Have always loved the classic fairy tales. They are full of soul, imagination and joy and enchanting in their own way, if quite dark in some stories and at times gruesome, and with memorable and sometimes classic characters and relevant morals. Their fame, importance and the timelessness of their stories are justifiable and would see any adaptation work, animation or live-action, and there have been numerous times where fairy-tales and the Grimm Brothers stories have lent well to animation.
'Simsala Grimm' is an overlooked 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, not one of my favourites but the approach to the various stories is interesting and a great way to introduce newcomers to these stories, which will give them the want to read the stories. None of the episodes are definitive adaptations though.
While not quite perfect, 'Little Mook' has enough to it to make it worth watching.
Not the best in terms of dialogue, some of it is corny, and there is a lack of finesse in some of the drawing.
Pacing could have been tighter too especially in the early sections.
Doc Croc and Yoyo though are likeable and entertaining and their roles in telling the story and playing roles in them, namely being helpful or being voices of reason, are done nicely. They do serve a point and their involvement doesn't feel like padding. Some episodes have had that notion, but not here. Am especially fond of Yoyo here, he is cute but he is also very funny. Doc Croc's resourcefulness shines here too.
'Little Mook's' characters are appealing enough. The voice acting fit the characters well, being emotive and fitting the characters' personalities without being over the top or passive.
Enough of the story entertains, engages and relaxes. Although the story is a slight one, not uncommon with 'Simsala Grimm', it's never dull. It is going to appeal more to youngsters and there is plenty of them, but adults shouldn't find it too undemanding providing they take the adaptation on its own terms and know what to expect. The writing doesn't come over as too juvenile or overly simple and it's all easy to understand.
Maybe some of the animation lacks finesse and is not always imaginative, 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.
All in all, worthwhile but not a necessity. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'Simsala Grimm' is an overlooked 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, not one of my favourites but the approach to the various stories is interesting and a great way to introduce newcomers to these stories, which will give them the want to read the stories. None of the episodes are definitive adaptations though.
While not quite perfect, 'Little Mook' has enough to it to make it worth watching.
Not the best in terms of dialogue, some of it is corny, and there is a lack of finesse in some of the drawing.
Pacing could have been tighter too especially in the early sections.
Doc Croc and Yoyo though are likeable and entertaining and their roles in telling the story and playing roles in them, namely being helpful or being voices of reason, are done nicely. They do serve a point and their involvement doesn't feel like padding. Some episodes have had that notion, but not here. Am especially fond of Yoyo here, he is cute but he is also very funny. Doc Croc's resourcefulness shines here too.
'Little Mook's' characters are appealing enough. The voice acting fit the characters well, being emotive and fitting the characters' personalities without being over the top or passive.
Enough of the story entertains, engages and relaxes. Although the story is a slight one, not uncommon with 'Simsala Grimm', it's never dull. It is going to appeal more to youngsters and there is plenty of them, but adults shouldn't find it too undemanding providing they take the adaptation on its own terms and know what to expect. The writing doesn't come over as too juvenile or overly simple and it's all easy to understand.
Maybe some of the animation lacks finesse and is not always imaginative, 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.
All in all, worthwhile but not a necessity. 7/10 Bethany Cox