The 2020 reboot of 'Animaniacs' proved to be better than expected and not as pointless as feared, considering that some reboots don't have the best reputations. It is inconsistent and nowhere near on the same level as the original 'Animaniacs', but none of the previous episodes were less than decent (with episodes 5 and 11 actually being excellent). With most being uneven, often with one great segment, one good one and in some episodes the odd one that doesn't work, but with more good than bad.
On the most part, "Cold Open: Exercise Minute"/"Reichenbrain Falls"/"Targeted Ads"/"Starbox and Cindy" is a very good episode, with one segment being truly excellent and the other two are a good deal more entertaining and interesting than they sounded on paper. One segment didn't work for me and brings the episode down from being nearly one of the show's better episodes to one that was very solidly done and one of the better later outings. Which is still not too bad a position to be in.
"Starbox and Cindy" is that segment. Nicely animated with some cute moments, but very slight and too safe with the laughs being too few and only mildly amusing at best. The titular characters are on the bland side.
Which is not the case with the Warners-centric segments, with "Targeted Ads" being especially clever and closer to the wackiness and wit of the original 'Animaniacs', with some nice nostalgic and relevant referencing. "Exercise Minute" while perhaps a little too long is breezy enough and it was fun seeing what the Warners do in their exercise break.
Best of all is "Reichenbrain Falls", which is no surprise actually seeing as the Pinky and the Brain segments are always (the only slight exception being the one in "Wakkiver Twist") the best segments. Once again there is plenty of hilarious and irreverent writing, sharply clever wit and exuberant energy, with some unsettling and wonderfully mad atmosphere. The writers clearly loved Pinky and the Brain too, had fun with them and understood them, because they were consistent delights throughout the show. Especially Brain, my favourite character from the reboot. Brain's nemesis is great fun too.
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.
Very well done overall. 8/10.
On the most part, "Cold Open: Exercise Minute"/"Reichenbrain Falls"/"Targeted Ads"/"Starbox and Cindy" is a very good episode, with one segment being truly excellent and the other two are a good deal more entertaining and interesting than they sounded on paper. One segment didn't work for me and brings the episode down from being nearly one of the show's better episodes to one that was very solidly done and one of the better later outings. Which is still not too bad a position to be in.
"Starbox and Cindy" is that segment. Nicely animated with some cute moments, but very slight and too safe with the laughs being too few and only mildly amusing at best. The titular characters are on the bland side.
Which is not the case with the Warners-centric segments, with "Targeted Ads" being especially clever and closer to the wackiness and wit of the original 'Animaniacs', with some nice nostalgic and relevant referencing. "Exercise Minute" while perhaps a little too long is breezy enough and it was fun seeing what the Warners do in their exercise break.
Best of all is "Reichenbrain Falls", which is no surprise actually seeing as the Pinky and the Brain segments are always (the only slight exception being the one in "Wakkiver Twist") the best segments. Once again there is plenty of hilarious and irreverent writing, sharply clever wit and exuberant energy, with some unsettling and wonderfully mad atmosphere. The writers clearly loved Pinky and the Brain too, had fun with them and understood them, because they were consistent delights throughout the show. Especially Brain, my favourite character from the reboot. Brain's nemesis is great fun too.
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.
Very well done overall. 8/10.