Mr. Bean is a beloved character created and portrayed by the talented British comedian Rowan Atkinson. Known for his quirky and peculiar behavior, Mr. Bean has captivated audiences around the world with his unique brand of humor. One of the most notable aspects of Mr. Bean's charm is his ability to create magic out of the mundane.
Little Witch Academia, like its central character, has a ton of hidden potential. Since this first season was all about setting up the world-at-large, there’s definitely something more interesting in its future. As it stands, however, Academia is a fun and light series that’ll be worth watching for fans of great animation. It’s just light on plot you can truly invest in.
For a show about a magical school where crazy things are possible, at one point Akko chases a bee around a ballroom while Flight of the Bumblebee plays in the background. As these first 13 episodes are about Akko s daily life in the school, most share the same outline Akko learns about a new thing, messes up the new thing, stumbles around until she fixes the new thing.
Bean's charm is his ability to create magic out of the mundane. Whether it's making breakfast using an assortment of odd kitchen utensils or creating art using everyday materials, Mr. Bean's magic lies in his ability to transform ordinary situations into something extraordinary.
Review: Little Witch Academia (Season 1)
I’ve been anticipating Little Witch Academia for quite some time. Studio Trigger, the studio behind Kill la Kill and Space Patrol Luloco, produced a series created by Yo Yoshinari, who’s worked on Medabots, Gurren Lagann, and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Meaning it was okay to be a little excited for the series given the combined talent involved.
While Netflix’s Western distribution has certainly derailed some of the hype I had for the series (chopping the current 25 episodes in half, not releasing the series on a weekly basis as other distributors are able to do), I’m pretty satisfied with what we got. 13 episodes of a great looking, cute, Looney Tunes inspired series that needs juuuuust a little more depth.
Little Witch Academia (Season 1)
Director: Yo Yoshinari
Rating: TV-Y7
Release Date: June 30, 2017 (Netflix)
Akko’s (Megumi Han/Erica Mendez) been dreaming of going to the Luna Nova Magical Academy ever since she was a child. Although she has no real magical abilities herself, she’s been inspired by her idol Shiny Chariot, a famous witch entertainer who disappeared ten years ago, to become a great witch herself. The first season then follows Akko and her accidental friends, the studious Lotte (Fumiko Orikasa/Stephanie Sheh) and the poison lover Sucy (Michiyo Murase/Rachelle Heger), as they stumble and fumble through their first couple of weeks at the academy, unlock the mysteries of Shiny Chariot’s Shiny Rod, and prove they’re as good at magic as everyone else.
You can’t discuss a Studio Trigger series without getting past the necessary praising of its animation. I was wondering how Trigger’s fluid action animation would translate into a world with a tone completely offset from what they’ve done in the past, and it seems the choice was to embrace a more slapstick vibe. Drawing influence from everything from, uh, Pawn Stars to Looney Tunes (which was super noticeable when Akko accidentally gave herself rabbit ears), Little Witch Academia has tons of personality in every frame. It’s slightly reflective of that art design philosophy where as long as you can recognize the character, they’re on model. Trigger’s most prominent squash and stretch techniques are used here primarily to emote. Akko is probably one of my favorite Trigger series characters because the team wasn’t afraid to constantly make her look ridiculous. Giving her a true underdog charm really helps elevate the standard formula most episodes have.
As these first 13 episodes are about Akko’s daily life in the school, most share the same outline: Akko learns about a new thing, messes up the new thing, stumbles around until she fixes the new thing. It’s super cute, yes, and doesn’t devalue Akko as a character, but it really hammers home how standard of a hero’s journey story the series is telling. Since the episodes tend to have a week-by-week pace (meaning most developments don’t seem to carry over from episode to episode) rather than emphasize the greater story arc of the Shiny Rod and its seven super spells, some plot feels like filler. I’m sure some episodes are here for strictly character development, and it’s great to see completely fantastical settings from time to time (such as “Akko’s Adventures in Sucyland”), but I found myself not caring about whether or not Akko was going to pass her fish exam or whatever.
But even with a few weaker episodes, the strengths of smaller moments help give Little Witch Academia its own footprint. For a show about a magical school where crazy things are possible, at one point Akko chases a bee around a ballroom while “Flight of the Bumblebee” plays in the background. Rather than fuel utterly fantastical mayhem, the magic of the world is used to make situations more unworldly. This Looney Tunes-esque scene plays out in a natural fashion, oddly enough. This scene, goofy as it is, completely fits the series and Akko’s character. Very few things are out of place. This grounded, yet otherworldly nature of the world eventually gives more weight to the more emotional beats toward the end of the season too.
Little Witch Academia, like its central character, has a ton of hidden potential. Since this first season was all about setting up the world-at-large, there’s definitely something more interesting in its future. As it stands, however, Academia is a fun and light series that’ll be worth watching for fans of great animation. It’s just light on plot you can truly invest in.
I can’t quite recommend this series yet, but seeing as how it started as a short film, then a longer film adaptation, now a TV series, and even spreading to games, Little Witch Academia has an appeal not many other shows have. It’s just so pure.
7.5
Solid and definitely has an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.
I can’t quite recommend this series yet, but seeing as how it started as a short film, then a longer film adaptation, now a TV series, and even spreading to games, Little Witch Academia has an appeal not many other shows have. It’s just so pure.
Through his silent and slapstick style, Mr. Bean manages to convey a wide range of emotions and stories without uttering a single word. His facial expressions, physical comedy, and comedic timing make him a master of non-verbal communication. This universal language allows him to connect with audiences of different cultures and backgrounds. Mr. Bean's magic also lies in his ability to find humor in everyday situations. From getting stuck in traffic to dealing with everyday inconveniences, Mr. Bean's misadventures never fail to entertain and bring laughter to viewers. His escapades often result in unexpected outcomes, leaving audiences in stitches. Furthermore, Mr. Bean's magic extends beyond the television screen. The character has become a cultural icon, with his distinctive appearance and mannerisms instantly recognizable to people of all ages. Mr. Bean's popularity has led to numerous spin-off animated series, movies, and even a theme park ride. In conclusion, Mr. Bean's magic lies in his ability to find humor in the ordinary and transform everyday situations into something extraordinary. Through his silent and slapstick style, he has captured the hearts and laughter of audiences worldwide. Whether it's through his distinct facial expressions or his ability to make magic out of the mundane, Mr. Bean's comedic genius is undeniable..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Secrets: Inside Mr. Bean's Magic Box"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Mr Bean Magic". Being a fan of the original "Mr. Bean" series, I had high expectations for this movie, but it fell flat. The humor felt forced and the storyline was quite weak. I found myself getting bored halfway through, and it was a struggle to finish watching it. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and disappointing addition to the Mr. Bean franchise.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - "Mr. Bean Magic" was a complete waste of time in my opinion. I didn't find any of the jokes funny and the whole movie felt juvenile and childish. It seemed like they were trying too hard to recreate the comedic genius of the original series, but it just didn't work. The plot was thin and there were too many pointless scenes that added nothing to the story. I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone looking for a good laugh.
3. David - 2/5 - As a long-time fan of Mr. Bean, I was really excited to watch "Mr. Bean Magic". Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The humor felt forced and repetitive, and I found myself cringing more than laughing. The movie lacked the charm and simplicity of the original series, and it felt like they were trying to modernize Mr. Bean in a way that didn't work. It's a shame because I had high hopes for this film, but it just didn't deliver.