"Wakkiver Twist"/"Plight of Hand" really fascinated me. Did not think that 'Oliver Twist', a very serious story and a long one, being parodied in two short segments bookending a Pinky and the Brain segment would work, but was still very intrigued. Seeing as there have been numerous instances in film and television of a concept potentially not working, because of over ambition and because of it not on paper lending itself well to family friendly content, but actually working really well.
This is including in the 'Animaniacs' reboot, as the Suffragettes, Marie Antoinette and the Magna Carta are very mature historical subjects, but was done surprisingly well in the reboot, despite some heavy handedness in the Suffragette one. The episode which parodies the first part of the book up to Oliver's arrest, actually did work very well, with enough recognisable elements of the book though not the more tragic parts of the story with the likes of Nancy and Sykes while also managing to be unmistakably 'Animaniacs'. 'Animaniacs' (2020) is uneven and took a while to settle, but became more consistent from towards the end of Season 1 onwards. "Wakkiver Twist"/"Plight of Hand" is for me one of the better episodes.
"Plight of Hand" is not quite as inspired as "Wakkiver Twist", which was quite surprising as the Pinky and the Brain segments are the consistently best segments of each episode. It is still very witty and inventive with great character interaction and faithful characterisation, though it is very different in feel to "Wakkiver Twist" (being more scientific with flashes of horror based than spoofing of literature) and this creates a bit of a disjoint.
For me though, the two part "Wakkiver Twist" that preceeds and succeeds "Plight of Hand" was fabulous and among the best Warners segments. There is great atmosphere throughout, and the parodying manages to be sharp and witty with lively pacing without diluting the original stories' content. Loved the interaction between the Warners and they fit their roles nicely (Yakko makes Oliver endearing without being sickly sweet), though maybe they could have toned down Dot's indignance at hating being called what she is called constantly. Faginsniff is a fun adversary and Pinky and Brain are gold in the Bumble (or Brainball) roles.
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.
Very good all in all. 8/10.
This is including in the 'Animaniacs' reboot, as the Suffragettes, Marie Antoinette and the Magna Carta are very mature historical subjects, but was done surprisingly well in the reboot, despite some heavy handedness in the Suffragette one. The episode which parodies the first part of the book up to Oliver's arrest, actually did work very well, with enough recognisable elements of the book though not the more tragic parts of the story with the likes of Nancy and Sykes while also managing to be unmistakably 'Animaniacs'. 'Animaniacs' (2020) is uneven and took a while to settle, but became more consistent from towards the end of Season 1 onwards. "Wakkiver Twist"/"Plight of Hand" is for me one of the better episodes.
"Plight of Hand" is not quite as inspired as "Wakkiver Twist", which was quite surprising as the Pinky and the Brain segments are the consistently best segments of each episode. It is still very witty and inventive with great character interaction and faithful characterisation, though it is very different in feel to "Wakkiver Twist" (being more scientific with flashes of horror based than spoofing of literature) and this creates a bit of a disjoint.
For me though, the two part "Wakkiver Twist" that preceeds and succeeds "Plight of Hand" was fabulous and among the best Warners segments. There is great atmosphere throughout, and the parodying manages to be sharp and witty with lively pacing without diluting the original stories' content. Loved the interaction between the Warners and they fit their roles nicely (Yakko makes Oliver endearing without being sickly sweet), though maybe they could have toned down Dot's indignance at hating being called what she is called constantly. Faginsniff is a fun adversary and Pinky and Brain are gold in the Bumble (or Brainball) roles.
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.
Very good all in all. 8/10.