Happy Happy Joy Joy – The Ren & Stimpy Story

The controversial show Ren & Stimpy (1991-95) was ostensibly for kids but quickly found an appreciative older audience and initiated the wave of adult animation programs that continues today. Though the program is remembered fondly, less is known of the behind-the-scenes crises and conflicts that this wide-ranging documentary dives into. Through interviews with producers, animators, fans, and controversial creator John Kricfalusi himself, the filmmakers present the show’s undeniable achievements while also presenting the grime behind the curtain.

“Happy Happy Joy Joy is both an homage to an inspired endeavor and a cautionary tale illustrating how even the greatest popular success can be brought down by unchecked ego, perfectionism, and ‘artistic temperament’ at the top. Feature debutants Ron Cicerl and Kimo Easterwood’s documentary is a very entertaining recap that grows more disturbing as it wades into the dysfunctional behavior that doomed the show, and still somewhat taints its legacy.” –Dennis Harvey, Variety