Disney has fallen off the deep end, as they are completely dependent on cash grab properties. However, this show is one of the few things that keeps me from despising them. The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse is essentially a continuation of the Mickey Mouse shorts that once aired Disney Channel and Youtube. However, these episodes are slightly longer in format and are exclusive on Disney Plus. I've just got to say that these cartoons are phenomenally made. This is the best animated show in recent times that is comedy oriented and aimed at kids and family.
Art and Animation- The character designs take time to get used to, but they seem really inspired. The art is like a mix of the 1920's and 1930's rubber hose cartoons by Disney and Fleischer studios, Tex Avery, UPA, Ren and Stimpy, and Cartoon Network shows such as The Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack. The backgrounds are watercolor and they are luscious. The animation itself is amazing. Kudos to Mercury Filmworks, who is one of the higher-budget animation companies out there today. I know that there is a good amount 2D puppet rigging and CGI used for the animation, but it somehow works with the show's frantic pace and overall art style. It looks hand-drawn, even though it's not, which is quite impressive. It's fluid, smooth, and clean.
Storytelling and Characterization- This version of Mickey and his gang stands out more than any other. This is the first time I can actually say that Mickey and Minnie Mouse have cartoonish personalities. Mickey is such a ham in this show. He's flamboyant, mischievous, and showy, but still good-hearted. Minnie is still sweet and cheerful, but can get crazy. She doesn't play the damsel in distress that much anymore and she's involved in the antics just as much as the other characters. The two are just absolutely head over heels with each other. Donald is more uptight, angry, short-tempered, and relatable than ever. Goofy was once a clumsy, lousy doofus, but that is turned up to eleven because now, he is a dirty, nasty street hick. He's easily the funniest character here. Other recurring characters such as Daisy, Pete, and Pluto show up every once in awhile. Every character seems to be given an extra jolt of life. The plots and stories are simple and to the point, but it's the storytelling that wins me over. It's blazing fast, frenetic, chaotic, and immersive. The gags and jokes themselves tell the stories. Some of the stories fit the seven minute duration, while a few might feel a little rushed or dragged out, depending on your tastes.
The Humor- The humor is absolutely hysterical and objectively funny, which is surprising for a Disney property. There is something for everyone of all ages to laugh at. There are lots of extremely creative and inventive sight gags mixed in with some funny situations and self-awareness. There's also clever dialogue and wordplay, memorable facial expressions, easter eggs, and even a little bit of cynical, dark humor. The comedic timing is what brings everything together. The humor combines classic slapstick sensibilities with a modern edge. Thus making this show feel timeless, but current and fresh.
The Music, Sounds, and Voice Acting- The music is just mind blowing as each episode is scored with a full orchestra. The music is composed by Christopher Willis, who is so versatile. He uses quotes, stingers, cues, and styles, similar to other rather famous composers in animation history such as Carl Stalling, Richard Stone, and Scott Bradley. He composes even a few original songs, such as "Feelin' the Love" and "The Wranglers Code." Different eras of jazz and classical music are the centerpiece genres of the soundtrack, but rock and even disco are also explored. Mr. Willis does a fantastic job at capturing the feel of not only Disney, but cartoons in general. There are lots of instances of "Mickey Mousing" in which the music perfectly correlates with the story and action on screen. The sound effects provide lots of substance, and they don't sound cheesy or lame. All the voice actors, especially Bill Farmer, Tony Anselmo, Tress MacNeille, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Kaitlyn Robrock, give it their absolute all. They give their characters range and unexpected versatility. It's one thing that they understand the characters, but they seem to completely embrace and have fun with their roles.
Direction and Consistency- Each episode feels director-driven, with Paul Rudish, Eddie Trigueros, Ryan Gillis, Jason Reicher, Mike Bell, and Karl Hadrika at the helm. Directors Clay Morrow, Aaron Springer, Dave Wasson, Alonso Ramirez Ramos, Dave Thomas, and William Reiss also have their featured shorts within the previous run of episodes on Youtube. Each episode has a completely different style and sense of humor. Some episodes feel sweet, imaginative, and very Disney-esque, while others are over the top, relentless, irreverent, and surreal, similar to Looney Tunes or Animaniacs. The character designs subtly change due to the directors' visions of the characters. Lastly, these episodes are consistently great and they don't miss a beat. While some episodes are better than others, there isn't even one short that I have completely disliked.
Overall, this is one of the most impressive things Disney has put out in decades, and this is a must watch on Disney Plus, along with The Mandalorian and Loki. If you are willing to check this out, please start with the episode "Once Upon an Apple." Even though that this is a long review (please forgive me), there is so much to take away from this show. Kids, families, and those who are childish at heart will absolutely love this underrated masterpiece.
10/10.
Art and Animation- The character designs take time to get used to, but they seem really inspired. The art is like a mix of the 1920's and 1930's rubber hose cartoons by Disney and Fleischer studios, Tex Avery, UPA, Ren and Stimpy, and Cartoon Network shows such as The Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack. The backgrounds are watercolor and they are luscious. The animation itself is amazing. Kudos to Mercury Filmworks, who is one of the higher-budget animation companies out there today. I know that there is a good amount 2D puppet rigging and CGI used for the animation, but it somehow works with the show's frantic pace and overall art style. It looks hand-drawn, even though it's not, which is quite impressive. It's fluid, smooth, and clean.
Storytelling and Characterization- This version of Mickey and his gang stands out more than any other. This is the first time I can actually say that Mickey and Minnie Mouse have cartoonish personalities. Mickey is such a ham in this show. He's flamboyant, mischievous, and showy, but still good-hearted. Minnie is still sweet and cheerful, but can get crazy. She doesn't play the damsel in distress that much anymore and she's involved in the antics just as much as the other characters. The two are just absolutely head over heels with each other. Donald is more uptight, angry, short-tempered, and relatable than ever. Goofy was once a clumsy, lousy doofus, but that is turned up to eleven because now, he is a dirty, nasty street hick. He's easily the funniest character here. Other recurring characters such as Daisy, Pete, and Pluto show up every once in awhile. Every character seems to be given an extra jolt of life. The plots and stories are simple and to the point, but it's the storytelling that wins me over. It's blazing fast, frenetic, chaotic, and immersive. The gags and jokes themselves tell the stories. Some of the stories fit the seven minute duration, while a few might feel a little rushed or dragged out, depending on your tastes.
The Humor- The humor is absolutely hysterical and objectively funny, which is surprising for a Disney property. There is something for everyone of all ages to laugh at. There are lots of extremely creative and inventive sight gags mixed in with some funny situations and self-awareness. There's also clever dialogue and wordplay, memorable facial expressions, easter eggs, and even a little bit of cynical, dark humor. The comedic timing is what brings everything together. The humor combines classic slapstick sensibilities with a modern edge. Thus making this show feel timeless, but current and fresh.
The Music, Sounds, and Voice Acting- The music is just mind blowing as each episode is scored with a full orchestra. The music is composed by Christopher Willis, who is so versatile. He uses quotes, stingers, cues, and styles, similar to other rather famous composers in animation history such as Carl Stalling, Richard Stone, and Scott Bradley. He composes even a few original songs, such as "Feelin' the Love" and "The Wranglers Code." Different eras of jazz and classical music are the centerpiece genres of the soundtrack, but rock and even disco are also explored. Mr. Willis does a fantastic job at capturing the feel of not only Disney, but cartoons in general. There are lots of instances of "Mickey Mousing" in which the music perfectly correlates with the story and action on screen. The sound effects provide lots of substance, and they don't sound cheesy or lame. All the voice actors, especially Bill Farmer, Tony Anselmo, Tress MacNeille, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Kaitlyn Robrock, give it their absolute all. They give their characters range and unexpected versatility. It's one thing that they understand the characters, but they seem to completely embrace and have fun with their roles.
Direction and Consistency- Each episode feels director-driven, with Paul Rudish, Eddie Trigueros, Ryan Gillis, Jason Reicher, Mike Bell, and Karl Hadrika at the helm. Directors Clay Morrow, Aaron Springer, Dave Wasson, Alonso Ramirez Ramos, Dave Thomas, and William Reiss also have their featured shorts within the previous run of episodes on Youtube. Each episode has a completely different style and sense of humor. Some episodes feel sweet, imaginative, and very Disney-esque, while others are over the top, relentless, irreverent, and surreal, similar to Looney Tunes or Animaniacs. The character designs subtly change due to the directors' visions of the characters. Lastly, these episodes are consistently great and they don't miss a beat. While some episodes are better than others, there isn't even one short that I have completely disliked.
Overall, this is one of the most impressive things Disney has put out in decades, and this is a must watch on Disney Plus, along with The Mandalorian and Loki. If you are willing to check this out, please start with the episode "Once Upon an Apple." Even though that this is a long review (please forgive me), there is so much to take away from this show. Kids, families, and those who are childish at heart will absolutely love this underrated masterpiece.
10/10.