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, "A Brief History of History"/"The Incredible Gnome in People's Mouths"/"The Prisoner's Dilemma"/"Mathterpiece Theater: Beachballs" 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.
Weakest segment is "The Incredible Gnome in People's Mouths". Which is very bland, not particularly funny or particularly imaginative and the lack of a compelling lead character doesn't help, neither does the over-reliance of juvenile, smug gross-out humour which felt misplaced.
"Mathterpiece Theater: Beachballs" is quite fun and educational and Dot is on exuberant form, though the segment is very slight. "A Brief History of History" is very witty, with some nice nostalgia, smart and not shoehorned or heavy handed referencing, while not being too tame or smug. The song is one of the show's catchiest.
Best of the four is "The Prisoner's Dilemma". Which was not surprising as that was the case for most of the 'Animaniacs' reboot's episodes. It was sharply, smartly and wittily written on the whole and the story wouldn't be too out of place in 'Pinky and the Brain'. Once again, the character writing for both titular characters is a delightful revelation, especially for Brain, and indicative of people that loved and understood the characters. The chemistry is dynamite and the supporting characters delight, especially the archvillain. The supporting characters' perception of Pinky was interesting and different.
Coming onto 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.
Not mind blowing but very good all in all. 8/10.
On the most part, "A Brief History of History"/"The Incredible Gnome in People's Mouths"/"The Prisoner's Dilemma"/"Mathterpiece Theater: Beachballs" 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.
Weakest segment is "The Incredible Gnome in People's Mouths". Which is very bland, not particularly funny or particularly imaginative and the lack of a compelling lead character doesn't help, neither does the over-reliance of juvenile, smug gross-out humour which felt misplaced.
"Mathterpiece Theater: Beachballs" is quite fun and educational and Dot is on exuberant form, though the segment is very slight. "A Brief History of History" is very witty, with some nice nostalgia, smart and not shoehorned or heavy handed referencing, while not being too tame or smug. The song is one of the show's catchiest.
Best of the four is "The Prisoner's Dilemma". Which was not surprising as that was the case for most of the 'Animaniacs' reboot's episodes. It was sharply, smartly and wittily written on the whole and the story wouldn't be too out of place in 'Pinky and the Brain'. Once again, the character writing for both titular characters is a delightful revelation, especially for Brain, and indicative of people that loved and understood the characters. The chemistry is dynamite and the supporting characters delight, especially the archvillain. The supporting characters' perception of Pinky was interesting and different.
Coming onto 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.
Not mind blowing but very good all in all. 8/10.