Rabbit Ears: The Bremen Town Musicians

While a very slight story to begin with, the original story of 'The Bremen Town Musicians' does pick up in the latter stages with an exciting climax. Have frequently shown my praise for Rabbit Ears Productions' fascinating and incredibly well crafted literary adaptations that are on the most part perfect for children and adults alike. As well as speaking very highly of those from the "We All Have Tales" series, all of which well worth watching and the best of them being brilliant.

Rabbit Ears Productions' adaptation of 'The Bremen Town Musicians', one of two adaptations of the "We All Have Tales" series from Germany (the other being 'Rumpelstiltskin') is not one of the brilliant ones, with one crucial element being not quite to my taste and it is a little too surreal at times. But it is well worth watching, with a huge amount to like and two elements, also major and actually even more important than the element that didn't work quite so well, in particular being outstanding.

Am going to get the not so good things out of the way before moving on to what 'The Bremen Town Musicians' did good and even brilliantly in. As said, the story to begin with is on the slight side, meaning that the early portions drag slightly at times before the story picks up significantly.

'The Bremen Town Musicians' biggest problem for me was the visuals. They are well crafted actually but for my tastes they don't fit the story with moments of unintentionally creepy character features (namely the eyes). It does give the adaptation a surreal quality that didn't strike me as necessary and discordant with the action, the style worked in 'The Boy Who Drew Cats' (that was also illustrated by David Johnson and to much better effect) as that story does have creepiness. 'The Bremen Town Musicians', not so much.

Now here are the good things. The best thing about 'The Bremen Town Musicians' in my view is Bob Hoskins' narration, which is full of exuberant energy yet also with a bedtime story approach that makes one want to listen and settle quickly. Especially towards the end. The other aspect done brilliantly is the truly exciting and suspenseful climax.

Furthermore, the characters are engaging and a good job is done making them individual from each other. The story on the whole has a nice energy once it gets going and is charming. The script is easy to understand while also treating the viewer with respect, it entertains throughout while also having heart. The music is lively, at times soothing and at other times haunting.

Concluding, not one of my favourites but well worth watching. 8/10.