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Man or Mortie
'Ultimate Book of Spells' first aired when this reviewer was 9. Liked it a lot back then, and have revisited it a number of times since as a fan of animation. It is far from ground-breaking or one of the best shows, animated and not, ever made, but it also does not deserve its now relatively forgotten status. Thank goodness for good old Youtube. Can totally see the criticisms it garners for being closely indebted to Harry Potter (only picked up upon some while after the show first aired), and there are elements throughout that are very similar and clearly inspired, but this viewer considers it more of a love letter rather than a rip off.
After a nice start with "Three is a Charm", 'Ultimate Book of Spells' goes strong still with "Man or Mortie". Which has a different plotline to the previous episode, rather than a direct continuation, while still building upon what was set up in "Three is a Charm". Of the two episodes, "Man or Mortie" is a little better, with the more eventful plot, more imagination and less of a Harry Potter influence and any episode that doesn't have Snerret and Rowce is immediately better. It is proof too that there are episodes can work without Zarlak, who is mentioned and his presence felt while not directly appearing.
"Man or Mortie" has its issues. There are inconsistencies in continuity, what is revealed about Verne here makes his surprise at seeing Ms Crystalgazer and Vonderland for the first time in "Three is a Charm" not make sense when it is implied that there was prior knowledge. Or so it seemed.
Did think too that the whole fix broken things aspect was too contrived and maybe it took a little too long to get going.
So much is good about "Man or Mortie" though. Really liked how already Cassy, Gus and Verne have strong distinct personalities and how the relationship between them has already been established so quickly while showing tensions. Cassy is so caring for the creatures while also being head-strong and Verne is still relatable. Love even more so UBOS, who is very wise but also incredibly funny with some of the best lines of the episode. The centaur teacher intrigued and did love the Greek mythology-like creatures. The episode does a great job with the two settings, Vonderland already feels magical and immersive and the level they travel to has genuine creepiness and foreboding. The animation is crisp and colourful and the music fits well and doesn't sound out of date. Catchy theme tune.
Have little to fault the voice acting for, with UBOS coming off best which is suitably gruff and sympathetic while relishing the humour too. The writing is not juvenile or complicated and was really struck as a young adult how self-aware and on the nose it is. The story may not be perfect, but it is eventful and entertaining with genuine tension in the conflict. Particularly in the climax. The villain was quite frightening as a kid and still gives the creeps.
In summary, good but not great. 7/10.
After a nice start with "Three is a Charm", 'Ultimate Book of Spells' goes strong still with "Man or Mortie". Which has a different plotline to the previous episode, rather than a direct continuation, while still building upon what was set up in "Three is a Charm". Of the two episodes, "Man or Mortie" is a little better, with the more eventful plot, more imagination and less of a Harry Potter influence and any episode that doesn't have Snerret and Rowce is immediately better. It is proof too that there are episodes can work without Zarlak, who is mentioned and his presence felt while not directly appearing.
"Man or Mortie" has its issues. There are inconsistencies in continuity, what is revealed about Verne here makes his surprise at seeing Ms Crystalgazer and Vonderland for the first time in "Three is a Charm" not make sense when it is implied that there was prior knowledge. Or so it seemed.
Did think too that the whole fix broken things aspect was too contrived and maybe it took a little too long to get going.
So much is good about "Man or Mortie" though. Really liked how already Cassy, Gus and Verne have strong distinct personalities and how the relationship between them has already been established so quickly while showing tensions. Cassy is so caring for the creatures while also being head-strong and Verne is still relatable. Love even more so UBOS, who is very wise but also incredibly funny with some of the best lines of the episode. The centaur teacher intrigued and did love the Greek mythology-like creatures. The episode does a great job with the two settings, Vonderland already feels magical and immersive and the level they travel to has genuine creepiness and foreboding. The animation is crisp and colourful and the music fits well and doesn't sound out of date. Catchy theme tune.
Have little to fault the voice acting for, with UBOS coming off best which is suitably gruff and sympathetic while relishing the humour too. The writing is not juvenile or complicated and was really struck as a young adult how self-aware and on the nose it is. The story may not be perfect, but it is eventful and entertaining with genuine tension in the conflict. Particularly in the climax. The villain was quite frightening as a kid and still gives the creeps.
In summary, good but not great. 7/10.
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- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 14, 2023
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