Pandora to Akubi is a nostalgia-driven “down the rabbit hole” type of adventure action comedy movie that packs a lot of punch into less than an hour of runtime. Pandora is a cute travelling witch voiced by the ever adorable Ogura Yui and Akubi is an incompetent-but-eager genki genie-themed character voiced skillfully by the relatively unknown Amaki Sally. The highlight of this entire movie by far is these 2 characters optimism and positive attitude as they explore. You will smile and laugh along with these cuties as they unravel the mysteries of chaotic worlds and meet zany characters. If you are looking for some serious dramayou are looking in the wrong place as most of the conflicts that arise in this movie are resolved in fun and simplistic ways that can fit cleanly into the short runtime with the typical anime theme of the “power of friendship” prevailing. After Pandora & Akubi resolve one conflict they are eager to jump into the next world and keep the fast paced action up.

One of the main appeals for an older audience that may be watching this movie with their kids is the nostalgia-driven elements. The movie features dozens of characters from Tatsunoko's long and storied history of producing popular anime since the 1960s. Pandora and Akubi find themselves interacting with characters from Speed Racer (1967), Yatterman (1977), and Gatchaman (1972). As an ignorant westerner born decades after these series were popular this was not a major appeal for me. However I still feel a sort of nostalgia via proxy. I can tell these characters are old and beloved and that the creators are re-imagining them in a new context. This element of the movie as a sort of ultimate crossover between Tatsunoko franchises is a welcome addition for sure although from my perspective I would not mind a sequel featuring the main duo setting off on brand new adventures that don't need to crutch on existing IPs.

Lastly I just want to comment on the art and animation aspect. The show is extremely colourful and the animation is bouncy and fluid. Overall the art and animation highlights an upbeat and optimistic attitude that the characters carry. Paired with the fun original opening and ending songs, the fundamentals are all here for an aesthetically pleasing experience.