Ducktales (tv) (2017)

• First things first: I haven’t watched the original “Ducktales” cartoon in DECADES. Sometimes, things like movies, cartoons and music don’t hold up to our cynical adult views, and it’s best to leave them in the past with our youthful innocence. But that doesn’t mean you can’t turn that thirst for nostalgia into a much more rich and satisfying experience.
• It’s 2017 and we’re in a modern representation of Duckburg, where Donald Fauntleroy Duck (yes, that IS his middle name) is now a permanent resident and his uncle Scrooge McDuck still owns everything.
• Donald is of course the legal guardian of this three nephews Huey, Louie and Dewey and this time, each of those nephews has more distinct personalities: the nerd, the relaxed one, and the over-confident one.
• Keep in mind that this is very much an origin story, so things might not be like you remember them. But, this is a new representation of an origin story, and a story that looks to be more dense, emotional and mysterious to go along with all the adventure and exploration.
• If you’re looking for silliness, laughs and cute moments, this isn’t that at all; This is very much an old-fashioned, slower-paced, mystery-filled adventure with some pretty funny moments. Think more Indiana Jones than Chicken Little.
• The visual style is also a bit of a throwback, as it is rooted more in the original Donald Duck comics of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s versus the Disney “House style” look that has been made so famously recognized around the world (the new intro to the show even alludes to the comic origins [don’t worry, I’ll post the old & new intros below]).
• Speaking of Donald and his early years, many of us know him as a greedy and highly temperamental character. He never cared to care for his nephews and he could not stand when chipmunks got in his way. But that version’s cartoons were funny, because he always got beat up and whomever he was picking on would win. And we laughed. However, this Donald is different. He’s responsible, sweet and he cares for his nephews and their well-being. I guess this is the original Donald Duck that my Parents (and a lot of people born in the first half of the 20th century) grew up with. Sure, he still gets frazzled easily and yeah, the physical trauma is still there, but he’s a compassionate, nicer, well-rounded representation. And I LOVE it.
• Final* Letter Grade: A-
  • *This is just for the first two episodes/pilot movie that Disney XD aired (and have up legally for FREE on youtube). The whole series hasn’t been released.
• As promised, here are the two intros:
  
• Jose Zuazua is editor-in-chief of Quick Lunch Break Reviews. He has an associates degree in film production. He’s on Twitter and Instagram.