Animaniacs

'Animaniacs' is one of my favourite animated shows, loved it when younger but love it even more so due to understanding the references and humour more. Likewise with 'Pinky and the Brain' (don't like its spin off very much at all though), due to absolutely loving Brain as a character. Although 'Tiny Toon Adventures' is not related to this really characters-wise, that was a show that was brilliant at its best though 'Animaniacs' and 'Pinky and the Brain' were a lot more consistent.

Expectations were mixed for this 'Animaniacs' reboot. Part of me was fascinated, being a fan of animation for goodness knows how long and some reboots have been better than expected. Also was interested with how far the humour had come on and how the Warners would fare in a more contemporary setting. Having said that, the point of it was questioned. Part of me was questioning, is this even needed and was worried about how lacking in new ideas animation has become. The 'Animaniacs' reboot was actually better than expected. When it hits, it does so incredibly well. It is though a very uneven show and when it is not so good it's disappointing.

Shall start with the good things and they are many. 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.

Do agree with everybody that has said that the Pinky and the Brain segments are amazing, true in spirit to the segments in the original in atmosphere and writing and the two characters were clearly written by writers that understood the characters and loved them. Brain alone is worth seeing the show for. Enough of the writing is funny, smart and witty, there is a liveliness to the pace, and mostly the target audience is not a problem (some of the references are adult-oriented).

The humour though is inconsistent. Too many instances where it is too smug and tame. There are also too many political references that are very heavy-handed, repetitive and add nothing, the show also forgets the target audience with these references as younger viewers are very likely to not understand them. Yes there is political humour in the original too, but it was clever witty humour that wasn't beat around the head.

Furthermore, the storylines do lack variety and the energy could have been more consistent, especially in the Warners segments. The supporting characters are too few and are fairly forgettable. Also inconsistently written are the Warners, the writers don't understand them as much as Pinky and the Brain and their writing isn't as affectionate or witty. Sometimes they are suitably absurd and then at other times their writing is too safe.

Overall, not as pointless as feared but uneven. 6/10.

This series is at its best when it the irreverent, satirical, absurd comedy is getting shoved down your throat. This series is at its worst when it decides to instead shove its political opinions down your throat. I know I don't like Trump, I don't need cartoon characters telling me to not like him! It's stupid that they expect me to take a cartoon character's political opinion seriously...come on.

This show is honestly really funny though.

I would say the first season of the reboot was... pretty good. Not perfect, definitely stuff I think they could improve upon, but there's plenty enough to enjoy for fans old and new alike.

The show's strengths definitely lie with the hillarious animation, the top notch voice acting (Paulsen, Harnell and MacNeille still got it), the orchestral music and for sure, the writing is often more hit than miss. I could understand why some critics might believe the same charm isn't there -- mainly due to the original creators not being invited back -- but no doubt there is still a lot of effort being put into this by people who respect the source material. Nothing about it feels lazy.

That being said, there are a few segments that could have been condensed down and this is especially where the lack of most of the original series' cast (the irreplacable Slappy Squirrel, the Goodfeathers, etc) is sorely felt -- whether this was a creative choice or the studio, one can't be sure. The first season's desire to be timely also runs the serious risk of some episodes and jokes being dated. It's widely agreed Animaniacs is at its best when it's being timeless and when they are here, it's a barrel of laughs. I just hope the writers tilt the scale more towards timeless going forward, and with any luck, maybe we'll see some of the old cast again. I mean, who doesn't miss 'Good Idea, Bad Idea'?

I'm looking forward to Season 2 next year. There is definitely something of worth here and I'm interested in seeing what they do going forward.

Hi readers. I know it has been 8 months since I have posted a review. I told you I was not going to review in IMDB that much. But here I am planning to post a review once or twice a month.

This review will be on the; Animaniacs 2020 reboot. I always wanted to make a review on it; and this reboot is really great. Probably not as good as the original, which I have seen which I think was a hilarious blast. But this reboot is still really awesome maniacs.

Let's look at the animation first. It's good and fluid with the animation, like how the Warner siblings are still cartoony. But if I have a nitpick, it's that I'm not really a fan of the human designs in the show. They're not the worst, but I still dislike them.

The stories are still enjoyable and fun. In the reviews, I have heard a lot of people criticize how political the show is. While some of it might be too forced. I think it still doesn't ruin how the Animaniacs reboot is still zany to the max.

Now let's look at the characters. The Warner siblings; Yakko, Wakko, and Dot are still fun and chaotic like from the original. Pinky and the Brain also return in the reboot. While still being a fun duo trying to take over the world. It was disappointing that other characters from the original haven't returned yet; like Slappy Squirrel. They might come soon in season 2.

The characters that meet the Warner siblings, and Pinky and the Brain are a mixed bag though. With some of them being fun, while others are not. The short with the alien and girl were cute, but the one with the gnome...ugh.

So my overall thoughts on the Animaniacs reboot are that the animation is good. The storylines are still fun and enjoyable. The returning characters were great as themselves. But there are still flaws like what I mentioned in my review. I would give the Animaniacs reboot a 8/10.

Upon hearing the news that one of my childhood animated shows was going to be rebooted. I was excited and anxiously awaited it's return only to be let down and disappointed by it's neutered and emasculated storylines and the absence of some of its funniest characters. What gave the original series is comedic flare and variety is now lost. Hopefully the second season will be better.