Smile Pretty Cure is among the best in the franchise alongside Heartcatch and the original Futari Wa Pretty Cure not because it tries to outshine them but rather it explores our imaginations and emotions like the way Disney would. Case in point, it asks its viewers (both children and young adults) "What is happiness? Where does it come from? Why are dreams and goals so important in the grand scheme of happiness? What do friends have to do with being happy?" These are very deep questions, even for young men to bear; but for a kids show, its a brilliant concept because its the kind of thing these developing minds need to ask themselves so they can find their answer and be ultra happy themselves. While the story is great, its major downfall was its downplayed fairy-tale/children's literature theme. It's there, but not prominent enough to be a true interaction to any kind of viewer like the way Suite's musical themes or Heartcatch's floral themes were. Story 8/10.
The art is absolutely beautifully drawn and animated. The show's vibrant and lighthearted atmosphere fits its fairy-tale theme very well. The comedy really drove the show's pace and carried our hearts into it. If you don't laugh at any time during the show, you will never find your true happiness. period. The visuals have effort simply bled into them, especially the finishing attacks and transformation sequences. Art 9/10.
The voice acting and sound effects felt very natural and worked seamlessly. The characters' personalities and emotions were excellently expressed and felt like they were true teenagers. As for the music, all I can say is this: Yasuharu Takanashi-san, you impressed me with Heartcatch's soundtrack. I was thrilled with Suite's soundtrack as well, and you've certainly met my expectations here with Smile. The music played here just outright shines for each moment that accompanies the track. Believe me, as a fan who thinks each song is its own story, that speaks volumes of the incredible power behind the music. If anybody doesn't know what I'm talking about, then going through the soundtrack should yield some favorites even to someone that never watched the show. Sound 9/10.
The characters are just great balls of fun and joy, even the villains. Every one of the main characters contributes to the show's comedy and they are such goofballs to the point where even Miss Serious Business, Reika, cannot even begin to ruin the humor but only add to it. The clear winning character is Yayoi Kise/Cure Peace. Why? I feel is because she represents that overly shy, yet cute, archetype in a very humanistic manner and then developing it into someone that isn't afraid of the world. She also displays very realistic reactions to being a superhero and having to fight villains who are willing to hurt and destroy on massive scales. Writing about it is one thing, but having to experience it first-hand was quite the "shock" to her (pun intended). Joker also made a GREAT villain. He is everything every previous Pretty Cure villain wasn't: competent, clever, disturbing, threatening, and nightmarish. He was ALWAYS taken seriously despite the fact that he looks like that "other" Joker and certainly did not disappoint. This was a much needed character for the villains' line up and a breath of fresh air when it came to having a truly evil villain for the franchise instead of the typical gag villain we've come to expect from the franchise in general. Characters 9/10.
Overall, I give Smile Pretty Cure a 9/10. This is one show you will see yourself watching in rapid succession like I did should you be into either the comedy, magical girl, and/or action genres. If you find yourself smiling and being ultra happy, then you should have absolutely no problem finishing this show.
