The Bosko cartoons may not be animation masterpieces, but they are fascinating as examples of Looney Tunes in their early days before the creation of more compelling characters and funnier and more creative cartoons.
None of the previous Bosko cartoons were great, most of them being hit and miss, but they were interesting and mostly quite decent. Up to this particular point in the series, 'Ups 'n Downs' isn't quite one of the weaker Bosko cartoons like 'Ain't Nature Grand' and particularly 'The Booze Hangs High' but it also doesn't have enough to make it one of the best.
Certainly there are good things about 'Ups 'n Downs'. The animation is not bad at all. Not exactly refined but fluid and crisp enough with some nice detail, it is especially good in the meticulous backgrounds and some remarkably flexible yet natural movements for Bosko. The music is one of 'Ups 'n Downs' highlight components, its infectious energy, rousing merriment, lush orchestration and how well it fits with the animation is just a joy.
'Ups 'n Downs' humour isn't consistent, but the hotdog scene is amusing and while not hilarious the Sonny Boy part is pretty harmless and anybody familiar with the likes of Al Jolson may find it intriguing. The synchronisation and sound are remarkably good, nothing being static or sloppy.
However, the humour isn't consistent as said. Other than one or two parts, the cartoon is at best mildly amusing and too often is less than that. Part of the problem is that the timing is pedestrian, with some scenes taking too long to set up, and that the story is routine to the point of painful predictability with the obligatory stock villain that is there for the sake of being a plot device and an ending that is basically an over-familiar cliché that can be seen from miles away and has been done with much more freshness elsewhere.
Bosko is bland and not particularly endearing, showing much more personality before and since 'Ups 'n Downs'.
In conclusion, a very up and down cartoon. 5/10 Bethany Cox
