Product Info

Studio

King Features Syndicate, Netflix Animation, Studio MDHR

Genre

Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Rated

TV-Y7

Release Date (NA)

Feb 18, 2022

Purchase From

The Cuphead Show! is a Netflix-only animated series, launching with 12 episodes at about 12 minutes per episode. The show is based on the popular 2017 indie video game, Cuphead, a run-and-gun video game by Studio MDHR. Netflix Animation and King Features Syndicate did a superb job carrying over the game’s unique 1930s cartoon style into the modern world of high-definition. While it’s a short series right now, viewers will want to know when more episodes will come.

They’re Just Looking for Fun

The show revolves around two protagonists, Cuphead and Mugman, who are young and looking for fun. However, they find themselves in trouble or in situations that cause a stir. If it’s not painting their Elder Kettle’s fence, they’re either running from the Devil, getting free ice cream, or getting placed in danger without realizing it.

Each episode puts these two cups in different scenarios and has them confront many characters that fans of the video game will recognize. However, except for the Devil and his henchman, those antagonists only show their face once in these 12 episodes. Not all the characters make an appearance in the episodes that are from the video game, such as Cala Maria the mermaid. Some characters, like King Dice, definitely deserve more appearances. If and when additional episodes become available, fans should expect new and returning characters to make an appearance.

The first episode brings in the confrontation between the Devil and the two cups, and this continues to appear in a few more episodes. These are the only ones in the series that tie together. The rest are one-offs with no connecting stories between them.

Viewers who are aware of Ms. Chalice will be eager to know she’s in this season. Her introduction and personality are different than expected when compared to her introduction in the video game. Avoiding spoilers, viewers will have to watch the series to see her animated and voiced, along with an unexpected surprise. Her musical scores are entertaining, and she knows how to tap dance quite well.

There are only 12 episodes in the first season, and each one is around 12 minutes long. It’s short when compared to many Netflix series that go for 45 minutes or longer. However, 12 minutes is a solid length and is enough time to tell each story. Any more and the episode begins to get dull. Short and sweet works.

The series is designed to be playful and fun. There are some serious moments, but the comedy script around them makes it all entertaining. For example, the Devil going after Cuphead’s soul is a serious matter, but the goofy scenarios to prevent him getting it makes it comical. It’s like watching a classic Looney Tunes episode. The episodes are kid friendly, and once they get a taste of one episode, they’ll be glued to it. There are a few comical moments that are geared towards the adults, too, making it an animated series that everyone can enjoy.

Keeping it Classic

The Cuphead Show! is stylistically based on cartoons from the 1930s such as Betty Boop, Popeye, and the classic Mickey Mouse shorts. That means rubber limb animations, pie-shaped eyes with a slice removed (think Pac-Man) and, of course, musicals. While the series is broadcast in high-definition, the animation studio added extra details to keep the feel of cartoons from over 90 years ago. Grains and speckles are added in each episode, but they’re subtle and not distracting.

There are a few scenes that are influenced by classic ones, such as the dancing skeletons from Walt Disney’s 1929 short The Skeleton Dance. In addition, Ms. Chalice’s musical scenes resemble Betty Boop’s. Almost every episode has a short musical number that’s catchy and at times interrupted by characters in the show in a comical fashion. The ghost’s and Ms. Chalice’s numbers are some of the best in the series. The musical scenes are kept short and sweet, giving more time to the episode’s storyline.

Cuphead and Mugman have a similar fashion style as the iconic Mickey Mouse. Ms. Chalice’s outfit resembles Minnie Mouse’s, too. Side characters in the series, much like the 1930s cartoons, are a mixture of either animals, insects, objects like a dice, or food items, such as cupcakes. Outfits are basic attires like bowties, suspenders with pants only, dresses, and business suits. Technology wise, radios are the most you’ll see, as if you are witnessing the 1930s era. Entertainment like King Dice’s game show is shown in front of a live audience but broadcast by radio waves.

The series’s audio scores utilize brass, wind, and piano instruments, similar to the video game for those who have played it. It’s whimsical, fun, catchy, and suspenseful at the right moments. There’s a scene where Cupman and Mugman try to charm a security guard, but as they try, the music playing makes miscue notes, showcasing how cringy the two cups are performing.

With no major voice acting in the popular video game, this is the first chance for fans to hear what these characters sound like. The voices of Cuphead (voiced by Tru Valentino) and Mugman (voiced by Frank Todaro) work well with each of their personalities. Cuphead’s cocky attitude comes out, and Mugman’s second-guessing personality comes to life. Ms. Chalice’s energetic voice (voiced by Grey Griffin) is just as great, hitting the musical notes right on. The Devil (voiced by Luke Millington-Drake) makes the evil character sneaky, and when he blows his top, Luke makes it sound real. The Dice King (voiced by Wayne Brady) showcases many different emotional states in an episode. From being devilish to angry and then scared, his personality and the voice behind it make for a winning roll of the dice.

The Final Adventure

The Cuphead Show! is an entertaining short series, even if each episode is less than 15 minutes long. The animation, voices, and storyline make each episode fun for all ages. The series captures the essence of the original video game and carries the 1930s cartoon style well for high-definition. If you’re looking for fun, tune into The Cuphead Show! on Netflix.

An early screening access was provided for this review.