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.
For me, "Yakko Amakko"/"The Longest Word"/"Happy Narfday"/"Magna Cartoon" is one of the best episodes from the 'Animaniacs' reboot, and one of the few episodes that are great and where all the segments work in some shape or form (the weakest still being very good). Absolutely loved the premises for all the segments, especially for "Happy Narfday" (not a surprise as the 'Pinky and the Brain' segments were always the segments that worked consistently), and a vast majority of the time the execution is great.
Of the four segments, the weakest is "The Longest Word", due to feeling a little too over stretched and the bickering is a little too much. It is still very witty and suitably wacky, not feeling too safe. Which is pretty much similar with "Yakko Amakko", absolutely loved the 'Duck Amuck' feel, the imaginative animation and the very clever fourth wall humour. Yakko is great fun and faithfully characterised.
Did like "Magna Cartoon" a good deal and it is one of the better endeavours of the reboot to parody a historical event. It is not easy making everything with the Magna Carta, a very serious subject, funny and accessible for younger viewers, but "Magna Cartoon" did this very well and one doesn't have to worry about any of the Warners' flaws being shoved in the face. The song is very catchy.
Best of all is "Happy Narfday". Not a novel premise, but one that is executed very imaginatively. Once again there is plenty of hilarious and irreverent writing, sharply clever wit and exuberant energy, with some unsettling 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.
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.
Great episode overall. 9/10.
For me, "Yakko Amakko"/"The Longest Word"/"Happy Narfday"/"Magna Cartoon" is one of the best episodes from the 'Animaniacs' reboot, and one of the few episodes that are great and where all the segments work in some shape or form (the weakest still being very good). Absolutely loved the premises for all the segments, especially for "Happy Narfday" (not a surprise as the 'Pinky and the Brain' segments were always the segments that worked consistently), and a vast majority of the time the execution is great.
Of the four segments, the weakest is "The Longest Word", due to feeling a little too over stretched and the bickering is a little too much. It is still very witty and suitably wacky, not feeling too safe. Which is pretty much similar with "Yakko Amakko", absolutely loved the 'Duck Amuck' feel, the imaginative animation and the very clever fourth wall humour. Yakko is great fun and faithfully characterised.
Did like "Magna Cartoon" a good deal and it is one of the better endeavours of the reboot to parody a historical event. It is not easy making everything with the Magna Carta, a very serious subject, funny and accessible for younger viewers, but "Magna Cartoon" did this very well and one doesn't have to worry about any of the Warners' flaws being shoved in the face. The song is very catchy.
Best of all is "Happy Narfday". Not a novel premise, but one that is executed very imaginatively. Once again there is plenty of hilarious and irreverent writing, sharply clever wit and exuberant energy, with some unsettling 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.
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.
Great episode overall. 9/10.