global phenomenon, The Wiggles. The documentary chronicles the story of three preschool teachers, Anthony, Murray and Greg, and their friend Jeff, as they triumph over the odds to become one of the most successful children’s acts of all time.
Storyline
The wildly popular Australian children's music group talk about their long, continuing journey through thick and thin.
TLDR
Don't talk to me about your favorite boy bands and idol groups if you don't rock with The Wiggles.
What stands out
One thing that many of these celebrated children's entertainers have in common (Mister Rogers, Mr. Dressup, Sesame Street, among others) is that they are genuinely brilliant songwriters. To the grown-up ear The Wiggles' lyrics might still sound too kiddy, but you really have to appreciate their ear for melody and their dedication to playing live music. The live instruments make a world of difference, not just in how the songs sound, but in showing kids that they can learn music themselves. And with The Wiggles paying homage to a whole variety of styles—from Indigenous Australian music, to The Beatles, to Tame Impala—that should also hopefully inspire young and old to appreciate things across all boundaries.
