The Search for WondLa

After the contentious work that was Luck, Wondla is a much more appropriate debut for Skydance Studios. Based on a book series, Wondla focuses on a girl named Eva who was raised in a bunker by a robot (I am Mother flashbacks...) and has to navigate the world outside.

Visually it is truly beautiful, and the aliens and creatures all have unique designs. Even the sapient races have an oomph that makes them quite unique looking.

Plot wise it is quite intriguing, and I won't spoil it because I truly recommend you to check this work yourself.

Overall, as masterpiece both in visual, design and plot terms.

I read the original book series, and I've enjoyed Tony DiTerlizzi's art and stories. It's been a bit since I've read them, but they stuck with me. It was an eco sci-fi that sometimes felt like a fantasy. The art was detailed and engaging, the creature designs familiar yet otherworldly.

I saw this series pop up and was reminded about the books. Going into it I was neutral. The art style looked nothing like the original, but that was fine as long as it looked good and the story translated well.

First episode was very rough, and the rest was fine.

Art style - it looks generic. Not bad, but very passable. I'm fine with making changes visually, but this looks like a generic colorful kids cartoon. The animation was a bit stiff. Completely throws out the detailed watercolor-like art style of the original.

Designs - Everything was simplified and made to more colorful and cuddly. Eva is supposed to be 16, but she looks and sounds like a woman in her late 20's. Yet she acts very bombastic and child-like, which just feels at odds. Muthr was turned from an interesting machine, to a smooth green emoji. And the creature designs were drastically simplified and made colorful.

Overall - They kiddified and simplified it. Eva is a bit annoying and does not feel anything like her character. She is like every generic protagonist. It all makes sense because this is the same studio that made "Luck", and that movie was very bland in every way. Without its source material, this would have nothing to stand on. The only good parts, are the world originally built by the books.

They removed a lot of the maturity and thoughtfulness from the books. This one feels like it's jingling colorful keys to maintain your attention, and if you see something engaging, then they slam the keys back in your face.

Put this on for some little kids, but don't expect much otherwise. This was not the studio to adapt WondLa.

Although not a fan of the content on this streaming service, I came across this nugget during a free promo. Vibrant colors and interesting alien characters with an ample amount of action and excitement, the series was much better than I thought it was going to be. What surprised me probably the most is how dark some of the story was, but it is the story of the HOOMAN race. I enjoyed the dark aspect and I feel it gave this animated series an adult audience.

The star studded cast did an adequate job. Just not understanding why they didn't have Alan Tudyk use his enormous talent and play a more versatile roll.

While initially I wasn't sure about season 2, by the time the last episode ended I found myself even more in love with both seasons. The way 2.7 ended left me almost in tears, so emotionally drained and I mean in the best of ways. While I love the story, the characters, the acting, the animation is truly incredible and otherworldly. Watching the credits I'm amazed at the absolute army of incredibly talented folks responsible for the art and CG. The last 10 minutes of episode seven are off the charts, so beautiful. Thank you Apple for sponsoring this animation masterpiece.

And thank you to Jeanine Mason, DC Douglas, Teri Hatcher, Gary Anthony Williams, Brad Garrett, Allen Tudyk and the rest of the cast and crew for this wonderful show, and of course Tony DiTerlizzi. This story of optimism and hope is so very much needed in our world right now.

Truly there is no Them, only Us.

I really had fun watching this show! WondLa is a sci-fi fantasy filled with thrills and adventure. It has eye-popping animation that is very entertaining. The characters are diverse and unexpected.

This television series is based on the book, "The Search for WondLa," by Tony DiTerlizzi. It tells the story of Eva (Jeanine Mason), a courageous and lively teenager, who has spent her life in bunker training for her first moment above ground. The only family that she has known is Muther (Teri Hatcher), a very cautious robot, that teaches her about Earth and how to protect herself. Eva soon gets the surprise of her life when she learns that everything she has been taught is no longer true.

WondLa had me on the edge of my seat. The animation made me feel like I had walked into a whole new world. The setting has everything, from flying whales to enormous man-eating butterflies. It depicts an Earth that has been transformed into Orbona, a world filled with the unexpected. The backgrounds are detailed and colorful. It is impossible to see everything in just one viewing. My favorite character is Eva's Omnipod (D. C. Douglas). Omni is the most humorous character. I love that, even though his tone does not change, he can still make you laugh with his short and witty statements. The characters are either adorable or terrifying. Otto (Brad Garrett) is a gigantic, water bear-like creature. He is a kind and loyal friend that is constantly helping Eva get out of tough situations. On the other hand, there is Besteel (Chike Okonkwo), a scary and towering villain with sharp teeth and a hunched back. I screamed when this character was first introduced. I could not wait to see what new character Eva would meet next.

The film's message is about friendship. Eva spent the first years of her life wishing to meet humans just like her, so that she could finally have a family. Each episode proves that friends can take any shape or form. WondLa celebrates differences! Parents should be aware that the show does have some violence and dangerous activities.

I give WondLa 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. The first seven episodes of WondLa premiere globally on June 28, 2024 on Apple TV+. By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST!