Yokai Ningen Bem (Japan, 2011, Supernatural/Family Drama?)

A formulaic and mostly episodic series torn between being a family/home drama and a supernatural adventure story, it's ultimately hard to care very much about Yokai Ningen Bem.  It starts with strong potential and attempts to go out with a bang, but falters consistently in between.

It would be a good series for a family audience.  If this was an American movie from the 90's, it would totally be rated PG and star Robin Williams.  I have no idea why I feel this way, though.

Pros:

• There are some absolutely adorable Kame-paternal instinct scenes.
• On occasion (particularly the first episode or two), the demonstration of their supernatural powers is cool.
• Suzuki Fuki (the child actor)'s performance is quite strong.  He may have been my favorite character.  Because of his age, his goody-goody character isn't quite so annoying.
• It's appropriate for a family audience, particularly for preteen children, almost as a transition between tokusatsu and prime time drama.

Cons:

• The heroes are so earnest and altruistic, it's annoying. 
• It could have been much darker, with a lot more intrigue.
• Kame was unable to rock his grey-haired sexiness to its fullest.
• Anne's outfits are unflattering.  
• Kitamura Kazuki was wasted as a milddle-aged softy of a father.  Give me back my sexy, arrogant Kitamura Kazuki from Hokaben, Iryu or Akihabara@Deep!