Dave Fleischer was responsible for many gems. Ones that were amusing and charming, though over-cuteness did come through in some efforts and the stories were always pretty thin, with appealing characters, outstanding music and visuals that were inventive and with innovative animation techniques.
Ko-Ko similarly was an always amiable character to watch and among the better recurring characters in Fleischer's early work. Likewise, his series of Out of the Inkwell cartoons were among the best early efforts of Fleischer and silent cartoons in general. Fleischer may not be at his very finest and there are other cartoons of his that fit the word gem more. It is impossible to dislike 'The Automobile Ride', which put a smile on my face and is very easy to be charmed by.
There are more imaginative and consistently funnier Ko-Ko cartoons and it is agreed that Ko-Ko has been much more likeable before and since, some of his actions veered on the mean-spirited.
Love Max though and the two interact wonderfully together. The blend of animation and live action is impressive for so early on and both are done well individually, with the live action well shot and avoiding being crude.
One expects the animation to be primitive and very low quality, judging by that it's the 20s when animation techniques were not as many, as refined, as ambitious and in their infancy. While Fleischer became more refined and inventive later certainly, the animation is surprisingly good with some nice visual wackiness and wit.
Pacing is bright and breezy and even though not hilarious or imaginative the humour is timed well and amuses hugely.
In conclusion, fun. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Ko-Ko similarly was an always amiable character to watch and among the better recurring characters in Fleischer's early work. Likewise, his series of Out of the Inkwell cartoons were among the best early efforts of Fleischer and silent cartoons in general. Fleischer may not be at his very finest and there are other cartoons of his that fit the word gem more. It is impossible to dislike 'The Automobile Ride', which put a smile on my face and is very easy to be charmed by.
There are more imaginative and consistently funnier Ko-Ko cartoons and it is agreed that Ko-Ko has been much more likeable before and since, some of his actions veered on the mean-spirited.
Love Max though and the two interact wonderfully together. The blend of animation and live action is impressive for so early on and both are done well individually, with the live action well shot and avoiding being crude.
One expects the animation to be primitive and very low quality, judging by that it's the 20s when animation techniques were not as many, as refined, as ambitious and in their infancy. While Fleischer became more refined and inventive later certainly, the animation is surprisingly good with some nice visual wackiness and wit.
Pacing is bright and breezy and even though not hilarious or imaginative the humour is timed well and amuses hugely.
In conclusion, fun. 7/10 Bethany Cox
