I was so excited for the show. It had extremely high potential. The show has top-tier animation art style. That is the only thing that could keep me watching this show. It is geared completely for kids. Is most accurately a simple combination of SpongeBob and Mickey Mouse sadly. Not to say it is not original as it is very much so. They could have easily made something that still didn't have any mature content but was much more appealing and drawing in story to adult audience as well. There are some occasional notably clever and great dilague quicks and moments.
121 Reviews
A good show
oussamapds19 August 2022
Absolutely amazing, i love the characters and everything in the show. I played the game in 2017 , and this show gives me butterflies somehow 😂
I recommend watching it guys, short show with 100% guarantee of enjoying it.
Decent albeit Routine Adaptation of a Heavily Inspired Game
elicopperman22 February 2022
As of 2017, the run-and-gun game Cuphead has made quite the impact in animation, partially thanks to its tribute to the rubber hose era of American animation in the 1930s. Of course with its success comes a TV series spinoff, made for Netflix no less, along with the assistance of game creators Chad and Jared Moldenhaeur from Studio MDHR. With an announced 36 episode lineup and only 1/3 of those episodes haven released, the show has garnered fairly positive reviews, albeit with some criticism from snobbish animation enthusiasts. But as for how it works on its own, how is the show handling itself so far?
The Cuphead Show, at least as of this first season, follows the impulsive Cuphead and his cautious brother Mugman on random misadventures, including several that spawned from Cuphead owing the Devil his soul. As a fairly episodic series, the show spends a fair amount of time focusing on whatever shenanigans Cuphead and Mugman get themselves into. While sometimes feeling like filler in light of the first episode where the devil is introduced, the series does keep its main narrative intact in regards to how much trouble the devil truly is to the souls on the Inkwell Isle, if not the whole world. As for the other plots, they tend to feel standard to older cartoon tropes and TV episode formats such as a troublesome baby to a ferry boat club filled with ice cream to the cup's Elder Kettle caretaker mistaking them for believing him to be too old for his own good. Admittedly, the show is usually at its best when Cuphead and Mugman have to face the villainous Devil creeping up on them. By contrast, the brothers are fairly one note and don't offer much from your average cartoon protagonists in modern kids shows.
As for other notable aspects, the animation is well done for what the show is aiming to mimic: in this case, 1930s rubber hose cartoons. While there's a lot of rigging going on in the character movements, the work still pays off with fun motion and lavish poses, especially with the blend of stereoscopic stop-motion sets from Screen Novelties and overly colorful effects work. At times the recreation of older animation feels fairly unneeded, like the grain and old timey music, although that could be expected from paying homage by default. Perhaps most obvious with the creative animation comes from the cast, including Tru Valentino as Cuphead, Frank Todaro as Mugman, Joe Hanna as Elder Kettle, Luke Millington-Drake as the Devil and many more veteran comedians and VAs. Given the material on screen, a lot of enthusiasm is needed from the ensemble cast, and they delivered with hysterical spontaneity, even if there may be a bit too many Bronx accents here and there. Admittedly, newcomers could find more appeal in the artwork than the stories.
So while The Cuphead Show sort of has its trouble of finding its own identity in terms of narrative and character, the artwork on display, voice acting and help from its inspirations gives it just enough entertainment value for further viewings. With at least one more season expected sometime later on, there's definitely room for improvement and more down the road than meets the eye initially. I would say this is worth viewing for the time being, especially if you're a die hard fan of the original game (as overwhelming as it is). There can only be so much to expect in the future, so hold on tight for more to come.
The Cuphead Show, at least as of this first season, follows the impulsive Cuphead and his cautious brother Mugman on random misadventures, including several that spawned from Cuphead owing the Devil his soul. As a fairly episodic series, the show spends a fair amount of time focusing on whatever shenanigans Cuphead and Mugman get themselves into. While sometimes feeling like filler in light of the first episode where the devil is introduced, the series does keep its main narrative intact in regards to how much trouble the devil truly is to the souls on the Inkwell Isle, if not the whole world. As for the other plots, they tend to feel standard to older cartoon tropes and TV episode formats such as a troublesome baby to a ferry boat club filled with ice cream to the cup's Elder Kettle caretaker mistaking them for believing him to be too old for his own good. Admittedly, the show is usually at its best when Cuphead and Mugman have to face the villainous Devil creeping up on them. By contrast, the brothers are fairly one note and don't offer much from your average cartoon protagonists in modern kids shows.
As for other notable aspects, the animation is well done for what the show is aiming to mimic: in this case, 1930s rubber hose cartoons. While there's a lot of rigging going on in the character movements, the work still pays off with fun motion and lavish poses, especially with the blend of stereoscopic stop-motion sets from Screen Novelties and overly colorful effects work. At times the recreation of older animation feels fairly unneeded, like the grain and old timey music, although that could be expected from paying homage by default. Perhaps most obvious with the creative animation comes from the cast, including Tru Valentino as Cuphead, Frank Todaro as Mugman, Joe Hanna as Elder Kettle, Luke Millington-Drake as the Devil and many more veteran comedians and VAs. Given the material on screen, a lot of enthusiasm is needed from the ensemble cast, and they delivered with hysterical spontaneity, even if there may be a bit too many Bronx accents here and there. Admittedly, newcomers could find more appeal in the artwork than the stories.
So while The Cuphead Show sort of has its trouble of finding its own identity in terms of narrative and character, the artwork on display, voice acting and help from its inspirations gives it just enough entertainment value for further viewings. With at least one more season expected sometime later on, there's definitely room for improvement and more down the road than meets the eye initially. I would say this is worth viewing for the time being, especially if you're a die hard fan of the original game (as overwhelming as it is). There can only be so much to expect in the future, so hold on tight for more to come.
A faithful expansion on the popular game and mostly faithful homage to the 30s "rubber hose" animations of Walt Disney and Max Fleischer
IonicBreezeMachine22 February 2022
Set in the surreal and fantastical world of the Inkwell Isles, the series follows the misadventure of two young anthropomorphic cups, the brash and impulsive Cuphead (Tru Valentino) his brother the cautious and timid but comparatively more level headed Mugman (Frank Todaro). The two cups often cause headaches for their caretaken Elder Kettle (Joe Hanna) and are often involved in run-ins with The Devil (Luke Millington-Drake) after Cuphead unwittingly ended up owing is soul to him and rand from the debt.
The Cuphead Show! Is an adaptation of the video game Cuphead by Studio MDHR. The game received praise not only for it's engaging "Bullet Hell" style gameplay, but also its impressive animation which utilized many of the animation techniques of its stylistic influences. With creative influence from Studio MDHR and featuring some impressive animation techniques that mostly successfully mirror both the game and its Golden Age animation influences, The Cuphead Show! Is an enjoyable ride through surreal comic nonsense.
The animation looks fantastic. While the show didn't use the exact same technique due to time constraints, the show still maintains the same aesthetic appeal seen in the games with some great inclusion of stop-motion animation for certain sequences interacting seamlessly with the 2D figures. The environments of the Inkwell Isles are loving crafted with familiar locales from the games showcased and expanded upon for Cuphead and Mugman's misadventures. Some scenes sometimes do break the illusion of immersion such as a party scene in the episode Root Packed where some of the party goers look static and/or floaty on the physical backdrop, but the show's ambition makes up for flubs like that.
Cuphead and Mugman are fun characters with Cuphead's more carefree irresponsible attitude counterbalanced by the more cautious and unfortunately all too aware Mugman with their dynamic creating solid comic friction as the duo encounter. The show also gives expansion on the personalities of various bosses and side-characters from the games with boxing frog brothers RIbby and Croaks, Cuphead and Mugman's parental figure Elder Kettle, the trio of freeloading vegetables The Root Pack, and hands down the best character The Devil whose portrayal by Luke Millington-Drake gives a dry affected vaguely British sounding delivery to the character whose explosive rage and frusturation at not getting Cuphead's soul reminded me of David Warner's performance in cult show Freakazoid! As The Lobe who exhibited many of the same traits.
Uncommon for this era of streaming, there's not really a "running narrative" compelling viewers to binge the series with each episode about 10 minutes long and being relatively self-contained. Aside from the first episode setting up Cuphead owing his soul to The Devil, it's not a primary focus and is more used as an excuse to create comic friction with a recurring antagonist and still allows the cartoons to function as self-contained comic set pieces. The show also features some really good music and songs, done by Ego Plum, throughout the series with a particular standout piece being the episode "Ghosts Ain't Real" with some really fun and even a little macabre that harkens back to horror themed animation shorts like Swing You Sinners or The Lonesome Ghosts. The show does "season bait" in its final episode which sees the introduction of new character Ms. Chalice, and for the most part the character's introduction is really well done with the character feeling very reminiscent in both personality and design like Betty Boop or Steamboat Willie's take on Minnie Mouse if you filtered the character with a little bit of intensity seen with Dot from Animaniacs. I wasn't terribly bothered by the ending, but given how it ends it probably could've still ended the same way and still been self-contained.
The Cuphead Show! Is a mostly faithful expansion on the world and characters of the Cuphead game and gives us some solid visually interesting misadventures that capture the surreal strangeness of the "rubber hose" animations of the 30s. With plenty of charm coming from the voice cast as well as the animation the show constantly keeps you engaged with its efficiently and effectively delivered surreal nonsense.
The Cuphead Show! Is an adaptation of the video game Cuphead by Studio MDHR. The game received praise not only for it's engaging "Bullet Hell" style gameplay, but also its impressive animation which utilized many of the animation techniques of its stylistic influences. With creative influence from Studio MDHR and featuring some impressive animation techniques that mostly successfully mirror both the game and its Golden Age animation influences, The Cuphead Show! Is an enjoyable ride through surreal comic nonsense.
The animation looks fantastic. While the show didn't use the exact same technique due to time constraints, the show still maintains the same aesthetic appeal seen in the games with some great inclusion of stop-motion animation for certain sequences interacting seamlessly with the 2D figures. The environments of the Inkwell Isles are loving crafted with familiar locales from the games showcased and expanded upon for Cuphead and Mugman's misadventures. Some scenes sometimes do break the illusion of immersion such as a party scene in the episode Root Packed where some of the party goers look static and/or floaty on the physical backdrop, but the show's ambition makes up for flubs like that.
Cuphead and Mugman are fun characters with Cuphead's more carefree irresponsible attitude counterbalanced by the more cautious and unfortunately all too aware Mugman with their dynamic creating solid comic friction as the duo encounter. The show also gives expansion on the personalities of various bosses and side-characters from the games with boxing frog brothers RIbby and Croaks, Cuphead and Mugman's parental figure Elder Kettle, the trio of freeloading vegetables The Root Pack, and hands down the best character The Devil whose portrayal by Luke Millington-Drake gives a dry affected vaguely British sounding delivery to the character whose explosive rage and frusturation at not getting Cuphead's soul reminded me of David Warner's performance in cult show Freakazoid! As The Lobe who exhibited many of the same traits.
Uncommon for this era of streaming, there's not really a "running narrative" compelling viewers to binge the series with each episode about 10 minutes long and being relatively self-contained. Aside from the first episode setting up Cuphead owing his soul to The Devil, it's not a primary focus and is more used as an excuse to create comic friction with a recurring antagonist and still allows the cartoons to function as self-contained comic set pieces. The show also features some really good music and songs, done by Ego Plum, throughout the series with a particular standout piece being the episode "Ghosts Ain't Real" with some really fun and even a little macabre that harkens back to horror themed animation shorts like Swing You Sinners or The Lonesome Ghosts. The show does "season bait" in its final episode which sees the introduction of new character Ms. Chalice, and for the most part the character's introduction is really well done with the character feeling very reminiscent in both personality and design like Betty Boop or Steamboat Willie's take on Minnie Mouse if you filtered the character with a little bit of intensity seen with Dot from Animaniacs. I wasn't terribly bothered by the ending, but given how it ends it probably could've still ended the same way and still been self-contained.
The Cuphead Show! Is a mostly faithful expansion on the world and characters of the Cuphead game and gives us some solid visually interesting misadventures that capture the surreal strangeness of the "rubber hose" animations of the 30s. With plenty of charm coming from the voice cast as well as the animation the show constantly keeps you engaged with its efficiently and effectively delivered surreal nonsense.
Great Cartoon Based On A Video Game
jeremycrimsonfox19 February 2022
Cuphead is a celebrated video game, praised for being hand-drawn while said to be hard as nails. The game is so popular, we get a cartoon on Netflix called The Cuphead Show.
Basically, like the game it's based on, The Cuphead Show invokes the element of the golden age of cartoons, as after the amazing theme song, each episode opens with its own title card (designed like the old time Looney Tunes and Walt Disney ones), and the animation is basically as vintage-looking as those while still being digitally animated, as each episode shows Cuphead and his brother, Mugman, getting into various misadventures on the Inkwell Isles. Cuphead is the impatient star who decides to do stuff leading to such misadventures, despite the objections of the wise and understanding Mugman, who at the end, decides to go with it anyways, usually leading the two to danger, with villains like The Devil, boxing frogs Ribby and Croak, and King Dice, while meeting new friends like Miss Chalice.
This is actually a good cartoon. The voice acting is good, the humor is on par with the classics the game it's based on takes inspiration for. If there are a couple of things I don't like, it's the fact the final episode basically ends the season on a cliffhanger (which is basically annoying) and some of the episodes I do not like the plot of.
Basically, like the game it's based on, The Cuphead Show invokes the element of the golden age of cartoons, as after the amazing theme song, each episode opens with its own title card (designed like the old time Looney Tunes and Walt Disney ones), and the animation is basically as vintage-looking as those while still being digitally animated, as each episode shows Cuphead and his brother, Mugman, getting into various misadventures on the Inkwell Isles. Cuphead is the impatient star who decides to do stuff leading to such misadventures, despite the objections of the wise and understanding Mugman, who at the end, decides to go with it anyways, usually leading the two to danger, with villains like The Devil, boxing frogs Ribby and Croak, and King Dice, while meeting new friends like Miss Chalice.
This is actually a good cartoon. The voice acting is good, the humor is on par with the classics the game it's based on takes inspiration for. If there are a couple of things I don't like, it's the fact the final episode basically ends the season on a cliffhanger (which is basically annoying) and some of the episodes I do not like the plot of.
Expected more
trustlemons18 February 2022
After playing the game, watching lots of gameplay videos and buying the art book, I was very excited when The Cuphead Show was announced.
However, I think my expectations were a bit too high... The script isn't great. I think if it was less aimed at children, it would've been an improvement.
On the bright side, the art does not disappoint!
It's great to see all the characters from the video game on the show.
I definitely recommend giving it a try though!
However, I think my expectations were a bit too high... The script isn't great. I think if it was less aimed at children, it would've been an improvement.
On the bright side, the art does not disappoint!
It's great to see all the characters from the video game on the show.
I definitely recommend giving it a try though!
A Cup Full Of Comedy 😀
a34trgv119 February 2022
Cuphead took the world by storm back in 2017 with it's throwback aesthetic, challenging but fun game play and slapping soundtrack. Save for the game play, The Cuphead Show maintains the main 2 core aspects of the game as will as adding in some talented voice acting, fleshing out the characters and providing lots of laughs throughout each episode. From the superb writing to the amazing comedy, The Cuphead Show made the constants delays and production hurdles worth it.
Developed by Dave Wasson (creator of Cartoon Network's Time Squad) with the original creators of Cuphead, Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, serving as executive producers, The Cuphead Show follows the adventures of Cuphead and his brother Mugman on Inkwell Isle. While the recurring arc of the show is the Devil wanting Cuphead's soul, the show's primary focus is being an episodic comedy like the 1930s cartoons that inspired the game. Each episode features Cuphead and Mugman going on an adventure on Inkwell Isle and hilarious shenanigans ensue. With a runtime of 14-16 minutes, each episode wastes no time before getting the viewer on the brother's side and laughing with/at them and their antics. While we're rooting for them to make it out alive, we're also laughing at hilarious comedy that ranges from clever word play, funny visual gags and hysterical slapstick. Some of the funniest moments come from the antagonists getting their comeuppances in hilarious fashion or the brothers outwitting the Devil himself. In addition to really strong comedy, the show also goes the extra mile of fleshing out the characters and the world they inhabit. From showing the brothers's relationship with their Elder Kettle, how the Devil runs his operations to even how the brothers meet antagonists from the game. There are also musical numbers in every other episode that serve the story in upbeat and organic ways. The show does a really good job building the world of Inkwell Isle by providing really hilarious comedy and keeping the storytelling focused on the brothers.
The characters from the game were given much more personality this time around as before they only had basic personalities at best to serves the narrative of the game. Starting with our titular hero, Cuphead is a mischievous, playful and clever character who still very much cares about his brother and Elder Kettle and he's also sympathetic enough so that we relate to him. Mugman is more cautious than his brother, but he still likes to have fun and is still willing to help his brother out. They but heads from time to time, but they still love and respect each other at the end of the day. Their parental guardian, the Elder Kettle, is a fun and lively old man who tries his best to raise his boys right. He's more than willing to put his foot down when they misbehave and helps them out whenever he can. Then there's the Devil himself, the ruthless ruler of Inkwell Isle. There have been many different depictions of the Devil, but this show has one of the funniest deceptions I've seen of the fallen angel. He's charismatic, he's temperamental, he has multiple evil transformations and he relishes in being a dastardly demon. Every time he's outwitted by the brothers it gets a really good laugh out of me, particularly when he gets shocked by the invisible sweater. Other notable standout characters include Porkrind, the owner of a shop who detests the brothers, Ribby and Croaks, a couple of bickering frog brothers who own a club, King Dice, the host of a game show that's actually a scam, and Ms. Chalice, who's a street smart girl who uses her charm to get what she wants.
Bringing these characters to life are the wonderful voice talents directed by the wonderful Sara Jane Sherman. Tru Valentino and Frank Todaro give Cuphead and Mugman distinct Jersey accents with Tru making Cuphead sound more confident while Frank makes Mugman sound really cautious. Joe Hanna did a fantastic job voicing the Elder Kettle, making him sound like a middle aged man who has to deal with 2 young boys. Luke Milington-Drake was the MVP for me as the Devil as he made him sound so flamboyant yet very short tempered. He also did a fantastic job with his musical number. Wayne Brady did such a good job voicing King Dice making him sound so charismatic yet perfectly captures his nervousness when speaking to the Devil. Grey Griffin truly shines as Ms. Chalice, really nailing that Jersey accent and making her sound so spunky. Chris Wylde and Rick Zieff had such believable chemistry as Ribby and Croaks and made them sound just like real tough guys trying (and hilariously failing) to pretend to be nice guys. Other voice talents such as Jim Conroy, Keith Ferguson, Candi Milo and Cosmo Segurson did a really good job bringing the other inhabitants of Inkwell Isle to life.
Visually, the show looks absolutely phenomenal just like the game it's based on. The character designs retain their rubber hose look to them while also appearing more polished for a more streamlined production than that of the game. Lighthouse Studios and Screen Novelties provided the animation and it's as bouncy and lively as the 1930s cartoons that inspired the game. Characters squash, stretch and bend like cartoon characters should, their facial expressions go off model for the right reasons and cartoonish gags such as seeing one's skeleton when shocked are used to great effect. The bright colors are giving just the right amount of contrast with the amount of black and darker hues, particularly at night. There's also some elements of real life 3D objects for the backgrounds that make this feeling like a trip to the past. My personal favorite moment of animation in the show is when Cuphead and Mugman are trying to escape the graveyard from the episode Ghosts Ain't Real. From the amount of ghosts on screen to the nod to the Skeleton Dance short to the eerie atmosphere, this episode would make for the perfect Halloween special if it was longer and had Cuphead and Mugman out trick or treating. Like the game before it, they really went the extra mile to make the animation spectacular.
I'd be re-missing myself if I talked about The Cuphead Show without bringing up the music. Composed by Ego Plum, the music in this show perfectly captures the jazzy feel of the 1930s just like the game. There's heavy emphasis on brass and strings, particularly the saxophone and bass, it's chaotic in rhythm yet so satisfying and the music cues were very on point. They even due call backs to music of the games such as the themes for the Root Pack and Ribby and Croaks being used in their respective episodes. There's also the theme song which is sung wonderfully by Gizzelle Andrea Becerra. It's just full of energy, Gizzelle has such great vocal range and the visuals complement it beautifully. I especially love it when Cuphead and Mugman join in and sing along while also ending the song on a really funny note (literally as Mugman plays the trombone before falling face first). The credits play a chipper piano tune which is just the perfect way to bookend each episode. The music is arguably the most important ingredient in this show; if it wasn't as good as it was, I guarantee you the rest of the show would suffer for it.
Like the game it's based on, The Cuphead Show is a fantastic throwback to 1930s animation yet it feels so fresh and outstanding in execution. From the outstanding animation, the hilarious humor, well defined characters, stellar voice acting and really catchy music, this currently sits along side Kid Cosmic and Hilda as one of my personal favorite animated shows on Netflix. My only critique of this otherwise amazing show is that the first season ends rather abruptly. I really hope Season 2 comes out soon so until then give The Cuphead Show a watch. If this show is not for you, play the game. Either way, let Chad and Jared Moldenhauer know that all their hard work on their passion project was not in vain by supporting it.
Developed by Dave Wasson (creator of Cartoon Network's Time Squad) with the original creators of Cuphead, Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, serving as executive producers, The Cuphead Show follows the adventures of Cuphead and his brother Mugman on Inkwell Isle. While the recurring arc of the show is the Devil wanting Cuphead's soul, the show's primary focus is being an episodic comedy like the 1930s cartoons that inspired the game. Each episode features Cuphead and Mugman going on an adventure on Inkwell Isle and hilarious shenanigans ensue. With a runtime of 14-16 minutes, each episode wastes no time before getting the viewer on the brother's side and laughing with/at them and their antics. While we're rooting for them to make it out alive, we're also laughing at hilarious comedy that ranges from clever word play, funny visual gags and hysterical slapstick. Some of the funniest moments come from the antagonists getting their comeuppances in hilarious fashion or the brothers outwitting the Devil himself. In addition to really strong comedy, the show also goes the extra mile of fleshing out the characters and the world they inhabit. From showing the brothers's relationship with their Elder Kettle, how the Devil runs his operations to even how the brothers meet antagonists from the game. There are also musical numbers in every other episode that serve the story in upbeat and organic ways. The show does a really good job building the world of Inkwell Isle by providing really hilarious comedy and keeping the storytelling focused on the brothers.
The characters from the game were given much more personality this time around as before they only had basic personalities at best to serves the narrative of the game. Starting with our titular hero, Cuphead is a mischievous, playful and clever character who still very much cares about his brother and Elder Kettle and he's also sympathetic enough so that we relate to him. Mugman is more cautious than his brother, but he still likes to have fun and is still willing to help his brother out. They but heads from time to time, but they still love and respect each other at the end of the day. Their parental guardian, the Elder Kettle, is a fun and lively old man who tries his best to raise his boys right. He's more than willing to put his foot down when they misbehave and helps them out whenever he can. Then there's the Devil himself, the ruthless ruler of Inkwell Isle. There have been many different depictions of the Devil, but this show has one of the funniest deceptions I've seen of the fallen angel. He's charismatic, he's temperamental, he has multiple evil transformations and he relishes in being a dastardly demon. Every time he's outwitted by the brothers it gets a really good laugh out of me, particularly when he gets shocked by the invisible sweater. Other notable standout characters include Porkrind, the owner of a shop who detests the brothers, Ribby and Croaks, a couple of bickering frog brothers who own a club, King Dice, the host of a game show that's actually a scam, and Ms. Chalice, who's a street smart girl who uses her charm to get what she wants.
Bringing these characters to life are the wonderful voice talents directed by the wonderful Sara Jane Sherman. Tru Valentino and Frank Todaro give Cuphead and Mugman distinct Jersey accents with Tru making Cuphead sound more confident while Frank makes Mugman sound really cautious. Joe Hanna did a fantastic job voicing the Elder Kettle, making him sound like a middle aged man who has to deal with 2 young boys. Luke Milington-Drake was the MVP for me as the Devil as he made him sound so flamboyant yet very short tempered. He also did a fantastic job with his musical number. Wayne Brady did such a good job voicing King Dice making him sound so charismatic yet perfectly captures his nervousness when speaking to the Devil. Grey Griffin truly shines as Ms. Chalice, really nailing that Jersey accent and making her sound so spunky. Chris Wylde and Rick Zieff had such believable chemistry as Ribby and Croaks and made them sound just like real tough guys trying (and hilariously failing) to pretend to be nice guys. Other voice talents such as Jim Conroy, Keith Ferguson, Candi Milo and Cosmo Segurson did a really good job bringing the other inhabitants of Inkwell Isle to life.
Visually, the show looks absolutely phenomenal just like the game it's based on. The character designs retain their rubber hose look to them while also appearing more polished for a more streamlined production than that of the game. Lighthouse Studios and Screen Novelties provided the animation and it's as bouncy and lively as the 1930s cartoons that inspired the game. Characters squash, stretch and bend like cartoon characters should, their facial expressions go off model for the right reasons and cartoonish gags such as seeing one's skeleton when shocked are used to great effect. The bright colors are giving just the right amount of contrast with the amount of black and darker hues, particularly at night. There's also some elements of real life 3D objects for the backgrounds that make this feeling like a trip to the past. My personal favorite moment of animation in the show is when Cuphead and Mugman are trying to escape the graveyard from the episode Ghosts Ain't Real. From the amount of ghosts on screen to the nod to the Skeleton Dance short to the eerie atmosphere, this episode would make for the perfect Halloween special if it was longer and had Cuphead and Mugman out trick or treating. Like the game before it, they really went the extra mile to make the animation spectacular.
I'd be re-missing myself if I talked about The Cuphead Show without bringing up the music. Composed by Ego Plum, the music in this show perfectly captures the jazzy feel of the 1930s just like the game. There's heavy emphasis on brass and strings, particularly the saxophone and bass, it's chaotic in rhythm yet so satisfying and the music cues were very on point. They even due call backs to music of the games such as the themes for the Root Pack and Ribby and Croaks being used in their respective episodes. There's also the theme song which is sung wonderfully by Gizzelle Andrea Becerra. It's just full of energy, Gizzelle has such great vocal range and the visuals complement it beautifully. I especially love it when Cuphead and Mugman join in and sing along while also ending the song on a really funny note (literally as Mugman plays the trombone before falling face first). The credits play a chipper piano tune which is just the perfect way to bookend each episode. The music is arguably the most important ingredient in this show; if it wasn't as good as it was, I guarantee you the rest of the show would suffer for it.
Like the game it's based on, The Cuphead Show is a fantastic throwback to 1930s animation yet it feels so fresh and outstanding in execution. From the outstanding animation, the hilarious humor, well defined characters, stellar voice acting and really catchy music, this currently sits along side Kid Cosmic and Hilda as one of my personal favorite animated shows on Netflix. My only critique of this otherwise amazing show is that the first season ends rather abruptly. I really hope Season 2 comes out soon so until then give The Cuphead Show a watch. If this show is not for you, play the game. Either way, let Chad and Jared Moldenhauer know that all their hard work on their passion project was not in vain by supporting it.
ok
djurrepower20 February 2022
While it does have it's charm. And a nice touch with some homages. Most of the series is pretty standard as far as normaal episodic cartoons go. Not bad in any way or form, and there are 2 or 3 good episodes. But overall, it wasn't all that special. All in all, charming with its animations, but overall pretty normal.
6/10: sure.
6/10: sure.
The best show
isabelle-0932822 September 2022
This is the best show ever. I'm honestly surprised thatvi only has a 7.4 and hope it becomes higher. My favorite episode is S2 E5. The show has great plots, characters, and voice actors. The only downside is some of the characters personalites. Specifically cuphead himself, he is very reckless and doesn't care about the outside world and how to do things. He even tries to replace his brother. The word episode is lost in the woods. I like the character designs too. They have silly faces that probably everyone enjoys watching. I love the out of context scenes because yes. I recommend this for ages 9-💀 best show ever.
For the younger set, but I enjoyed it
Nixie224-72-3346749 March 2022
This show has throwback animation to the 1930s but the jokes have a more contemporary feel. My favorite episodes were 5 (with King Dice) and 12 (Grey Griffin is perfection as Ms. Chalice). My favorite character is the Devil.
Welcome to the show!
Seb_318 February 2022
The episodes are short and sweet, lasting around 12 minutes each, not counting the credits. It tells a stand alone story for each episode, following the two brothers and their mischievous, wacky and insane adventures, bringing in familiar faces from the original video game. It uses the effects, sounds and music from the game, while adding new tracks into the mix. They build on the characters, whom didn't even have a much of a voice cast in the game, but they do know, and it works wonderfully. The actors do an amazing job at capturing the essence and childishness of the two cups, while the devil and dice sound just as you would have imagined.
It brings over the classic cartoon art style from the game, while middling with modern humor and timing. Cuphead and Mugman have great banter, bringing with it some pretty funny and memorable moments, making you want to keep watching at the end of each episode. The animation is of course one of its greatest selling points, and it's a feat for the eyes. Looking like the game, something out of the animation from the 1930's, just modernized, paying homage to manny of the wacky set pieces and traits of that era of animation. Even if you haven't played the game, fell of it or know nothing about Cuphead, you will easily be able to follow the story and have a fun and light hearted time.
The show does a great job at taking the groundwork from the game and bringing the characters to life. Telling funny and charming short stories, about a cup, a mug and friends, which works wonderfully as yet another addition to Netflix's growing catalogue of video game adaptations!
8/10.
It brings over the classic cartoon art style from the game, while middling with modern humor and timing. Cuphead and Mugman have great banter, bringing with it some pretty funny and memorable moments, making you want to keep watching at the end of each episode. The animation is of course one of its greatest selling points, and it's a feat for the eyes. Looking like the game, something out of the animation from the 1930's, just modernized, paying homage to manny of the wacky set pieces and traits of that era of animation. Even if you haven't played the game, fell of it or know nothing about Cuphead, you will easily be able to follow the story and have a fun and light hearted time.
The show does a great job at taking the groundwork from the game and bringing the characters to life. Telling funny and charming short stories, about a cup, a mug and friends, which works wonderfully as yet another addition to Netflix's growing catalogue of video game adaptations!
8/10.
It's enjoyable and fun
D4V1D24111 March 2022
The most inmpresive thing about this show is the animation of course and at all time it will be pleasant to watch at any moment. The series is also presented in a short format, episodes having only like 10 minutes runtime and honestly it works better that way because at somepoint I just wanted some of the episodes to end. It was fun, the songs were good, and all, But it didn't click with me. I was actually thinking in what else I could watch but I do recognize it's strenghts. So you can have a little fun watching them but at the end it's nothing really special besides the animation.
Keep the Animators, Lose the writers.
jhonaelvendruid18 February 2022
SOOOooo... Boring. If you wanna support this team by forcing yourself to watch, then enjoy the intro song(mwah! Chef's kiss) and episode 1, then skip to episode 5. Music, back-grounds and animation is the TOP TEIR, but this isn't a silent cartoon. Unfortunately there is dialog and it's "pee-yew"! All the writing is severely lacking. This isn't Ren and Stimpy, Tom and Jerry, or Bugs and Daffy. Noise and wild takes are not enough to keep your children's attention for even a single episode. If they can't pick things up for season 2 it's going to be such a waste of an Intellectual Property.
A Great 30's Animation Tribute
liamkelleycampbell18 February 2022
The Cuphead Show is a welcoming love letter to the rubber-hosed retro style of animation from the golden age era. It's fun, it's wacky, old school like, the characters personalities and voices are interesting, and beautifully animated. The stories are fun and adventurous which I like, but the plot could probably do better in the later seasons. I'm hope they would pay more respect to the original cult-hit run and gun video game. So far, that type of element is missing. Minor flaw, but the show is still worthy to fun even for the fans of the game, and fans of the old-school animation since it's glory begin in the 1930's.
Freaking Entertaining
riedhwaankarriem18 February 2022
Half great Half meh
sambatessb18 February 2022
Trying to be Spongebob, but based on a game
backup-5036220 February 2022
Weird casting, but I'm not surprised, because this is Netflix. I've never played Cuphead, but as far as I'm aware, the animation and music are spot-on, very fluid, rubbery movements like in early cartoons, with orchestral music that follows the events on-screen. Good stuff.
It feels even more for-small-children than Spongebob is, though, and that's weird, considering who the game was aimed at. It's a bit of a wrong move to aim this show at that young of an audience, but again, this is Netflix making the big choices after all, and as usual, they're wrong.
I'm rating higher than I should because someone worked hard on those visuals and music. The writers also probably did their best with what they're allowed.
But yeah, not exactly riveting content, just Cuphead-y enough to make the fans watch it, I'm sure, and that'll be enough of a reason for this show to become popular.
It feels even more for-small-children than Spongebob is, though, and that's weird, considering who the game was aimed at. It's a bit of a wrong move to aim this show at that young of an audience, but again, this is Netflix making the big choices after all, and as usual, they're wrong.
I'm rating higher than I should because someone worked hard on those visuals and music. The writers also probably did their best with what they're allowed.
But yeah, not exactly riveting content, just Cuphead-y enough to make the fans watch it, I'm sure, and that'll be enough of a reason for this show to become popular.
Love The Classic
danny-phantom124 August 2022
Much better than expected
mertafor18 February 2022
The game already presented superb olschool characters and music. On top of that, animators adopted early Nickelodeon style animations that remind me Ren & Stimpy Show. However, I'm not sure about the sound quality. Maybe it could have been a bit lower quality as in the game, this polished version is not a great fit.
As for the stories, well they're not that enjoyable. In my opinion episodes are way too harmless, always stays in the safe side. Basically not so interesting stories of two spoiled kids. This could have been easily the next Sponge Bob, clearly writers couldn't manage to do it. I don't know what's the targeted age here yet it's easy to say it is not for adults (or even teenagers). Also each episode is around 12 minutes, which is too short. It should have been at least 15 minutes.
Regardless, I've had zero expectations since game didn't have a story to carry. Therefore I can call this a mild success. I hope that writers will come up with better stories and sense of humor for possible next season and utilize the full potential of these cool characters and animation style.
As for the stories, well they're not that enjoyable. In my opinion episodes are way too harmless, always stays in the safe side. Basically not so interesting stories of two spoiled kids. This could have been easily the next Sponge Bob, clearly writers couldn't manage to do it. I don't know what's the targeted age here yet it's easy to say it is not for adults (or even teenagers). Also each episode is around 12 minutes, which is too short. It should have been at least 15 minutes.
Regardless, I've had zero expectations since game didn't have a story to carry. Therefore I can call this a mild success. I hope that writers will come up with better stories and sense of humor for possible next season and utilize the full potential of these cool characters and animation style.
Can't stop laughing
Blashma19 November 2022
The movie is attractive, based on the game Cuphead. I have to commend the creative sense of humor from the director and the amazing voice from the voice actors , matching the cuphead and mugman I could not have imagined . I usually watch it at night and have to say, laugh like crazy. Not to mention the other voice actors also suit the character very well, personally I really like the devil's voice, super good and very very funny.
Wish an episode could be a few minutes longer because on average a ten minute episode is pretty short for me while I want to see this duo more than lmao. The movie is very entertaining after tiring days I hope netflix will release more seasons for the series and don't cancel.
Wish an episode could be a few minutes longer because on average a ten minute episode is pretty short for me while I want to see this duo more than lmao. The movie is very entertaining after tiring days I hope netflix will release more seasons for the series and don't cancel.
A show that manages to capture the fun of Cuphead but not 1930's cartoons
Cakenator19 February 2022
It was a wonderful idea to take a video game based on 1930's cartoons and turn it into an animated show, but ultimately it fails at what Cuphead set out to do. The show is dragged down by many modern kid's show stereotypes, with annoying, over the top voices, an overuse of sound effects and stale humor. The show does however, manage to portray the characters and world of the game in a way that translates well into a cartoon, and has a great soundtrack, but the negatives of this show make many moments far less enjoyable than they could be.
One final note, why isn't Beppi the clown in Carnevil?!
One final note, why isn't Beppi the clown in Carnevil?!
I for one love it!
BustedBlock20 February 2022
When I first heard that there was a Cuphead show in the making I actually wasn't very excited. I had played the game and loved it, but I just wasn't sure if it would work as a cartoon series. I watched the whole first season on Netflix, and oh boy was I wrong! Not only did I find The Cuphead Show to be way better than I expected, but I actually outright love it and would definetly consider it the best cartoon of the decade so far. The artwork in this show is lovely, the shows atmosphere is full of life, the episode plots are interesting, the characters are all a joy and they act exactly as I expected them to, and there are plenty of good jokes. I am so glad they decided to make Cuphead into a show, and I can't til season 2 and 3 come out on Netflix.
decent show
whateverarchive205 March 2022
It's decent. The animation was good but I wish it was more expressive. The designs are cute like the female boss designs and I like the background art and the occasional claymation that happens for like a few seconds for a few scenes. I remember that it being co created in canada was a surprise since most people think that cartoons from there are kinda sub par quality even though the creators of the guys who created Cuphead at studio mdhr are from canada. Also I think it's targeted for a younger audience which I think not all audience would like it but overall it's decent show. I would recommend to watch it but if you didn't like it you can also watch horsefolder's mugman too.
Final rating of this show is: 7/10 I liked it but had some flaws which they should use more bosses. Overall I like it nonetheless.
Final rating of this show is: 7/10 I liked it but had some flaws which they should use more bosses. Overall I like it nonetheless.
Its meh
tanishaabdulrahman18 February 2022
I really like the video game to cuphead but I don't understand these high ratings 9s and 10s the plot is really boring and most of episodes full of fillers I know original game has simple plot but its fun and interesting full of adventure I didn't get that from the show they changed up the fact he lost his soul at the carnival not at the casino and there's hardly any of bosses from orginal game.
The best part is the devil and King dice the animation is spot on and voice acting but plot is major disappointment im not hyped for next season.
My verdict
4/10.
The best part is the devil and King dice the animation is spot on and voice acting but plot is major disappointment im not hyped for next season.
My verdict
4/10.
Brilliant
eliasmattern19 February 2022
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