Win or Lose

I had such low hopes coming from this series, but boy did it prove me wrong! The first & second episode were okay but by the third & fourth episode I was hooked! The final was a perfect ending for the series, don't get me wrong this series has flaws but that's what makes it special. My favorite episode was by far Kai's episode and I related a lot to it. That's what is also so great about this show, it is relatable for people of ALL ages.

Just think about it. There is an episode about anxiety, there is an episode about the struggle of letting your guard down, there is an episode about a child having to take care of their parent, there is an episode about the struggles of being a single mom just trying to provide for your kids, there is an episode about a kid getting taking advantage of by manipulative older kids, there is an episode about using humor as a coping mechanism, there is an episode about the pressure that comes from being the star player of ANY sport team, and there is an episode a single dad just trying to hold it in all together. There is such a wide variety of struggles that is is almost impossible not to relate to a character, their struggles, or their personalities.

Dear, Disney/Pixar. Please make more of your creativity show through with more projects like these.

I know this show is meant for kids, but after seeing clips of it on tiktok it seemed very compelling and I thought I'd at least try and watch it because why not. After watching the first 5 episodes, I have realized that this show is beyond amazing. The way it utilizes perspective intertwined with storytelling is better than any other media that I can recall. The symbolism used in this show is unlike any other for conveying details in a simple yet detailed manner. As a 17 year old, I think this show is teaching me a lot about the right way to live day to day. It has valuable lessons that I think even adults could learn from. Although rated PG, it does seem a little mature for kids below middle school and I wouldn't understand this show until 8th grade honestly and that's just being able to grasp the basic overall concept of this show. I cannot understate how memorizing this show is. It incorporates such such good storytelling at the level of movies like inception and interstellar but manages to put that into a show with an intended audience of around 11-14 years old. This show is absolutely fantastic.

Pixar's Win or Lose has officially hit Disney+, and it's safe to say this series has hit a home run in terms of storytelling, heart, and innovation. Known for its stunning animations and emotional depth, Pixar brings a fresh perspective to TV with Win or Lose, an eight-episode series that follows a middle school co-ed softball team in the days leading up to their big championship game.

What's most intriguing about Win or Lose is how it tells the same story from the eyes of different characters. Each episode focuses on a different member of the team, the storytelling structure isn't just clever-it's an invitation to truly understand the varied emotions, conflicts, and motivations each character brings to the game, offering a deeper connection with each of them.

The animation is, of course, top-tier. Pixar's signature warmth and expressiveness shine through, creating a vibrant, relatable world for viewers of all ages. From the colors of the playing field to the subtle emotional cues in the characters' faces, there's a consistency of excellence that's become synonymous with Pixar's name.

But it's not just about the animation. Win or Lose really stands out because of its heart. The show doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of friendships, growing up, and finding one's identity-all through the lens of a seemingly simple sports story. It's funny, emotional, and sometimes raw in a way that feels refreshingly honest. Whether it's dealing with the stress of winning, managing disappointment, or navigating personal struggles, the series feels grounded and real.

In terms of tone, Win or Lose strikes the perfect balance between humor and emotion. It doesn't shy away from serious moments but also knows when to lighten the mood with playful gags or light-hearted interactions. The voice cast, including Will Forte as Coach Dan and a talented ensemble, bring their characters to life with such authenticity that it's impossible not to care about their journeys.

Ultimately, Win or Lose feels like the kind of series that could easily become a Pixar classic. It's a bit different from what we've come to expect from the animation studio, but it proves that Pixar can still hit home runs, even in uncharted territory. With its innovative narrative structure, lovable characters, and heartfelt exploration of personal growth, Win or Lose is a series that's not just for kids, it's for anyone who's ever had to face the pressure of winning, the sting of losing, and the messy middle ground in between.

-I'm Rae Serbeck, I Watch and Review all Films and Shows, Large and Small.

The series has garnered my attention for its unique storytelling approach, portraying the week leading up to a middle school softball team's championship game from various characters' perspectives. This narrative technique offers depth and relatability, allowing viewers to connect with each character's personal. For instance the studio is continuing the excellence in animation and the return to its origins with the ability to balance humour and emotion effectively.

* (to the person that review 1/10) Ah yes, because heaven forbid a Pixar show explores topics like emotions, relationships, and modern life. Clearly, it's much better for kids to grow up thinking the world is all sunshine and rainbows. If a show about softball and personal growth was too complex for you, maybe it just wasn't made for you. Move on and let the rest of us enjoy quality storytelling.

Fresh and relevant take on kids entertainment from Disney. Characters are awesome and each perspective brings them more depth. We loved how each family dynamic is different and not just the standard molecular family. Also very diverse group which was really cool too. Disney is highlighting mental health as an underlying theme within this series which doesn't get brought up often in cartoons and it's great the kids are seeing and understanding the stressors of what could be really effecting kids of that age group. We binged the first 6; kids got to stay up late that night. It was equally entertaining for adults as well. Anxiously awaiting the next drop.