This show is so fun and cute! I am a big idolmaster fan, but I usually don’t particularly care for the idolmaster shows. U149 is a bit interesting because it’s definitely aimed at a much younger demographic, given that in every episode the characters learn a lesson about friendship, growing up, and learning to love yourself. But however, there are a couple inappropriate jokes that kind of go too far for a kids show so honestly it made me a bit confused. Other than a couple strange jokes though, it is a very kiddy show. Now what I was not expecting, is that it made me cry on 2 different occasions. It’s very effective at getting you to relate to the character's struggles and I think it does a much better job at dividing screen time to all the characters than other idolmaster shows.
The visuals are vibrant and colorful, it’s a very pretty show. Particularly episode 11 is full of absolutely beautiful visual sequences. The songs are also nice, although since it’s child characters singing them, it’s gonna sound like kids show music. So, nothing that I would add to my permanent rotation, but there are some great Veggie Tales songs and just the same, I’ll say that the songs from U149 are a lot of fun.
Ultimately, this show isn’t a masterpiece or anything, but it’s a good time with a few surprisingly effective emotional moments. Definitely people who are already idolmaster fans will enjoy this, and I think new fans can benefit from being introduced to this more kiddy version even though it isn’t necessarily representative of the rest of the series.
