Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. Actually appreciate it even more through young adults eyes, due to having more knowledge of it, various animation styles, studios, directors and how it all works.
Granted, 'I'm a Big Shot Now' is not one of Friz Freleng's, a director who did many great cartoons and a director held in high admiration by me, best, not being one of his funniest, wittiest or freshest. For relatively early Freleng, 'I'm a Big Shot Now' is worth watching though he would do much better later. It is never what one would call properly hilarious (but is never unfunny), Freleng's later efforts show more evenness and confidence in directing and the story.
It is quite thin in terms of story, with not much new done, and the structure is basically an excuse to string the events along. It is not terribly imaginative and occasionally momentum is not always there.
However, enough of the characters and their chemistry carry 'I'm a Big Shot Now' very well. The most entertaining character being the cop who imitates Tarzan which makes for one of the funniest assets of the cartoon (the saloon dancing is another standout).
'I'm a Big Shot Now' has enough very amusing moments (like some suitably wild action), some variety and there is a good deal of liveliness in the second half. The conflict is nicely done, with a great crime drama feel, and there is a good deal of cuteness and charm. The sentimentality is kept at minimum thankfully.
Animation is very good, it's fluid in movement, crisp in shading, vibrant and very meticulous in detail. The music is outstanding, it is lovely on the ears, lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it.
Overall, worthwhile and interesting cartoon. 7/10 Bethany Cox