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.
While the previous two episodes were very uneven, a case of both of them having one great segment each and the others varying between good and average, they were also quite enjoyable and much better than expected. "Gold Meddlers"/"Pinko and the Brain"/"Math-terpiece Theater: Apples" is another episode to have one segment be much better than the others but with more than enough to make it an enjoyable episode at least.
The best segment by far is "Pinko and the Brain", which is hardly surprising as the Pinky and the Brain segments throughout the show's run were in a different league to the others. The story is clever and full of energy, the sharp and witty humour is true in spirit to the original 'Pinky and the Brain', the 50s setting intrigues and was educational, Brain's plan is classic Brain and the two titular characters gel beautifully together and true to character. Clearly written by people that loved the characters and treated them with respect. The exchange about telling lies did make me laugh.
One segment did not work for me and that was "Gold Meddlers". Dot had her moments, especially her response to Nils' inappropriate comment about her legs. Nice to hear the writers acknowledging that the character of Nils is a "lazily rendered stereotype" in that response. The segment in general felt dragged out and much more could have been done with the setting which was unimaginative and the character of Nils was unfunny and annoying, as well as a lazy stereotype.
"Math-terpiece Theater: Apples" was amusing enough and has some nice energy, though could have been sharper and bolder, and it could have been more absurdist.
Lots of things work incredibly well individually. 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.
In summary, inconistent but enjoyable. 7/10.
While the previous two episodes were very uneven, a case of both of them having one great segment each and the others varying between good and average, they were also quite enjoyable and much better than expected. "Gold Meddlers"/"Pinko and the Brain"/"Math-terpiece Theater: Apples" is another episode to have one segment be much better than the others but with more than enough to make it an enjoyable episode at least.
The best segment by far is "Pinko and the Brain", which is hardly surprising as the Pinky and the Brain segments throughout the show's run were in a different league to the others. The story is clever and full of energy, the sharp and witty humour is true in spirit to the original 'Pinky and the Brain', the 50s setting intrigues and was educational, Brain's plan is classic Brain and the two titular characters gel beautifully together and true to character. Clearly written by people that loved the characters and treated them with respect. The exchange about telling lies did make me laugh.
One segment did not work for me and that was "Gold Meddlers". Dot had her moments, especially her response to Nils' inappropriate comment about her legs. Nice to hear the writers acknowledging that the character of Nils is a "lazily rendered stereotype" in that response. The segment in general felt dragged out and much more could have been done with the setting which was unimaginative and the character of Nils was unfunny and annoying, as well as a lazy stereotype.
"Math-terpiece Theater: Apples" was amusing enough and has some nice energy, though could have been sharper and bolder, and it could have been more absurdist.
Lots of things work incredibly well individually. 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.
In summary, inconistent but enjoyable. 7/10.
