Whether it is old or new, regardless of techniques used, have always loved animation. Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry were the earliest examples watched regularly at an early age. With a broader knowledge of animation styles, directors, studios and how it was all done actually love and appreciate it even more now.
Also love 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 their work, animation or live-action, and there have been numerous times where their 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 more episodes with other authors, with an expansion of the Simsala universe) 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 Magician's Feud' is for me not quite among the best 'Simsala Grimm' episodes, but there is a good deal to like still. Perfect for younger audiences and with more than enough to satisfy the older crowd.
Not much wrong, but it could have gotten going earlier just by a little, something that can be said for some episodes, and one can argue about whether Doc Croc and Yoyo are always necessary to the story.
Doc Croc and Yoyo are fun 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. Yoyo is amusingly adorable and Doc Croc's resourcefulness is always endearing.
'The Magician's Feud's' characters are interesting in personality and likeable when necessary. The voice acting fit the characters well, being emotive and fitting the characters' personalities without any hamminess, passiveness or blandness.
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 and although the story is a slight one it's never dull. There is plenty for younger audiences, without being juvenile or dumbed down, while also enough for adults feeling nostalgic and traditionalists. The writing is neither too complicated or simplistic, and instead it is entertaining and amiable.
As with the series overall, the animation is quite nice as an overall whole. Simple and not always imaginative, but generally colourful, nicely detailed, fluidly drawn and it is a fond reminder of why there has always been a personal preference for traditional animation. The music fits well and is dynamic with an inspiring main theme. The intro has charm and nostalgia and it is hard to not like the storybook once upon a time approach.
Summarising, very enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Also love 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 their work, animation or live-action, and there have been numerous times where their 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 more episodes with other authors, with an expansion of the Simsala universe) 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 Magician's Feud' is for me not quite among the best 'Simsala Grimm' episodes, but there is a good deal to like still. Perfect for younger audiences and with more than enough to satisfy the older crowd.
Not much wrong, but it could have gotten going earlier just by a little, something that can be said for some episodes, and one can argue about whether Doc Croc and Yoyo are always necessary to the story.
Doc Croc and Yoyo are fun 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. Yoyo is amusingly adorable and Doc Croc's resourcefulness is always endearing.
'The Magician's Feud's' characters are interesting in personality and likeable when necessary. The voice acting fit the characters well, being emotive and fitting the characters' personalities without any hamminess, passiveness or blandness.
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 and although the story is a slight one it's never dull. There is plenty for younger audiences, without being juvenile or dumbed down, while also enough for adults feeling nostalgic and traditionalists. The writing is neither too complicated or simplistic, and instead it is entertaining and amiable.
As with the series overall, the animation is quite nice as an overall whole. Simple and not always imaginative, but generally colourful, nicely detailed, fluidly drawn and it is a fond reminder of why there has always been a personal preference for traditional animation. The music fits well and is dynamic with an inspiring main theme. The intro has charm and nostalgia and it is hard to not like the storybook once upon a time approach.
Summarising, very enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox