Hollywood High
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by Theatrix Interactive, Inc.

Age Group: Age 8 and Up Type: Art & Creativity Price: $ 34.95 US

PC version requires:
486-25 80 M 4 MB RAM, 2x CD-ROM, Windows 95, also on Win 3.1, 640x480x256

Mac version requires:
Version is available.

Description:

Hollywood High is designed to allow budding writers to created animated multimedia productions. It's a real hoot to see it all come to life right in front of you! Having looked at similar titles last year, like The Simpsons, Read, Write...Action (sorry, that may be the wrong title, Broderbund put it out about a year ago.) we weren't really enthused about looking at Hollywood High. However, this one is much easier to maneuver and use. Within minutes, we had a wild story going, people on the phone too much and others telling everyone to be quiet. The problem is that sometimes my characters seem to take off on their own and do their own thing! Hollywood High allows you the luxury of playing around - figuring out the controls doesn't get in the way.

Features:

• Over 10 characters to choose from.
• Choose roles, hobbies, etc.
• Choose from over 30 locations and events.
• Works with the characters and scenes from Hollywood (the original title.)
• Scripting is totally up to you - even assign customized pronunciations.
• Choose stage directions.
• Idea Machine will help out if you have writer's block.

Reactions:

This title would be extremely helpful for kids who are having problems in language arts because it reinforces reading and writing skills and develops understanding of story line, plot, dialogue and character developments. Productions can even be sent over the Internet for others to watch.

This is one of the few programs cool enough to entice my own teen daughter to try it. Since she has a tendency to live in dreamland, I hope she can use this tool to practice dialogue and social interactions before she takes those major risks. (Translation: I hope that before she corners some poor unsuspecting guy to pledge undying love, she'll try it out here first.) It gives kids a chance to be more analytical and objective about situations, which can be helpful.

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