The 2020 reboot of 'Animaniacs' proved to be better than expected and not as pointless as feared. It is inconsistent and nowhere near as the original 'Animaniacs', but all the previous ten episodes were more than watchable (none great though). Though inevitably the segments were a mix of brilliant (all the 'Pinky and the Brain' segments), decent if unexceptional and not making the grade. Of the previous ten episodes though, only Episode 5 came close to greatness and was at its best great.
"Phantomaniacs"/"Fear and Laughter in Burbank"/"Bride of Pinky"/"Things that Go Bump in the Night" is the best episode since that episode ("Good Warner Hunting"/"No Brainer"/"Ralph Cam") quite easily. Absolutely loved the premises for all the segments, especially for "Fear and Laughter in Burbank", and a vast majority of the time the execution is great. The episode starts off slightly blandly, but very quickly became an adept mix of hilarious and creepy with some of the best character writing up to this point of the show's run.
For me, the weakest segment was "Phantomaniacs". It is quite amusing don't get me wrong and fits the comedy-horror theme well enough, but it is never quite hilarious or inspired.
All the other three segments however are gems. Especially "Fear and Laughter in Burbank", which has hilarious witty humour and genuine creepiness that makes one nostalgic for 80s and 90s horror. Nikelwise (a parody of Pennywise from Stephen King's 'IT') is a very memorable supporting character and the Warners are written in a way that is suggestive of them being written by someone who understands and loves them (not always the case with the show).
"Bride of Pinky" is also a gem. The premise is classic Brain and a parody of the Frankenstein story couldn't have been a better choice for these two characters. Once again there is plenty of hilarious and irreverent writing and genuinely creepy atmosphere reminiscent of classic Universal horror. Pinky and Brain are on top form.
Was expecting "Things that Go Bump in the Night" to be the weakest segment as it does not sound the most interesting premise on the block, but the spookiness is spot on.
Coming on to the individual elements, the animation is bright and beautifully detailed with some suitably wild expressions in faces, eyes and body language, despite preferring the bolder and more traditional look. The music fits well and while it may not enhance the action it adds to it in a way that's appealing and accessible. The theme tune is hip and catchy. The voice acting, done by some of the best and most prolific voice actors in the business now and ever, is impeccable. It was a masterstroke bringing the voice actors back and the right thing to do. Cannot for instance imagine Brain being voiced by somebody other than Maurice La Marche.
Great episode overall and the best one since Episode 5. 9/10.
"Phantomaniacs"/"Fear and Laughter in Burbank"/"Bride of Pinky"/"Things that Go Bump in the Night" is the best episode since that episode ("Good Warner Hunting"/"No Brainer"/"Ralph Cam") quite easily. Absolutely loved the premises for all the segments, especially for "Fear and Laughter in Burbank", and a vast majority of the time the execution is great. The episode starts off slightly blandly, but very quickly became an adept mix of hilarious and creepy with some of the best character writing up to this point of the show's run.
For me, the weakest segment was "Phantomaniacs". It is quite amusing don't get me wrong and fits the comedy-horror theme well enough, but it is never quite hilarious or inspired.
All the other three segments however are gems. Especially "Fear and Laughter in Burbank", which has hilarious witty humour and genuine creepiness that makes one nostalgic for 80s and 90s horror. Nikelwise (a parody of Pennywise from Stephen King's 'IT') is a very memorable supporting character and the Warners are written in a way that is suggestive of them being written by someone who understands and loves them (not always the case with the show).
"Bride of Pinky" is also a gem. The premise is classic Brain and a parody of the Frankenstein story couldn't have been a better choice for these two characters. Once again there is plenty of hilarious and irreverent writing and genuinely creepy atmosphere reminiscent of classic Universal horror. Pinky and Brain are on top form.
Was expecting "Things that Go Bump in the Night" to be the weakest segment as it does not sound the most interesting premise on the block, but the spookiness is spot on.
Coming on to the individual elements, the animation is bright and beautifully detailed with some suitably wild expressions in faces, eyes and body language, despite preferring the bolder and more traditional look. The music fits well and while it may not enhance the action it adds to it in a way that's appealing and accessible. The theme tune is hip and catchy. The voice acting, done by some of the best and most prolific voice actors in the business now and ever, is impeccable. It was a masterstroke bringing the voice actors back and the right thing to do. Cannot for instance imagine Brain being voiced by somebody other than Maurice La Marche.
Great episode overall and the best one since Episode 5. 9/10.
