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.
While not quite one of my favourite 'House of Mouse' episodes, "Pluto vs. Figaro" comes close and is a hugely enjoyable episode. 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.
Although all the regular characters are great and true to personality with fine chemistry, much of the episode is centred around the conflict between Pluto and Figaro, which is both cute and amusing, starting off acrimonious but then touching when things resolve. Pluto is as energetic as ever and Figaro is adorable, an example of a show-stealing character without saying a word very like in 'Pinocchio'.
Of the featured cartoons, 'Pluto Runs Away' is both sweet and poignant and a situation that suits Pluto well. Eric Idle and Penn Jillette are entertaining, as is their verbal sparring, though the latter overdoes the abrasiveness a bit. The "Pluto Gets the Paper" cartoon is nice enough if not as memorable. 'Donald and the Big Nut' is the funniest of the three though and Donald and Chip and Dale are a classic pairing, even if it is not as relevant to the theme of the episode.
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.
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.
Overall, hugely enjoyable. 9/10 Bethany Cox
While not quite one of my favourite 'House of Mouse' episodes, "Pluto vs. Figaro" comes close and is a hugely enjoyable episode. 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.
Although all the regular characters are great and true to personality with fine chemistry, much of the episode is centred around the conflict between Pluto and Figaro, which is both cute and amusing, starting off acrimonious but then touching when things resolve. Pluto is as energetic as ever and Figaro is adorable, an example of a show-stealing character without saying a word very like in 'Pinocchio'.
Of the featured cartoons, 'Pluto Runs Away' is both sweet and poignant and a situation that suits Pluto well. Eric Idle and Penn Jillette are entertaining, as is their verbal sparring, though the latter overdoes the abrasiveness a bit. The "Pluto Gets the Paper" cartoon is nice enough if not as memorable. 'Donald and the Big Nut' is the funniest of the three though and Donald and Chip and Dale are a classic pairing, even if it is not as relevant to the theme of the episode.
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.
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.
Overall, hugely enjoyable. 9/10 Bethany Cox
