DreamWorks Animation Scores Again with ‘Curses!’ – A Review

DreamWorks Animation, known for crafting iconic animated franchises like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar, continues its legacy with the debut of ‘Curses!’ on Apple TV+. As someone who grew up with DreamWorks classics, the opportunity to review this new series was irresistible.

The ten-episode first season introduces us to siblings Pandora and Russ, accompanied by their mother Sky, as they unite to break a decade-old curse haunting their family. Created by Jim Cooper and Jeff Dixon, the series is executive-produced by the multitalented John Krasinski. The cast includes Lyric Lewis as Sky Vanderhoven, Andre Robinson as Russ, Gabrielle Nevaeh as Pandora, and features voices from Rhys Darby, James Marsters, Robert Englund, Reid Scott, and the legendary Rhea Perlman.

The narrative takes us back to the actions of their Great Great Great Grandfather (Englund), whose greed triggers a curse impacting every generation of the Vanderhoven family. The curse manifests as a stone figure of their father, Alex (Scott), literally turned to stone. As Russ, Pandora, and their mystical allies embark on a quest to break the curse, the series unfolds a captivating and heartwarming story.

‘Curses!’ employs a familiar storytelling formula, with each episode presenting a new challenge for the family to overcome, contributing to the overarching narrative. While some may find this approach repetitive, the series cleverly uses each episode to expand on the lore and legends surrounding the cursed artifacts, creating an engaging and enjoyable experience. The characters, including non-human ones, add depth and charisma reminiscent of beloved classics like Legend of the Hidden Temple and Indiana Jones, mixed with a touch of Carmen Sandiego.

The series caters primarily to a younger audience, and its formulaic structure ensures accessibility and engagement for children. Yet, even as an adult, I found each episode enjoyable, thanks to the engaging storyline and interesting characters. DreamWorks once again demonstrates its prowess in delivering animated content that appeals to various age groups.

The writing, while not groundbreaking, effectively weaves a fantastic story across the ten episodes. It avoids excessive spoonfeeding, trusting its target audience to follow along. The animation is a departure from recent DreamWorks projects, adopting a comic book feel with backgrounds resembling pop art and character movement reminiscent of claymation, adding a unique and slightly eerie touch.

‘Curses!’ successfully balances light-hearted adventure with darker, spookier moments, offering a gentle introduction to horror for younger viewers. It manages to be engaging without traumatizing its audience, making it an ideal choice for children interested in a mildly spooky yet fun experience.

While the series excels in various aspects, there are moments where the story slows down, risking audience disengagement. Nonetheless, staying attentive during these slower segments ensures a complete and satisfying viewing experience.

In conclusion, ‘Curses!’ stands out as a commendable addition to DreamWorks Animation’s portfolio, arriving just in time for Halloween. While not every child may be equally enthralled, families seeking action-packed adventures with a hint of spookiness will find this series fitting for post-trick-or-treating entertainment.

‘Curses!’ is now available on Apple TV+. Join the conversation on social media @mycosmiccircus or in The Cosmic Circus Discord and share your thoughts on this new DreamWorks project.

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