Remember that time you passed gas in that super crowded elevator? Or when you lost your sock in the dryer? That was just bad luck, right? Wrong! That was the work of Yo-kai; the invisible Yo-kai all around us that are the cause of our daily annoyances!! Nate is a just a regular boy struggling to be above average at school. One day when he receives the Yo-kai Watch, he gets the chance to see and communicate with these mischievous Yo-kai. With the Yo-kai Watch on his wrist, Nate starts to form friendships with them and learn of the things that make life so complicated. There’s just one problem: they’re everywhere and they love to cause mischief! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B. comments, “I have vague memories of Yo-kai Watch from when it first came to the states. I never beat the first game and I ended up forgetting about it for a few years. However from what I remember, the show reflects the game and the world pretty well.” Ava L. adds, “This is a very interesting and cool DVD to watch! It has all the qualities that make a good animated series – interesting plots, vivid and clear animation, a fun mix of humor and action all in one!” See their full reviews below.
Yo-kai Watch: Season 1
By Calista Bess, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15
I have vague memories of Yo-kai Watch from when it first came to the states. I never beat the first game and I ended up forgetting about it for a few years. However from what I remember, the show reflects the game and the world pretty well.The story follows a kid named Nate who finds Whisper, a Yo-kai, who gives him the Yo-kai Watch. This watch allows him to see Yo-kai, mischievous spirits that are invisible without the watch. The show mostly follows Nate’s adventures as he helps and befriends Yo-kai. This seems to be the main plot of the show. There doesn’t appear to be any overarching story or conflict. Remember, these are only a few episodes from the first season. So maybe there eventually is a set goal or conflict. However, there are a lot of positive lessons. So parents, this show is a good one to watch with your kids.
Nate, the protagonist, doesn’t seem particularly invested in the world of Yo-kai. He’s essentially forced to solve everyone’s problems and he seems to reluctantly just accept it. For example, when he first meets Whisper, a literal ghost, he trie to walk away from the conversation three times and he barely seems to care that he is talking to a magical ghost that appears from a capsule machine. That isn’t exactly a good way to introduce your main character.Also, the structure of the show is rather confusing. At first I thought the show had the “two 11 minute stories merged into one 22 minute episode” type of structure that many cartoons have, but no. Sometimes it’s one really long story combined with a story that’s really short. Sometimes it’s THREE stories in one episode. It’s really inconsistent. The show also seems oddly inconsistent in its tone. The show is mostly comedic, however one story has no comedy and is entirely serious. It just feels really random, but maybe it ties in with Season 2. It is entertaining overall and a series I would have probably watched when I was younger.
I give this show 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 12. This DVD is already out, so look for it.
Yo-kai Watch
By Ava L., KIDS FIRST! Film critic, age 10
This is a very interesting and cool DVD to watch! It has all the qualities that make a good animated series – interesting plots, vivid and clear animation, a fun mix of humor and action all in one! I really like when the action in the story, because it makes me feel more excited and enthusiastic to watch what is going on in.The story is about Nate, a normal boy, except he has a Yo-kai Watch which gives the person who has the watch the power to see Yo-kai. Yo-kai are things that cause your daily annoyances such as, when you have bad luck and fall or, you really have to go to the bathroom but there is a really long line, or you have a song stuck in your head that you hate or dislike. The Yo-kai are mischievous and you never know when they might show up or what they might do. Also, the Yo-kai are invisible, so you can’t see them unless you have the Yo-kai Watch. This DVD reminds me of Pokemon a bit so, if you like Pokemon I recommend this for you! I am pretty sure the creators of this film got inspired or got the idea from Pokemon.
The show is well produced and made me want to keep watching. Sometimes though, I was a little confused as to what was happening. I wished for more details. For example, the film kept switching to other subjects which are a little confusing about what is happening. Sometimes the story is not so specific. Besides that, I really enjoyed it!This show does have some mature humor. Even my mom and dad laughed at some of the jokes! But for the most part, the series is really kid-friendly and younger audiences will enjoy it or appreciate this DVD! In my opinion it is a really awesome series for kids!
I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, because anyone can enjoy it. This DVD is already available so look for it!
