Dark Humor’s Fresh Face

Read Time:3 Minute, 29 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Smiling Friends: The Complete First Season
–

Genre: Animation, Short, Comedy
Year Released: 2023 Blu-ray
Runtime: 9 x 11m episodes
Creator(s): Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel
Writer(s): Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, Hans Van Harken
Cast: Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, Marc Menchaca
Where To Watch: available on Blu-ray & DVD August 29, 2023, available here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Immerse yourself in the brightly colored universe of SMILING FRIENDS, a seamless marriage of playful imagery with profound messages. The creative minds behind this cinematic treat are the formidable team of Michael Cusack and Zack Hadel. Their roots run deep in digital artistry, leaving footprints on popular platforms like YouTube.

SMILING FRIENDS steps into the limelight with its debut season, now available on Blu-ray or DVD or streaming digitally on Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, and more. For those yearning for an immersive experience, the captivating audio commentary across the episodes is the cherry on top. This lets you rewatch the short runtime twice, getting two different experiences thanks to the deep dive into the series.

Navigating the plot, we are welcomed into the universe of Smiling Friends Inc. With its poignant aspiration to be the beacon of joy, this establishment sets the stage. Steering the narrative are Pim, an emblem of optimism, and Charlie, the ever-questioning realist. These characters defy clichés, unfolding layers of depth and intrigue. The narrative takes a zesty turn with the entrance of their nemesis – Frowning Friends.

The magnetism of SMILING FRIENDS is rooted in its writing. It sails through profound waters, delving into somber themes yet consistently anchors viewers in the safe harbor of hope and genuine delight. It captures the effervescent spirit of the golden era of internet animation. The nostalgia is real, harkening back to days of unrestrained creativity that painted the virtual canvas. Through the lively escapades of Pim and Charlie, one can discern an echo of the creators' eclectic digital journey.

Keen-eyed viewers are in for a treat. Subtle nods, cleverly concealed references, and a star-studded surprise in the finale ensure an element of delightful unpredictability. You get Easter Eggs aplenty, many of which are discussed in the commentary.

Yet, every silver lining has a cloud. SMILING FRIENDS, in its ambition, occasionally oversteps. There can be moments that may be triggering to some, but I remind myself that they are pushing themselves in this. But art, much like life, is about growth. This is evident in the maturation seen in subsequent episodes, spotlighting the creators' commitment to elevate their craft.

In the sprawling landscape of mature dark comedies, SMILING FRIENDS emerges with distinction. It's a harmonious symphony of independent animators' artistry, echoing vibrant digital narratives in a contemporary framework. Adult animation is hitting an all-time high; with HARLEY QUINN, RICK & MORTY, and more, the boundaries are being pushed regularly.

In essence, SMILING FRIENDS isn't merely an animation. It's a cinematic invitation to journey with Pim, Charlie, Allan, and Glep and their palette of emotions, ranging from bursts of hilarity to profound contemplations.

#SmilingFriends

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of ADULT SWIM, WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong