As fun and cute a character Pluto is, before seeing The Army Mascot there was the question of whether he was a strong enough character to lead one of Disney's wartime shorts and whether the short would be direct enough. No fear of these, because not only does The Army Mascot deliver its message in a direct but subtle and not preachy way but it also brings a scenario that Pluto is used to and works well in. Sure, Pluto's battles with other characters in his shorts very often and The Army Mascot doesn't have much surprises in that regard. That doesn't matter because the scenario is still funny and the humour works. The funniest scene is Pluto turning all different colours and patterns, his facial expressions were also priceless. The beginning chase is also great, one of Pluto's best chases perhaps, and the goat with tobacco and Pluto getting showered with tin cans instead of meat are inspired gags. Pluto- he leads The Army Mascot very well actually- is as cute and energetic as ever, with touches of a valiant side as well, and the goat works very well with him. The animation is bright, colourful and beautifully detailed as to be expected, and the music is rousing, characterful and well suited to the era and occasion. Disney is at their best when they produce shorts and such that teach as well as entertain, and The Army Mascot does that, and is one of the better Disney wartime shorts in that respect. Even more so than some of the wartime shorts with Mickey and Donald, generally stronger and more memorable characters. Overall, a great Pluto short and as a wartime short it's direct, it's educational and it's entertaining. Regardless of the Pluto-battling-other-characters scenario not exactly an innovative one, The Army Mascot is still a winner all round. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Review of The Army Mascot
