Expectations were very mixed for this 'Animaniacs' reboot. The original 'Animaniacs' is one of my favourite animated shows and a favourite overall. Likewise with 'Pinky and the Brain' (not the case with its spin off 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'). Part of me was interested to see how they would work in a contemporary setting, but much of me also questioned its point because it didn't sound necessary to me as can be the case with a lot of reboots.
Almost all the previous episodes of the show falls in the very inconsistent but also very watchable category, excepting Episodes 5, 11 and 16 which for me were great. "Yakko's Big Idea"/"Mouse Congeniality"/"Rejected Animaniacs Characters" is another one of the very inconsistent but also very watchable episodes, actually thought that generally it was pretty good. Did expect more from one segment, but the other two were much more interesting and more fun so compensated.
The best segment was definitely for me "Mouse Congeniality", the 'Animaniacs' reboot was always at its best with the Pinky and the Brain segments and "Mouse Congeniality" is no exception. Which was sharply, smartly and wittily written on the whole and the story had a huge amount of energy and felt fresh. Once again, the character writing for both titular characters, especially Brain, is a delightful revelation and indicative of people that loved and understood the characters. Loved the chemistry between them and Pinky's bigger role that doesn't dumb or water him down.
"Rejected Animaniacs Characters" also had a lot to like. That also delivered on the sharpness and the wit as well as the wacky energy and seeing the rejected Animaniacs characters were absolutely fascinating. Very interesting idea done well.
Did find "Yakko's Big Idea" a little on the bland and safe side, lacking the other segments' energy and charm and feeling on the thin side story wise. Yakko is fun though and Rob Paulsen's voice work adds a lot.
In regard to the individual components, 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.
Good but not great. 7/10.
Almost all the previous episodes of the show falls in the very inconsistent but also very watchable category, excepting Episodes 5, 11 and 16 which for me were great. "Yakko's Big Idea"/"Mouse Congeniality"/"Rejected Animaniacs Characters" is another one of the very inconsistent but also very watchable episodes, actually thought that generally it was pretty good. Did expect more from one segment, but the other two were much more interesting and more fun so compensated.
The best segment was definitely for me "Mouse Congeniality", the 'Animaniacs' reboot was always at its best with the Pinky and the Brain segments and "Mouse Congeniality" is no exception. Which was sharply, smartly and wittily written on the whole and the story had a huge amount of energy and felt fresh. Once again, the character writing for both titular characters, especially Brain, is a delightful revelation and indicative of people that loved and understood the characters. Loved the chemistry between them and Pinky's bigger role that doesn't dumb or water him down.
"Rejected Animaniacs Characters" also had a lot to like. That also delivered on the sharpness and the wit as well as the wacky energy and seeing the rejected Animaniacs characters were absolutely fascinating. Very interesting idea done well.
Did find "Yakko's Big Idea" a little on the bland and safe side, lacking the other segments' energy and charm and feeling on the thin side story wise. Yakko is fun though and Rob Paulsen's voice work adds a lot.
In regard to the individual components, 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.
Good but not great. 7/10.