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 quite perfect, 'The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids' is very good, an interesting animated adaptation, if something of a loose and more light-hearted one, and well done on its own. Perfect for younger audiences and with enough to satisfy the older crowd.
Doc Croc and Yoyo 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 felt like filler. Doc Croc is the more interesting personality and has some nice lines but there is a preference for the adorable and very funny Yoyo who actually does steal the show in this episode. Loved how they cared for the goats, how they tried to put their mistakes right and their roles in defeating the wolf, of which they play a major part.
Most of 'The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids's' characters were written well. Felt the most for the goats' mother and the kid goats aren't too cute. The most interesting character was the wolf, both amusing and menacing. The voice acting fits all the characters well.
Not all the characters work. Didn't like the character of the wolf's son at all, a quite annoying brat and not that necessary to the story other than giving some development to the wolf. The whole stuff with the not eating meat just didn't make sense and was just silly.
Another element that didn't work for me was the ending, every bit as silly and anti-climactic.
More so than not, the story is engaging, ideally paced and entertaining and relaxing to watch, with emotional impact and cuteness. All the crucial scenes are done well. There is plenty for youngsters, without being juvenile or dumbed down, while also enough for adults feeling nostalgic and traditionalists, despite being adaptation-wise loose at times. There are enough elements of the original story here, actually it was reasonably recognisable until the end. 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. The music fits well and is dynamic, with a nice catchy musical number from Yoyo. The intro has a nostalgic charm and love the storybook once upon a time approach.
In conclusion, very good with lots to enjoy. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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 quite perfect, 'The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids' is very good, an interesting animated adaptation, if something of a loose and more light-hearted one, and well done on its own. Perfect for younger audiences and with enough to satisfy the older crowd.
Doc Croc and Yoyo 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 felt like filler. Doc Croc is the more interesting personality and has some nice lines but there is a preference for the adorable and very funny Yoyo who actually does steal the show in this episode. Loved how they cared for the goats, how they tried to put their mistakes right and their roles in defeating the wolf, of which they play a major part.
Most of 'The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids's' characters were written well. Felt the most for the goats' mother and the kid goats aren't too cute. The most interesting character was the wolf, both amusing and menacing. The voice acting fits all the characters well.
Not all the characters work. Didn't like the character of the wolf's son at all, a quite annoying brat and not that necessary to the story other than giving some development to the wolf. The whole stuff with the not eating meat just didn't make sense and was just silly.
Another element that didn't work for me was the ending, every bit as silly and anti-climactic.
More so than not, the story is engaging, ideally paced and entertaining and relaxing to watch, with emotional impact and cuteness. All the crucial scenes are done well. There is plenty for youngsters, without being juvenile or dumbed down, while also enough for adults feeling nostalgic and traditionalists, despite being adaptation-wise loose at times. There are enough elements of the original story here, actually it was reasonably recognisable until the end. 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. The music fits well and is dynamic, with a nice catchy musical number from Yoyo. The intro has a nostalgic charm and love the storybook once upon a time approach.
In conclusion, very good with lots to enjoy. 8/10 Bethany Cox
