Have always loved the classic fairy tales and they have lent themselves frequently to animation (also adore and very special to me). These stories have soul, imagination and joy and enchanting in their own way, if quite dark in some and at times gruesome, and with memorable and sometimes classic characters and relevant morals. Their fame, importance and the timelessness is more than justifiable and would see any adaptation work, animation or live-action.
'Simsala Grimm' is an overlooked, though uneven with some episodes being quite a bit better than others, series and fits the bill of introducing one to these stories well. Even those familiar with the stories are likely to find the series and how it tells the stories featured interesting. It was great to see the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. In its own right, 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out. While for me one of the weaker episodes of the series, 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' has enough to it to make it worth watching.
Again, like for some of the episodes, 'Goldilocks and the Three' is wanting a bit in the dialogue, some of it is rather corny and repetitive. Pacing could have been tighter too especially in the early sections.
Part of me did question the necessity of Doc Croc and Yoyo being there. Am aware that it's their show, but some of their screen time feels like padding and they don't always add to the story. One of my biggest issues though is Goldilocks herself, have never come across a meaner Goldilocks and it does not suit the character and makes her far less endearing.
Doc Croc and Yoyo though are likeable and entertaining. Am especially fond of Yoyo here, he is cute but he is also very funny. Doc Croc's resourcefulness shines here too.
Goldlilocks didn't do much for me but the Three Bears are good colourful fun without being too cute. The voice acting is serviceable generally.
Enough of the story entertains, engages and relaxes. Although the story is a slight one, not uncommon with 'Simsala Grimm', it's not dull. It is going to appeal more to youngsters and there is plenty to appeal to and the message is well intended. The writing doesn't come over as too juvenile or overly simple and it's all easy to understand.
Maybe on a visual level the finesse and imagination is not always there, but generally there is some nice colour, nice attention to detail, fluid drawing and it is hard to not love the charming traditional approach. The music fits well and is dynamic, the main theme not hard to forget. Similarly like the endearing storybook once upon a time approach to the introduction.
So all in all, a decent enough episode though not a must see. 6/10 Bethany Cox
'Simsala Grimm' is an overlooked, though uneven with some episodes being quite a bit better than others, series and fits the bill of introducing one to these stories well. Even those familiar with the stories are likely to find the series and how it tells the stories featured interesting. It was great to see the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. In its own right, 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out. While for me one of the weaker episodes of the series, 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' has enough to it to make it worth watching.
Again, like for some of the episodes, 'Goldilocks and the Three' is wanting a bit in the dialogue, some of it is rather corny and repetitive. Pacing could have been tighter too especially in the early sections.
Part of me did question the necessity of Doc Croc and Yoyo being there. Am aware that it's their show, but some of their screen time feels like padding and they don't always add to the story. One of my biggest issues though is Goldilocks herself, have never come across a meaner Goldilocks and it does not suit the character and makes her far less endearing.
Doc Croc and Yoyo though are likeable and entertaining. Am especially fond of Yoyo here, he is cute but he is also very funny. Doc Croc's resourcefulness shines here too.
Goldlilocks didn't do much for me but the Three Bears are good colourful fun without being too cute. The voice acting is serviceable generally.
Enough of the story entertains, engages and relaxes. Although the story is a slight one, not uncommon with 'Simsala Grimm', it's not dull. It is going to appeal more to youngsters and there is plenty to appeal to and the message is well intended. The writing doesn't come over as too juvenile or overly simple and it's all easy to understand.
Maybe on a visual level the finesse and imagination is not always there, but generally there is some nice colour, nice attention to detail, fluid drawing and it is hard to not love the charming traditional approach. The music fits well and is dynamic, the main theme not hard to forget. Similarly like the endearing storybook once upon a time approach to the introduction.
So all in all, a decent enough episode though not a must see. 6/10 Bethany Cox