Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

... as stiff , ponderous and charmless as a mechanical apparatus

negative

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

valiantly

positive

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

heartwarming without stooping to gooeyness

positive

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

is pleasant , diverting and modest -- definitely a step in the right direction .
positive