The Cuphead Series Review: The Amazing Netflix Animated Show A Successful Experiment
Starring: Tru Valentino, Frank Todaro, Wayne Brady
Created By: Chad Moldenhauer, Jared Moldenhauer
Streaming Platform: Netflix (click to watch)
Filmyhype.com Ratings: 4/5 (four star) [yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
After the success of the video game of the same name, the Cuphead series is ready to surprise old and new fans among the Netflix releases of February 2022. The sliding run ‘n’ gun developed by Studio MDHR managed to disrupt the gaming environment in 2017 thanks to its hardcore gameplay and its entirely original aesthetic, inspired by American cartoons of the thirties (just brush up on our review of Cuphead to remember it). The opportunity to capture the essence of milestones such as the works of the Fleischer brothers or those of the first Walt Disney, combining them with a game system ideal for today’s streaming.
With its atmosphere and its imprint inextricably linked to the world of animation, it was only a matter of time before someone was interested in riding the wave of the phenomenon to bring it to other media. Netflix was the first to propose to produce an animated series that had the same style and the same mood of the video game, while at the same time being able to expand the narrative universe of the original work. Announced in July 2019, the new show by the streaming giant promises to embrace a much wider audience, from young people to video game enthusiasts using a light and engaging format. Once the embargo has expired, let’s analyze the project in its entirety.
The Cuphead Series Review: The Story
As already mentioned in the production phase, the plot would have undergone some changes to better adapt to the new medium. In this sense, the authors have set themselves the goal of bringing as much of the video game to the screen as possible, while preserving the characteristic aesthetics of the work. The ideal solution was to develop an episodic plot, linked by a subtle fil rouge that guides the narration between the various episodes. Thus maintaining a certain fidelity regarding characters and contexts, Netflix’s Cuphead Show offers viewers numerous opportunities to smile.
The story takes place on the fictional Calamaio Island, with the protagonists Cuphead and Mugman trying to enjoy life with Nonno Bricco. Between pranks and endless jokes, the two troublemakers end up annoying none other than Satanassus , the devil who craves the souls of the living. In twelve episodes very different and curious characters alternate, capable of expanding the narrative spectrum beyond the simple challenge / escape from the villain on duty with light and dynamic curtains. Between old and new acquaintances coming directly from the video game, the two brothers will bring all their panache to the screen.
In dealing with the adventures of the cups and their animated world, Studio MDHR does not seem to fear any comparison, and indeed draws heavily from the source to create a show as complete and pleasant as possible. With the help of vertical and very different episodes, The Cuphead series entertains without particular difficulty by playing with the style of the 30s in a lively and colorful environment.
The result is surprising: net of simple and impromptu narrative solutions, which certainly do not constitute the real fulcrum of the work, the show alternates visual glimpses of incredible quality with fast-paced sequences. It will not be uncommon to run into citations to the cornerstones of the genre (like the dancing skeletons of the Silly Symphnoies seen in the trailer), including ragtime action curtains and succulent Easter eggs that alternate animation with dioramas and 3D segments. Netflix bravely manages to bring everything fans expected and wanted to the screen, giving any viewer the opportunity to be surprised.
The Cuphead Series Review And Analysis
Tracing very meticulously the characteristics and peculiarities that made the video game unmistakable, the animation of the series is simply perfect. The Moldenhauer brothers have created an aesthetically unparalleled product, which between music of the past and the subtle grain of the films captures the attention of the beholder for its nostalgic beauty.
Taking advantage of a sound and a direction that wisely accompany each action, the rhythm remains constant without allowing itself to be smudged. The work itself represents a technically impressive milestone in every aspect, supported by a digital sector that does not make you feel the lack of hand drawing and allows you to take advantage of modern practices to make the overall rendering of each one even more spectacular. The Cuphead series thus remains perfectly in line with the reference material, thanks to the use of an ideal format for the occasion, with episodes that never exceed 15 minutes in duration. The presence of several sung interludes stands out, which combined with the original music of Ego Plum and a shallow narrative allow the appearance of even a very young target, but all is counterbalanced by numerous gags and skits that will tease the mind of the older audience. . Not noticeable crescendo noteworthy, but the rate of quality remains constant from start to finish – delivering memorable sequences over and over.
Furthermore, precisely because of its episodic nature, the Cuphead Show proved to be the ideal showcase to explore the different characters presented as bosses or NPCs.within the videogame: in addition to the aforementioned Satanasso, there will be the charismatic King Dado, the brawling Ribby and Croaks, Porkrind and even Ms Chalice, protagonist of the now upcoming Cuphead DLC. Once everyone has the right space, almost everyone manages to steal the show.
After several speculations and expectations, we can confirm that The Cuphead series has really hit the mark. The show manages to emerge thanks to its technical sector, which leaves room for very few smudges, and an ideal format for binge watching or for use free from particular demands. Retro animation surprises for its quality, to the point of wondering where a similar production can go (if preserved in its entirety).
It already seems that in Netflix they have answered this question: leaving numerous perspectives on the horizon, with several knots still to be solved, Studio MDHR already seems to have much more in mind than it has allowed us to see. All that remains is to wait to understand how much the show will be able to surprise in terms of visibility and popularity. With such care, we can only lean towards assured success.
The Cuphead Series Review: The Last Words
The Cuphead series is part of the elite of the bets won by Netflix in terms of videogame adaptations. Leaning on the same study that allowed the video game to achieve great success, the animated show is simply perfect for its technical caliber and usability, granting many goodies to fans and allowing new fans of completely different targets to enjoy a wonderfully old school product.
