Galavant - Advanced Preview: "Hilarious and Harmonious"
Jan 4, 2015
AB Galavant ReviewsI had good luck today,
To come here and say,
I had the privilege of seeing Gaaaalavaaaaant.
It’s quite the unique show,
Takes themes you thought you’d know,
And turns them into laughs and merrrrimeeeent.
And I certainly am not going to do my entire review like that. Much like the show itself, let’s take a 180 degree turn with this review.
Galavant is a sly Disney movie for adults. And it is hilarious. It tells the tale of the titular hero, Galavant, who quests to save his lady love, Madalena. And that’s when things start to go wrong. Madalena prefers the company of her captor, King Richard, leaving Galavant out on a limb. And what is a hero without things to be heroic for? After Galavant’s fall from grace and bodily hygiene, he is approached by Princess Isabella with a new quest, one that would mutually benefit the pair of them. To say anymore on the plot would tremendously spoil, but I will say I was surprised at a few turn of events and am eager to continue watching.
And of course, Galavant is a musical. The songs in each episode don’t slow down the action and are in fact some of the funnier moments in the show. And they will get stuck in your head as the lyrics are a snappy and as clever as the dialogue, which excels as each character apparently has their PhD in sarcasm. But more so than that, each song is beautiful. The cast are a superb set of singers, making the handful of musical numbers in each episode a treat to hear. I deeply hope a soundtrack is available.
Galavant takes the idea of breaking out into song, as well as the heroics and daring-do of fairy tale heroes, and turns it on its head. The musical numbers lean on the fourth wall, letting the viewer in on the joke as mayhem ensues. None of the characters fit comfortably into the medieval mold you expect, which results in a highly entertaining watch. I have to say for me, King Richard played by Timothy Omundson is the show stealer. His performance of the tyrannical king is gut-bustingly funny and scenes containing Omundson are some of the best. I am definitely on Team King's Beard. The entire cast has great comedic timing as well. Galavant could potentially be saccharine or too eye-rollingly slapstick to enjoy, but it toes the line just right, giving the perfect balance of the silly and the sarcastic. This is very much an adult show.
Whatever you are expecting from Galavant and his gang, know that this show will twist and turn your expectations into a pretzel salted with gorgeous costumes, sets, performances, and songs.
Now tune in and see,
On your own TV,
The adventure known as Gaaaaalavaaaant.
Sunday on ABC,
At 7 CST,
Hope you tune in for Gaaaaalavaaant!
I agree that some of the songs are catchy like the hero's journey one. That's been stuck in my head for like a week.
ReplyDeleteAnd Tim Omundson is great as a villain. And there are even a few scenes that will make you feel sorry for him.
Excellent advanced preview Ashley! Haha it's hilarious, you wrote it so well. Excellent lyrics there ;)
ReplyDeleteAs for the show, completely agree, it was definitely silly but just the right amount to make it more of an enjoyable watch than a cringe-fest. Damn the songs are catchy. I really will not get "Gaaaalavaaant" out of my head for a good few days now.
Oh yes, I hummed the Galavant theme song the entire time I was writing this review. And I did love the hero's journey song as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a review! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJust watched my screener for the pilot and it was so funny. And I totally agree about King Richard, the way he carries himself is hilarious.
ReplyDeleteThat was an excellent preview, loved the little song lyrics! I watched the first two episodes this morning and really enjoyed it, the songs are very catchy. I agree about the songs at times they were funnier than some of the humor, but overall really great episodes.
ReplyDeleteI will probably watch the other episodes tomorrow!
Sounds great! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGalavant is probably my favorite pilot of the season, as you say it was really hilarious and pretty unique. I hope this becomes a hit, even though there is not much going for it premiering tomorrow, but after seeing 2 episodes I already want to see a second season renewal!
ReplyDeleteGreat preview!
Awesome, I'm glad you enjoyed my "singing", though it doesn't hold a candle to the lyricist for Galavant, haha
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it. I feel like I need to rewatch to make sure I caught all the jokes in the lyrics
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to this show, I've read a positive review on another site as well However, they noted the cast's singing wasn't very good, they liked the songs but felt the show should have hired actors that could sing. I guess I'll judge the vocals for myself tomorrow night.
ReplyDeleteWell since they were in a song its understandable, I am sure I missed a few as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ashley your preview is all the extra incentive I needed, I was interested all ready but I said to silly, who cares we need silly, I'm in!!!!:)
ReplyDeleteCan't freakin wait! Hope this does well and gets the back half of the season they had planned.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh I totally disagree with that other reviewer. They can definitely sing! The songs are really good and catchy, but whoever wrote that must have been having a bad day.
ReplyDeleteCool, very happy to hear another positive comment on the singing.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! And thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh no, I made a mental note when watching to mention the casts singing ability because I was so struck by how wonderful everyone sounded.
ReplyDeleteso he's not redeemable?
ReplyDeleteAshley, thanks for the review! I'm looking forward to this mini series! It looks like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteFrom the previews, I'm liking Galavant with Princess Isabella a lot more than with his supposed love, Madalena.
Is there a possible romance here with Galavant/Princess Isabella? Is that the possible twist? They looked pretty adorable in the previews!
I can honestly say that a Galavant/Isabella romance was NOT the thing made me go "Ooooh, this is were they're going, interesting" while watching, not that that isn't a possibility.
ReplyDeleteWatch tonight and see!
Great preview, we're in agreement on Omundson - so much talent that man has. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reply, Ashley! But you DO still think an Isabella/Galavant romance is possible? Were there at least hints of it??? I know it's just the first episode, but I would assume there would be tiny hints...
ReplyDeleteI really don't want to say and spoil anything. You'll know the answer if you watch tonight :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent review, and the king and the cook together were super fun. Did not expect to enjoy the show, but it is a keeper. lol
ReplyDeleteI love this show so much, been waiting for it but its much more than what I expected it, its like watching a BBC show on Disney American language....I don't know if you understand me....but I loved it so much!!!!!!
ReplyDelete