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.
Almost all the previous episodes of the show falls in the very inconsistent but also very watchable category, excepting Episode 5 which for me was great. "Here Comes Treble"/"That's Not the Issue, "Future Brain"/"The Incredible Gnome in People's Mouth" is another one of the very inconsistent but also very watchable episodes, actually thought that generally it was pretty good despite not caring for one segment (which was not a surprise for me as that was the case with a lot of the episodes from this reboot) and being mixed on another.
"Future Brain" is the best of the four segments by far, which was not surprising as that was the case for most of the 'Animaniacs' reboot's episodes. It was sharply, smartly and wittily written on the whole and the story wouldn't be too out of place in 'Pinky and the Brain'. Once again, the character writing for both titular characters is a delightful revelation, especially for Brain, and indicative of people that loved and understood the characters. The chemistry is dynamite and the futuristic element is imaginatively done.
"Here Comes Treble" is also a delight. As a musician, anything music centered in animation immediately has me sold and it is handled in a way worthy of classic Looney Tunes, with sharp affectionate references and lively pacing. The Warners are also characterised in a way closer to how they were written in the original.
Was more mixed on "That's Not an Issue". Liked the concept, which is a classic 'Animaniacs' scenario while also being relevant today, and there are funny moments and a good deal of energy. Did find it a bit too ham handed and it was like it was trying too hard to be relevant to today's standards in terms of the media and politics. The Warners are less consistently characterised and are a bit too smug.
The weakest segment is "The Incredible Gnome in People's Mouths", which is very bland, not particularly funny or particularly imaginative. Also rather out of place and Marsha as a character doesn't appeal.
Coming onto 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.
Overall, liked it but didn't love it. 7/10.
