'Talespin' has always been a show dear to my heart. One of those favourites from a young age that holds up really well, and is even more entertaining through adult eyes from appreciating the writing and stories even more.
Have been on a roll reviewing individual episodes for certain shows, animated, non-animated and of as many genres as possible (many as part of certain quests), and decided to do it with 'Talespin' and some others. Something that, as expected and hoped, has proven to be a more than worthwhile project and experience. Although not one of my favourite episodes (one can see the ending from quite some distance away), "For Whom the Bell Klangs" is a fondly remembered episode for me, being the episode that introduced me to the show. Already reviewed the first part in one of my first reviews, one that is not particularly well written looking back, back when my knowledge and taste of film was not as broad or wide-ranging and when my writing style badly needed improvement in structure and in wording.
The animation is very colourful and atmospheric as always. The music matches what is going on perfectly and it is impossible to forget or resist the theme song, one of the catchiest for anything Disney and ever.
Writing is witty, very funny without being too silly and thought-probing without being complicated. Things don't get too childish and it is all easy to follow. The story is hugely compelling and lively in pace without being rushed, and executes a nice idea with imagination and thrills.
Baloo is a very fun and likeable character as always. Louie is also amusing and the two are a great double act. Katie is resourceful and one can see what Baloo and Louie see in her, and while not quite Shere Khan Klang is a suitably sinister villain without being nightmarish.
Cannot fault Ed Gilbert or Jim Cummings with their spirited voice work, and Ellen Gerstell is more than up to their level. Even better is Tim Curry, few voiced villains better than Curry and he brings the right amount of menace and enthusiasm, it is hard to believe that Klang was a very early voice role for him when he already sounded like he had done it for years.
Overall, terrific episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Have been on a roll reviewing individual episodes for certain shows, animated, non-animated and of as many genres as possible (many as part of certain quests), and decided to do it with 'Talespin' and some others. Something that, as expected and hoped, has proven to be a more than worthwhile project and experience. Although not one of my favourite episodes (one can see the ending from quite some distance away), "For Whom the Bell Klangs" is a fondly remembered episode for me, being the episode that introduced me to the show. Already reviewed the first part in one of my first reviews, one that is not particularly well written looking back, back when my knowledge and taste of film was not as broad or wide-ranging and when my writing style badly needed improvement in structure and in wording.
The animation is very colourful and atmospheric as always. The music matches what is going on perfectly and it is impossible to forget or resist the theme song, one of the catchiest for anything Disney and ever.
Writing is witty, very funny without being too silly and thought-probing without being complicated. Things don't get too childish and it is all easy to follow. The story is hugely compelling and lively in pace without being rushed, and executes a nice idea with imagination and thrills.
Baloo is a very fun and likeable character as always. Louie is also amusing and the two are a great double act. Katie is resourceful and one can see what Baloo and Louie see in her, and while not quite Shere Khan Klang is a suitably sinister villain without being nightmarish.
Cannot fault Ed Gilbert or Jim Cummings with their spirited voice work, and Ellen Gerstell is more than up to their level. Even better is Tim Curry, few voiced villains better than Curry and he brings the right amount of menace and enthusiasm, it is hard to believe that Klang was a very early voice role for him when he already sounded like he had done it for years.
Overall, terrific episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox
