WesternAnimation Good, but not as good as it could be, yet
I’m going to preface this with this statement: I have not played the game. I have seen numerous Youtubers play the game, but have not played it myself. Granted, I think that’s kind of a non-issue, since it’s very apparent that this is not an adaptation of the game. That certainly works to the show’s benefit, which does work on a broader sense, but unfortunately holds the series back from being the best it can be.
This series does harken back. Most of the episodes are fairly self-contained, and there’s not much in the way of overarching conflict throughout the series, aside from a conflict about the Devil trying to get Cuphead’s soul a couple times, and failing hilariously. Otherwise, each episode generally has an individual conflict, and for the most part, they’re pretty funny, with some good slapstick, and scenario building. The world they create is also a lot of fun, mimicking the sort of nonsensical sense where the populace ranges from animals to inanimate objects.
On that note, the animation is certainly good, and while the digital animation can’t fully capture the style of the game, it does a fine job mimicking it for the most part (I especially appreciate the effort to capture the grainy style). The voices are also good, and suit the characters in their own way.
However, there’s a feeling that this show’s true potential is not fully realized. Though I haven’t played the game, one thing I keep hearing is how so many’s favorite parts are the bosses, and the only ones that are present (aside from cameos) are the Root Pack, Ribby and Croaks, King Dice, and of course the Devil. Now I get that the writers probably didn’t want to just do an adaptation of the game, and wanted to take it in their own direction. However, with all the potential the game provides, ti still seems like a missed opportunity.
Of course, it’s not fair to judge a show for what it isn’t, instead of what it is; and for what it is, it’s a pretty good time. Netflix is certainly investing plenty of effort into this, and I’m definitely still willing to keep watching, if we get more of what we have here, and maybe a little more.
WesternAnimation Quite enjoyable
The Cuphead Show is rather fun, despite some flaws. Let’s get the bad stuff out the way first shall we? Well, some of the voices for the characters don’t work. Cuphead’s voice is rather grating, he sounds like Rosie O Donnel for some reason (and that is never a positive comparison). The Devil is given a rather effeminate voice and it really makes him less threatening. Sometimes he’s very funny, but the voice just doesn’t feel like something that would come from Satan. My least favourite voice comes from the carrot, it’s really annoying. Everyone else’s voices are good though, I particularly like Wayne Brady as King Dice and Grey Griffin as Miss Chalice. There is also some missed potential, as many bosses from the game are reduced to cameos or just don’t appear (we’ll see if Season 2 will change this). I would’ve liked seeing more of their characteristics. Now for the good stuff. The animation is stellar. Is it as good as the game? No, but I didn’t expect it to be. I adore the use of model backgrounds. The characters are rather fun too. King Dice is a great side villain, Miss Chalice is entertaining, and Elder Kettle is an absolute riot. The episode where he thinks the brothers are going to kill him is hilarious and a little disturbing. The comedy is often successful too, and the recurring homages to 1930s shorts (just like the game) made me smile. Overall, I liked the Cuphead Show, and I’m very interested in what the next seasons will bring.
WesternAnimation How awesome the show was
I loved the series, it was awesome, it had a nice animated design, the bosses appearing in each episode they in once, and having nice songs.