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“I am too alone in the world, and yet not alone enough
to make every moment holy.
I am too tiny in this world, and not tiny enough
just to lie before you like a thing,
shrewd and secretive.
I want my own will, and I want simply to be with my will,
as it goes toward action;
and in those quiet, sometimes hardly moving times,
when something is coming near,
I want to be with those who know secret things
or else alone.
I want to be a mirror for your whole body,
and I never want to be blind, or to be too old
to hold up your heavy and swaying picture.
I want to unfold.
I don’t want to stay folded anywhere,
because where I am folded, there I am a lie.
and I want my grasp of things to be
true before you. I want to describe myself
like a painting that I looked at
closely for a long time,
like a saying that I finally understood,
like the pitcher I use every day,
like the face of my mother,
like a ship
that carried me
through the wildest storm of all.”
Rainer Maria Rilke, Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God
PLOT
"Various people find themselves on a mysterious train with an endless number of cars, each one being its own universe, and they must find a way to get home in this animated anthology series" or "A mash-up of Adventure Time and Rick & Morty
SCRIPT
This series is an antalogy about growth and character development. Every season has one or two characters who experience an evolution which is aided by the train's cars and denizens. I like the fact that the train is used as a turning point for every passenger. The series manage to explore 4 different characters, which are identified by 4 different issues which are overcome by the end of every season. Tulip is the one who's getting through parental problems and is a bit lost , Empty is the one without an identity, who is looking for it and want to become part of the real world, Jesse is a fast talking kid who is characterized by his inability to stand up for himself and take a side, Grace is the Apex leader who wants to be seen by his neglecting parents and she represent the character with the most interesting and full rounded arch, Simon has a similar story but he lose himself in grief and rage and last but not least, Ryan and Ming-Ni are two friends who lost themself in the stream of time and damaged their friendship. Each one of them has to face the train's challenge to reach their potential and become better people.
The theme of growth is present in every character, from he protagonists to the villains, and it's explored in depth.
There's also the theme of identity, which is one of the series pillars.
Each season expand concepts previously introduced and develop the universe the stories are set in. None of the season is a waste of time and is introduced organically, even though the last one is characterized by an half-baked introduction.
This is one of the best show for children and adults because it teaches important lessons and could move you to tears.
It's just delightful, a cathartic experience which can change you.
Script: 9/10
ACTING
There're a lot of talented actors here like J.K. Simmons, Lena Headey, Ben Mendelsohn, Bradley Whitford and Margo Martindale(who is more known for Bojack Horseman). This is why the less talented one don't ruin the experience, because they're aided by the actors above. I think that the voice acting is remarkable and every voice fits his character perfectly.
I think that it's hard to tell who is doing the best work but I think that Kate Mulgrew is the best art portraying the deceiving and fascinating character of The Cat.
Acting: 8/10
PHOTOGRAPHY
This is where the series shows that it's a special show. Colours are bright but the light isn't, which makes every scene look like a painting. I like the fact that every train's car has its own style and colours, to make each care unique in itself. I also like the fact that the outside is a red landscape which could represent the desolation of mankind or the fact that there isn't nothing more relevant than our train of thoughts. I like also how the producers differentiated the conductor from every other character by designing it with white colours, to underline his robotic and rational nature, which is different from every other character on the train. Colours have a meaning, as well the use of light and shadows. This is wonderful and amazing.
Photography: 9/10
EDITING
It's well done and smooth. I like almost every transition and the use of varying shots to give the show a lot of dynamism. Sure, it isn't particularly imaginative overall but it works well.
Editing: 7/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Animation is great in its neatness. I like how fluent it is. Cgi is used only when the scene focuses on the train's outdoor. Overall is great but it isn't the best I've ever seen. At least the animators are having fun here.
Special Effects: 7/10
SOUNDTRACK
Marvellous. Just marvellous. This soundtrack made of synths and sounds which come from the 80's is amazing. It fits the sci-fi side of the series and the fantastic adventure one. It's dreamy and tantalizing. It gets you hooked from the first minutes and it stays there, enhancing the spectacle of every scene and characters experience. Outstanding.
Soundtrack: 9/10
COSTUMES
They're pretty varied, good looking and interesting. I think that the costume of every creature displayed on the train is remarkable, because they're defined by their clothes. The Train's fantasy is strongly opposed to the boring reality where everyone wear ordinary clothes. Even though this isn't the main strength of this show, it sure isn't mediocre.
Costumes: 7/10
CONCLUSION
Script: 9/10
Acting: 8/10
Photography: 9/10
Editing: 7/10
Special Effects: 7/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
Costumes: 7/10
AVERAGE: 8
A beautiful and outstanding animated series which teaches important lessons to kids and grown-ups. Everything about it is awesome and remarkable and I think that you, everyone, should watch it. This isn't just a series, this is an experience. Your train won't wait for you.
Director: Jill Daniels, Alen Esmaelian
Screenplay: Owen Dennis
Cast: Ashley Johnson, Jeremy Crutchley, Owen Dennis, Ernie Hudson, Kate Mulgrew, Lena Headey, Robbie Daymond, Bradley Whitford, Ben Mendelsohn, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Kyle McCarley, Isabella Abiera, Diane Delano, Johnny Young, Sekai Murashige, Minty Lewis, Margo Martindale, J.K. Simmons, Margaret Cho
Soundtrack: Chrome Canyon
Running Time: 11 minutes
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