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Reviews
The Owl House (2020)
Has potential but isn't quite there yet
I was so excited for this show to come out, but when it did, I was left disappointed. I really want to give it a higher score, but it's just missing something. Sure, some shows take me a few episodes to get into, but even 16 episodes in, I'm still not super impressed. I do think the show has potential, so I'm still trying to stick with it.
I love fantasy, and the world of The Owl House is a great premise. I love the way magic works, and the different method Luz has to discover to use magic herself. I'm interested in Eda's curse and her past. Also, I'm super proud of the show for getting LGBTQ+ representation with Luz and Amity!
However, other than those things, the show is kind of lackluster. I've been trying to figure out what exactly I don't like about it and what separates it from other cartoons that I like. What I came down to is the main problem is with the characters. Most of the characters feel one dimensional. Amity is the only exception to this so far. Luz seems painfully aware of the fact that she's the protagonist and acts like she has no flaws. She loves everything and is always excited. Hardly anything holds her back in a meaningful way.
Eda's only personality is being a self proclaimed "bad girl" which she never fails to bring up. She acts carefree and self absorbed. You don't even get the sense that she really cares about Luz.
Many of the other characters have similar issues. Sure, they have personality that sets them apart from one another, but they still feel half baked. They need deeper flaws and goals. I need to know what motivates the characters beyond the surface goals, like learning magic or defeating whatever monster is about to attack them. I need more believable, relatable emotions to come through. I'm hoping one day the show will get there, but it's taking way too long. If it takes any longer, I'll have to give up on it.
Amphibia (2019)
You'll fall in love at first episode!
I've watched many cartoons now, but none of them have stole my heart as quickly as Amphibia! When I first heard of the show, I was a bit skeptical, but by the first episode, I could tell I would love it!
The show does a great job of world building. Amphibia is both beautiful and extremely weird and dangerous and it's wonderful! In general, the setting and backgrounds are so well done and give the show a beautiful look.
The characters and plot are great as well. Even from the first episode, you can tell how much the Plantar family and Anne care about each other. They each have a distinct personality and engaging dynamics with one another.
The show also has a great plot with lots of promise. There is a lot of mystery that will make you want to keep watching, like how Anne will get home, what's the music box, and what happened to Anne's friends.
Big City Greens (2018)
This show deserves better!
I've been watching a lot of cartoons recently, and Big City Greens is among my favorites! Even though it's a kids show, it can be appreciated by anyone of any age.
I think what makes this show the most successful is the well developed characters. The show itself has a simple premise: a family of farmers moving to the city. What makes it unique is the characters' distinct personalities in (mostly) ordinary situations which leads to extraordinary circumstances.
The show is definitely worth a try if you love cartoons. It's got great humor and great characters!