Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons.
'Stooge for a Mouse' is a cartoon from Friz Freleng's, have a lot of high appreciation for him and he did his fair share of classics, prime period. While it may not be one of Freleng's classics, it is a good representation of what was particularly appealing of his work. The story is a fairly familiar one structurally, as is some of the conflict, and the ending can be seen from quite early on.
The three characters are very interesting and hugely entertaining, their conflict and chemistry being the driving force of the cartoon and also being a large part of its fun and charm. Sylvester has great comic timing and is both cunning and easy to root for. Mike likewise if not as interesting in personality. Indeed the enjoyably manipulative mouse makes the most impression.
As one would expect, 'Stooge for a Mouse' is beautifully animated. It's fluid in movement, crisp in shading, vibrant and atmospheric in colour and very meticulous in detail. Jones does direct very solidly.
Ever the master, Carl Stalling's music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it. The use of pre-existing music is inspired.
Gags are never less than very amusing, the best of them hilarious, and are timed inventively. The dialogue is suitably witty. Another master in his field, Mel Blanc's voice work is typically bravura and immensely versatile, this is a good if not the best representation of why Blanc was one of the greatest voice actors who ever lived.
On the whole, well made and entertaining cartoon. 8/10 Bethany Cox
'Stooge for a Mouse' is a cartoon from Friz Freleng's, have a lot of high appreciation for him and he did his fair share of classics, prime period. While it may not be one of Freleng's classics, it is a good representation of what was particularly appealing of his work. The story is a fairly familiar one structurally, as is some of the conflict, and the ending can be seen from quite early on.
The three characters are very interesting and hugely entertaining, their conflict and chemistry being the driving force of the cartoon and also being a large part of its fun and charm. Sylvester has great comic timing and is both cunning and easy to root for. Mike likewise if not as interesting in personality. Indeed the enjoyably manipulative mouse makes the most impression.
As one would expect, 'Stooge for a Mouse' is beautifully animated. It's fluid in movement, crisp in shading, vibrant and atmospheric in colour and very meticulous in detail. Jones does direct very solidly.
Ever the master, Carl Stalling's music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it. The use of pre-existing music is inspired.
Gags are never less than very amusing, the best of them hilarious, and are timed inventively. The dialogue is suitably witty. Another master in his field, Mel Blanc's voice work is typically bravura and immensely versatile, this is a good if not the best representation of why Blanc was one of the greatest voice actors who ever lived.
On the whole, well made and entertaining cartoon. 8/10 Bethany Cox