[Welcome to The Space Show]
This is undeniably showy film, a veritable feast for the eyes, from the animation, down to the sheer variety it offers in its settings. With so much going on, it’s difficult to become bored, but therein lays its problem. It is seemingly so intent at offering a little of everything, that there's a distinct possibility, that the stuff you do like, will only ever be fleeting.
It didn’t really need several simultaneous plots, either, because the central conceit of the journey through space was perfectly serviceable, and something which I would have (and had) been content to watch. It instead threatens to undo all of its momentum by introducing a needlessly convoluted subplot, which although not offensive, just makes for a frantic finale.
It was an charming film, which had great visuals, an endearing cast, and I certainly felt satisfied with the time I spent with it. I just wish that it had a more cohesive narrative, on which it could hang all that obvious quality. If you want an unassuming feel good film, one with more than a little of a Ghibli-esque vibe about it (I know, but its true), then I’d recommend it.
And with all that said, it’s odd to remain so conflicted about Welcome to The Space Show. I guess it’s just all that latent potential, I can easily acknowledge that it’s good, though I can’t shake the feeling that I should be calling it great.
