As said many times, have always had a lifelong love of animation, old and new. Disney, Studio Ghibli, Hanna Barbera, Tom and Jerry, Hanna Barbera, Looney Tunes and also the works of Tex Avery and Fleischer. With a broader knowledge of animation styles, directors, studios and how it was all done actually love it even more now.
It's not just animation held in very high regard by me. Have also had an undying lifelong love for the classic stories of the Grimm Brothers. Their tales are beautifully written, full of soul, imagination and joy and enchanting in their own way, if quite dark in some stories and at times gruesome, and with many memorable characters that are iconic in literature. Their fame, importance and the timeless appeal of their stories are more than justified and Would see any adaptation of his work, animation or live-action, and there have been numerous times where his work has lent well to animation.
For an introduction to their stories if unfamiliar with them, this overlooked German animated series 'Simsala Grimm' (although there are a few episodes with other authors) fits the bill very nicely. Even those familiar with the stories are likely to find the series and how it approaches and tells the stories featured interesting. It was great to see the famous tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. In its own right, 'Simsala Grimm' is quite well done, not one of my favourites but it's an interesting approach to the various stories and a great way to introduce newcomers to them, which will give them the want to read the stories.
While not one of the best episodes, 'Rapunzel' is still a very enjoyable episode. Perfect for younger audiences and with enough to satisfy the older crowd.
'Rapunzel' could have gotten going a little earlier and do much prefer the much more poignant, though perhaps less family-friendly, ending, while the black magic element does intrigue and has some interesting visuals it did seem a little out of place for me.
Doc Croc and Yoyo however are very entertaining and likeable characters and their roles in telling the story and playing roles in them, namely being helpful or being voices of reason, are done cleverly. Personally didn't find their scenes wasted time or intrusive, although they are more useful when the episode gets going. Doc Croc is fun to watch and has some nice lines but there is a preference for the adorable and very funny Yoyo who has the best lines of the episode.
Most of 'Rapunzel's' characters were written well. Rapunzel is one of the more easy to identify with female leads of the series, with great chemistry with Doc Croc and Yoyo. The prince is slightly bland but also easy to like and one can see what Rapunzel sees in him. Witch Cotte is deliciously over the top.
More so than not, the story is engaging, ideally paced and entertaining and relaxing to watch, with emotional impact and cuteness. The crucial scenes are done well though there could have been more. There is plenty for youngsters, without being juvenile or dumbed down, while also enough for adults feeling nostalgic and traditionalists, although adaptation-wise it is a loose one. There are enough elements of the original story here. The writing is neither too complicated or simplistic, and entertains and charms.
The animation is quite nice and easy on the eyes as an overall whole. Simple and not always imaginative, but generally colourful, nicely detailed, fluidly drawn and the charming traditional look was perfect. Particularly towards the end. The music fits well and is dynamic. The intro has a nostalgic charm and love the storybook once upon a time approach.
Summarising, nicely done. 8/10 Bethany Cox
