Is it though?
Important thing to note: Stay away from the machine translated subs. It will take longer for fan subs to be uploaded on places, but it's worth waiting for them. The MTL subs made my initial viewing and impression of the show far worse.
BTR left some big shoes to fill, and while this show falls short by essentially every metric in comparison, it still landed far better than i thought it would. Since both animes are focused on a group of girls making a band, it's difficult not to compare the two upon viewing.
Once you accept the show's surface flaws and its use of CGI, you'll find the show and its characters to be, at times, far more charming and endearing than you had anticipated. The CGI either feels better with each watch or maybe I just got used to it. It definitely doesn't bother me at all anymore though.
I think this anime is a 6 or 7/10. Which may seem confusing or low of a score since I find myself enjoying it, but I know it's not going to be for everyone. And that's okay. I think for those that like this type anime and genre, they'll love it. I think for those that are indifferent or don't care of this genre of music, then it'll probably be a miss for them. Objectively speaking, I put the show just above average. I can see the show just simply not being everyone's cup of tea either. Not every show is either a 1 or 2 or a 9 or 10. Reviewers always lean towards one of the extremes when in reality, its almost always somewhere in between.
also, idk if im going through a quarter life crisis where I'm finding myself enjoying j-rock/pop when I'm normally a hip hop head. But for now, I'm okay with this new found appreciation. If you enjoy music themed animes, and this particularly genre, I think it can be a fun and enjoyable watch. I also can see it not being for everyone, and thats fine too.
This story has been written countless amount of times, in every iteration possible--chase your dreams bc that's how you'll find happiness. This is essentially what it boils down to, and something we've seen a million times. But even if it is generic or cliche, i dont mind this at all because i think people should pursue their dreams, even if the odds are stacked against you.
And despite the shows predictable and inevitable happy ending after a journey of going through their fair of struggles/hardships, i find myself being able to just turn my brain off and enjoy the show for what it is. Im less invested in the story and characters than most fans of the show, but I can tolerate a little build up, cliche/generic writing as long as they can deliver. And for the most part, they usually do. While I don't listen to any of the shows music outside of the episodes like I do with btr/kessoku band, the music is mixed and produced well by a team of competent producers and artists. The musical elements of the show are executed well, and thats where the show shines.
So, is this a masterpiece? No, far from it. (Sorry GBC stans, just my own honest take.)
GBC stans wont accept any opinions or thoughts less than that. Personally, I enjoyed the show, but the show is far from perfection in my eyes. I found it to be good, but not great. And i can see why the show might not be it for some people.
Is the writing a bit generic and story predictable? Yes. But I'm fine with that. Not really watching the show for anything groundbreaking.
But despite characters having their flaws, they may grow on you over time, and you may even find them to be surprisingly quite endearing at times.
Is it worth your time? It might be. I think it's worth giving a few episodes a try at least before knocking it.
I just turn my brain off and enjoy the show for what it is, and dont its necessary to try to make the show any more or any less than what it is.
All I know is that the show made its way onto my weekly watch schedule, and it may find its way onto yours too.
7/10.
Anything less than 10/10, GBC stans will find 'confusing', but its not confusing. Just watch and decide for yourself in the end.
