Lackadaisy

This shows immense potential. The animation was spectacular. The characters personalities and dynamics show promise. The story is enough to get one interested and I am ready for more. The only issue I may have is that perhaps for the pilot a bit more for the story could have been done. Some of the characters we didn't get a whole ton with as well. However in a way that shouldn't be taken as entirely a bad thing. Part of why I even mention it was that what I did get made me really want more. The show like the drink it centers around is addictive in its own way making me wish to have more. I believe the potential of this animation if given a strong direction could be prove to be truly something spectacular as a series.

I'll keep this short and sweet, this is a ver good pilot. It managed to completely sell me on the characters, setting, and plot in under 30 minutes. I can't wait for the season to air. I've seen people complain that it's too short, but it's important to note that this is only the pilot episode.

I'd like to especially congratulate all the animators, it's incredible that artists were able to make something with so much passion weaved into it, in the pandemic! The voice acting is also unsurprisingly great. Amazing artistry all around!!

I highly encourage you watch it, it's full of love and it shows.

In the mid 2000s, indie artist Tracy J. Butler created her own webcomic series known as Lackadaisy, a prohibition themed action comedy centered on anthropomorphic felines. Following solid success in the comic scene, Iron Circus Animation launched a glowing Kickstarter campaign to produce a cartoon pilot for a potential animated series adaptation. Co-written by Butler herself and released last month, the short film was released to huge responses from the public and it's safe to assume that as long as the love keeps growing, there will be a strong possibility for more adventures to come.

Set in St. Louis, Missouri in 1927, the film focuses on the rivalry between two bootlegging groups of cats who are trying to smuggle alcohol during Prohibition: the Lackadaisy speakeasy and Marigold gang. With the premise of a bitter feud occurring between two separate parties, Lackadaisy seamlessly establishes the stakes thanks to its simple yet charming set of characters. With the overly confident leader Rocky standing beside the timid albeit well intentioned sibling duo of Calvin and Ivy Pepper, one can feel the chemistry practically writing itself, partially thanks to the talents of voice actors Michael Kovach, Belsheber Rusape and Lisa Reimold. In contrast to the gang's hysterical banter, the serious threats from the Marigold Gang member Mordecai Heller and his bumbling sidekicks make for a lot of genuine intensity needed for the impoverished landscape set in stone. One can tell how bad things are going in St. Louis from how poorly run down the Lackadaisy speakeasy appears to be, and it looks as if the world could be further expanded if the filmmakers get the chance to do so.

Speaking of the world, if anyone deserves the most credit for bringing Butler's comic into the world of animation, it's hands down the team of over 160 artists. Considering the crew behind this worked on the feature across the world, the entire film miraculously looks as if it was all done in one house studio. On top of the character designs resembling the exaggerated qualities of a hand-drawn Disney film and the works of Don Bluth, the character animation appears to be a smooth blend of motion tweening and frame by frame work that suits the gritty art direction. In addition to the strong vocal cast and breathtaking action sequences, the animators were able to create some highly expressive acting in each given scene, further highlighted by a lot of impressive special effects compositing. No matter how sporadic certain moments in the film become, director and primary editor Fable Siegel makes sure to respect the viewer's lenses through clarity and precise focal points. It helps to allow the more slow paced dramatic scenes time to breathe in this near half hour effort.

So regardless of what happens to Iron Circus Animation's attempt at a Lackadaisy cartoon, there is no denying how much love and passion was put into it. While it is a little early to judge the work on its full merits beyond what we have gotten so far, anyone wishing to see fresh new material in the indie animation market should absolutely give this short film at least one watch to show any kind of support. Only time will tell if Tracy J. Butler's work will inspire both a potential series and more creatively driven content yet to come, but what we got for now is a nice appetizer in itself.

This short film, has everything a good and well written story may require: action scenes, interesting story that makes dive right in, characters who are ones with depth, dialogue that one could only wish was possible within reality etc...

But the comes the cherry to the cake. That is the music, and the music makes it even more perfect. I don't wanna spoil too much but the way the music comes is what sets the mood and the atmosphere of this short film, and what makes the audience to be excited in regards on what happens on screen, especially in action filled scenes.

In conclusion, I highly recommend it to everyone who reads this review, I spoiled as least as I could, so you would have the opportunity to experience this recently released animated masterpiece.

This is...entirely beautiful The animation style is intriguing from beginning to end. The characters are easy to get invested in, and you'll root for them all till the end. The plot is simple, but every cat has their own motivation, and I don't feel that I have the words to describe how wonderful this is.

The music is top notch. I can't emphasize this enough. "Sunset Rose Cocktail?" The atmosphere is perfect. Every second of this is magical. The hand-made feeling of the animation makes the show come to life.

In the recent wave of animation being cancelled, one can only hope that if a masterpiece such as this continues, it'll inspire people. You should watch this immediately.

In conclusion? Incrediblie.