Lehla Quartz

Listen: when a story has been around for centuries, it can only be told differently so many times before everything has been done and SOME THINGS have to be changed. Especially when it's AIMED at younger adults/older kids. The art is beautiful, the villain a riot, and the changes acceptable. We loved this adaptation. I hope they make a sequel for his journey to the west. And, come on, JIMMY O YANG?!? Yes, please!

Okay, I originally started watching this just because I was bored and I didn't expect much from it because it's a spinoff show. I forced myself through the first few episodes and figured I'd lose interest. I was wrong! This show doesn't contain the Furious 5 of Master Shifu, and due to copyright reasons the term is "Dragon Master". Nevertheless! This show delivers the same witty humor as the movies and even tugs at the heartstrings a few times. I'll admit it: I cried a bit twice. The introduction of the Knight revealed a cold independent female protagonist with some heavy emotional baggage. And I don't blame her for not wanting to get attached to Po. Sure, some things were predicable and cliche, but the characters introduced for this series are very interesting. I also love that Ping is making out to be more important in this series than the other spin off series.

The first story of the film was definitely closer to the horror genre. The later two stories were more disquieting than scary. I didn't find the film to be comedic, probably laughed twice. But it was not boring and the animation style alone was enough to keep me watching just to admire the effort put into each scene. Would I recommend watching it? Yes, if you're not expecting to be blown out of the water by the plot and are able to appreciate the art of the movie itself; besides, the voice acting was great. Would I, personally, re-watch it? No time soon, and I was able to see two out of three endings coming. I did like the very ending and there was a heartfelt moment in the final story, so for actually causing me to feel for the characters, I'd say the movie overall was nice. I appreciate any works that can trigger empathy or sympathy within me rather than just being entertaining.

The ending is kinda sappy, but what do you expect when it's a comedy/musical-horror and not a full horror? The songs are memorable and the scenes well coordinated. The vocal talent alone makes it worth the watch. It's definitely a step up from the original 1960 film and no scene drags out unnecessarily.