Dave Fleischer made many good to fine cartoons. 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. Some of his best work was with the best of Popeye in the mid/late 30s.
While not quite one of my favourite Popeye cartoons, 'Lost and Foundry' is still very well made and great fun, with plenty of amusement and managing to not be too cute. This is not a Popeye versus Bluto cartoon, and another change of pace for Popeye, which are every bit as enjoyable and in a good deal of them even more so than the Popeye versus Bluto efforts. The premise is not an original one, so the cartoon is on the formulaic side, but 'Lost and Foundry' has enough invention to stop it from becoming predictable and repetitive, or too much so at least. It is a fine example of why Popeye and his cartoon appeal a lot to me and what makes them work so well is all evident here.
Olive Oyl is on the bland and underused side, but Popeye and Swee'Pea are dead on. Popeye is very easy to like and is is amusing yet easy to feel sympathy for, but despite being a baby Swee'Pea manages to be an even more interesting character, avoiding being obnoxious or too cute and is both adorable and funny. Their chemistry/interaction was essential for 'Lost and Foundry' to work and sparkles.
There are many clever and very amusing to hilarious gags, the cartoon is hardly short-changed in this regard. The asides and mumblings are even funnier and helped by Jack Mercer's ever genius vocal delivery, just wish there was more of them. Swee'Pea coming to the rescue is a highlight definitely.
Regarding the animation, it is very good as always from this period. It's beautifully drawn and with immaculate visual detail, that doesn't ever feel cluttered or static, and lively and smooth movement. The music likewise, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Fleischer's direction is always accomplished and his style is all over it.
Jack Mercer easily steals the show when it comes to the voice acting, for all the above reasons.
In conclusion, very nicely done Popeye cartoon. 8/10
While not quite one of my favourite Popeye cartoons, 'Lost and Foundry' is still very well made and great fun, with plenty of amusement and managing to not be too cute. This is not a Popeye versus Bluto cartoon, and another change of pace for Popeye, which are every bit as enjoyable and in a good deal of them even more so than the Popeye versus Bluto efforts. The premise is not an original one, so the cartoon is on the formulaic side, but 'Lost and Foundry' has enough invention to stop it from becoming predictable and repetitive, or too much so at least. It is a fine example of why Popeye and his cartoon appeal a lot to me and what makes them work so well is all evident here.
Olive Oyl is on the bland and underused side, but Popeye and Swee'Pea are dead on. Popeye is very easy to like and is is amusing yet easy to feel sympathy for, but despite being a baby Swee'Pea manages to be an even more interesting character, avoiding being obnoxious or too cute and is both adorable and funny. Their chemistry/interaction was essential for 'Lost and Foundry' to work and sparkles.
There are many clever and very amusing to hilarious gags, the cartoon is hardly short-changed in this regard. The asides and mumblings are even funnier and helped by Jack Mercer's ever genius vocal delivery, just wish there was more of them. Swee'Pea coming to the rescue is a highlight definitely.
Regarding the animation, it is very good as always from this period. It's beautifully drawn and with immaculate visual detail, that doesn't ever feel cluttered or static, and lively and smooth movement. The music likewise, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Fleischer's direction is always accomplished and his style is all over it.
Jack Mercer easily steals the show when it comes to the voice acting, for all the above reasons.
In conclusion, very nicely done Popeye cartoon. 8/10
