Have a lot of fondness for 'House of Mouse'. Love Disney and the concept was such an interesting and for Disney shows at the time a unique one. There are times where it could have done more with the concept, with showing more of some of the guests and not focusing all the featured cartoons on Mickey and the gang. It is however so much fun and how it makes an effort to retain the spirit of the classic old cartoons is to be lauded.
"Donald Wants to Fly" is not one of my favourite 'House of Mouse' episodes. One of my least favourites actually while still being above decent, in a show where there is a lot to like about all of the episodes even when some are better than others. It is very good and entertaining even if it didn't blow me away. Really like that it and the rest of the show tries to and succeeds in making the personalities of Mickey and the rest of the gang true to those of their "golden age" ones when they first came out (1930s-1950s), especially Donald. Except that Mickey is far more interesting in personality in 'House of Mouse', feels like a lead character, is used well and isn't over-shadowed by the rest of the characters. Minnie is also more resourceful.
It is a relatable situation for Donald, and it is executed amusingly and charmingly though it could have gotten to the point a little quicker.
Neither of the two featured cartoons are among my favourites from the show. They're far from bad and they are relevant to the episode's theme and story, just that there are also better and more memorable ones. 'Mickey Airplane Kit' fares better, it's entertaining and charming with the plane climax a riot.
'Mickey and the Seagull' has a more dramatic approach and while Mickey and the seagull are both likeable and the music, while slightly repetitive, is catchy. To me though, the pace needed more kick and the cartoon did feel too long.
It is interesting always in 'House of Mouse' to see how it utilises various Disney characters from previous films and cartoons. Felt very nostalgic watching them and they are used well. Loved the rendition of "You Can Fly" and everyone's reactions and the overall ending is pretty sweet. Another pleasure was various Disney characters failed attempts to help Donald fly. Keep loving the advertisements at the end of each episode, promoting various products inspired by and named after various Disney characters.
While not surprising in outcome, the story is lively and engaging, kept afloat by the character interaction, characters and the atmosphere. The writing is clever and very funny, even with the deliberately corny moment and pun which made me grin rather than groan.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful, smooth in movement and with some meticulous detail. The cheap recycling footage for the audience reactions at the end of the featured cartoons does jar and annoy though. The music is suitably groovy and cleverly used, while the theme song is one of the catchiest of any Disney show in the past twenty years.
Voice acting is very good as always. Particularly from Tony Anselmo, being a more than worthy successor to the legendary original voice actor for Donald Clarence "Ducky" Nash. Blayne Weaver doesn't really do it for me as Peter Pan though.
In conclusion, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
"Donald Wants to Fly" is not one of my favourite 'House of Mouse' episodes. One of my least favourites actually while still being above decent, in a show where there is a lot to like about all of the episodes even when some are better than others. It is very good and entertaining even if it didn't blow me away. Really like that it and the rest of the show tries to and succeeds in making the personalities of Mickey and the rest of the gang true to those of their "golden age" ones when they first came out (1930s-1950s), especially Donald. Except that Mickey is far more interesting in personality in 'House of Mouse', feels like a lead character, is used well and isn't over-shadowed by the rest of the characters. Minnie is also more resourceful.
It is a relatable situation for Donald, and it is executed amusingly and charmingly though it could have gotten to the point a little quicker.
Neither of the two featured cartoons are among my favourites from the show. They're far from bad and they are relevant to the episode's theme and story, just that there are also better and more memorable ones. 'Mickey Airplane Kit' fares better, it's entertaining and charming with the plane climax a riot.
'Mickey and the Seagull' has a more dramatic approach and while Mickey and the seagull are both likeable and the music, while slightly repetitive, is catchy. To me though, the pace needed more kick and the cartoon did feel too long.
It is interesting always in 'House of Mouse' to see how it utilises various Disney characters from previous films and cartoons. Felt very nostalgic watching them and they are used well. Loved the rendition of "You Can Fly" and everyone's reactions and the overall ending is pretty sweet. Another pleasure was various Disney characters failed attempts to help Donald fly. Keep loving the advertisements at the end of each episode, promoting various products inspired by and named after various Disney characters.
While not surprising in outcome, the story is lively and engaging, kept afloat by the character interaction, characters and the atmosphere. The writing is clever and very funny, even with the deliberately corny moment and pun which made me grin rather than groan.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful, smooth in movement and with some meticulous detail. The cheap recycling footage for the audience reactions at the end of the featured cartoons does jar and annoy though. The music is suitably groovy and cleverly used, while the theme song is one of the catchiest of any Disney show in the past twenty years.
Voice acting is very good as always. Particularly from Tony Anselmo, being a more than worthy successor to the legendary original voice actor for Donald Clarence "Ducky" Nash. Blayne Weaver doesn't really do it for me as Peter Pan though.
In conclusion, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox