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.
Most of the show's episodes in the first season were inconsistent, tending to have at least great segment (mostly the Pinky and the Brain segments) but hit and miss with the others. Season 2 however was much more settled and had a high number of very good and more episodes, rather than the generally just above average to very good standard of the first season. Was not sure how "80s Cats"/"All About Benjamin"/"23 and WB" would fare, with it being one of the few 'Animaniacs' instalments to not have a Pinky and the Brain segment. Luckily, the episode is much better and more consistent than most of the episodes centered almost entirely on the Warners.
While preferring the bolder and more traditional look of the original 'Animaniacs', the animation as usual is still fine here. It is very bright and colourful in all three segments, with beautiful and rich background detail and the wildly wacky expressions and body language are delightful. 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. There was a big gap between the ending of the original's run and the beginning of the reboot, but the way the original voice actors capture how they voiced the characters previously so seamlessly it was like the big gap had never happened.
A vast majority of the writing is witty and smart, with some genuinely funny and affectionate referencing. Only the rather out of place and unsubtle Tucker Carlson reference didn't work and took me out of the setting. The 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' and 'National Lampoon's Vacation' references were especially good, the former being the one that younger viewers are most likely to get. The storytelling has plenty of wild energy and has enough variety to stop it from being repetitive, especially "23 and WB". It is though very slight in "80s Cats", which is pretty much merely a parody set to song.
Had very little issue with the character writing. It was very interesting seeing Benjamin Franklin portrayed in this way, in yet another successful attempt at parodying historical characters/events in "All About Benjamin". Really liked the chemistry between him and the Warners. Who are on great form throughout all three segments, especially in "23 and WB", apart from some occasional heavy-handedness with Dot. The supporting characters (great to have some as a lot of the show was missing them and ones that were interesting in personality) are colourful, particularly Franklin and Nora.
Concluding, very nicely done. 8/10.
Most of the show's episodes in the first season were inconsistent, tending to have at least great segment (mostly the Pinky and the Brain segments) but hit and miss with the others. Season 2 however was much more settled and had a high number of very good and more episodes, rather than the generally just above average to very good standard of the first season. Was not sure how "80s Cats"/"All About Benjamin"/"23 and WB" would fare, with it being one of the few 'Animaniacs' instalments to not have a Pinky and the Brain segment. Luckily, the episode is much better and more consistent than most of the episodes centered almost entirely on the Warners.
While preferring the bolder and more traditional look of the original 'Animaniacs', the animation as usual is still fine here. It is very bright and colourful in all three segments, with beautiful and rich background detail and the wildly wacky expressions and body language are delightful. 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. There was a big gap between the ending of the original's run and the beginning of the reboot, but the way the original voice actors capture how they voiced the characters previously so seamlessly it was like the big gap had never happened.
A vast majority of the writing is witty and smart, with some genuinely funny and affectionate referencing. Only the rather out of place and unsubtle Tucker Carlson reference didn't work and took me out of the setting. The 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' and 'National Lampoon's Vacation' references were especially good, the former being the one that younger viewers are most likely to get. The storytelling has plenty of wild energy and has enough variety to stop it from being repetitive, especially "23 and WB". It is though very slight in "80s Cats", which is pretty much merely a parody set to song.
Had very little issue with the character writing. It was very interesting seeing Benjamin Franklin portrayed in this way, in yet another successful attempt at parodying historical characters/events in "All About Benjamin". Really liked the chemistry between him and the Warners. Who are on great form throughout all three segments, especially in "23 and WB", apart from some occasional heavy-handedness with Dot. The supporting characters (great to have some as a lot of the show was missing them and ones that were interesting in personality) are colourful, particularly Franklin and Nora.
Concluding, very nicely done. 8/10.