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.
"Mickey and the Culture Clash" is definitely up there with the best, and one of my favourite, 'House of Mouse' episodes. As has been said in my previous 'House of Mouse' episodes, 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.
Despite predicting the ending and the true identity of the advertiser from miles away, "Mickey and the Culture Clash" benefits hugely from the attempts at sophistication and the whole chemistry with Mickey and Mortimer.
'Mickey's Piano Lesson' is a great mix of humour, charm and classical music (love the use of the last movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata), Mickey's dream while finally practising and the climax are especially good and there is a good moral for musicians to not be complacent with practise or under-estimate abilities.
'Dance of the Goofys' is very charming and funny, as well as fairly imaginative, the darker turn the cartoon takes not jarring at all. Goofy's role is endearingly goofy and amusing and the use of Strauss' "Voices of Spring" not just adds a great deal to the proceedings but enhances it too.
The "Maestro Minnie" cartoons are always great for those who love classical music, animation and both like me. They are, including 'Brahms Lullaby', a bit too short but Minnie's role, orchestral gags and the interaction of instruments make it as ever entertaining.
It is always nostalgic seeing so many characters from various Disney films, shows and cartoons in 'House of Mouse'. Even those that don't get much exposure or forgotten. Character moments and little things are plentiful and lovely to spot.
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. Maurice LaMarche in particular sounded like he was really enjoying himself.
Overall, great and one of my favourites from 'House of Mouse'. 9/10 Bethany Cox
"Mickey and the Culture Clash" is definitely up there with the best, and one of my favourite, 'House of Mouse' episodes. As has been said in my previous 'House of Mouse' episodes, 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.
Despite predicting the ending and the true identity of the advertiser from miles away, "Mickey and the Culture Clash" benefits hugely from the attempts at sophistication and the whole chemistry with Mickey and Mortimer.
'Mickey's Piano Lesson' is a great mix of humour, charm and classical music (love the use of the last movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata), Mickey's dream while finally practising and the climax are especially good and there is a good moral for musicians to not be complacent with practise or under-estimate abilities.
'Dance of the Goofys' is very charming and funny, as well as fairly imaginative, the darker turn the cartoon takes not jarring at all. Goofy's role is endearingly goofy and amusing and the use of Strauss' "Voices of Spring" not just adds a great deal to the proceedings but enhances it too.
The "Maestro Minnie" cartoons are always great for those who love classical music, animation and both like me. They are, including 'Brahms Lullaby', a bit too short but Minnie's role, orchestral gags and the interaction of instruments make it as ever entertaining.
It is always nostalgic seeing so many characters from various Disney films, shows and cartoons in 'House of Mouse'. Even those that don't get much exposure or forgotten. Character moments and little things are plentiful and lovely to spot.
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. Maurice LaMarche in particular sounded like he was really enjoying himself.
Overall, great and one of my favourites from 'House of Mouse'. 9/10 Bethany Cox
