Mumbo Jumbo (1970) User Reviews

Average short in the brief series, but well worth watching and now in print

[llltdesq · 7/10 · 31 May 2007]

The Ant and the Aardvark was a brief series of 17 shorts which was done in the late 1960s to early 1970s. The animation was limited and they were basically similar in nature-Aardvark is hungry, Aardvark chases Ant, Aardvark experiences grievous bodily injury. Basically Friz Freleng's version of the Roadrunner and the Coyote, except with hilarious dialog, as voiced by John Byner. There will be spoilers ahead:

In this one, the Ant is a lodge brother attending a meeting of his chapter of the brotherhood, complete with his own little fez. On his way home, he sees the Aardvark, who, as usual has designs of a culinary nature towards the Ant and the chase is on once again.

This short has a relatively novel premise-when in trouble, a lodge brother may call on other lodge brothers for help, which the Ant does, to his advantage and to the Aardvark's misery. Most of the time, the help is in the form of an elephant, but other lodge brothers get into the act, including a Tarzan wannabe. It's a cute idea and it's effectively handled.

The ending is very good, with the Aardvark finally joining the lodge himself and showing up when the Ant gives a test call to make sure his lodge brothers are still available. The short ends with the Ant running and the Aardvark trying to sell him on the "virtue" of lodge brothers becoming much closer.

This short has been released, along with all the others, on a single DVD which is in print as of this writing. It is well worth seeing. Recommended.

Far from tiny

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 8 July 2020]

Although the Ant and the Aardvark cartoons, seventeen in total lasting from 1969 to 1971, may not be flawless or animation masterpieces, they are still entertaining and make for one of DePatie-Freleng Enterprises' better theatrical series in my opinion. Which are numerous in number and variable in terms of quality, prime-Pink Panther, The Inspector (although that had a few disappointments, no disasters though) and the Ant and the Aardvark being the best.

The previous twelve cartoons range from good (i.e. 'Ants in the Pantry') to great (i.e. 'Technology, Phooey). Didn't find myself disappointed on the most part with the thirteenth Ant and the Aardvark cartoon 'Mumbo Jumbo'. Again, like the series in general, there are many great things that outweigh what could have been done better if falling a little short on being completely on the money or a classic. Instead it is a very solid effort.

Maybe once again the story does feel that it is a little too short for the already short length, it's a very slight plot and a formulaic one.

Will agree that there are animation limitations, especially in some of the drawing. Which has a rushed look to it that it looks a little careless. A little more meticulous detail wouldn't have gone amiss too.

So much works in 'Mumbo Jumbo's' favour though. On the most part, the simplicity in the animation never becomes over-simplistic that it looks cheap. Continue to especially love the backgrounds, the colours are rich and varied and the detail strikingly stylised. There is just one colour each used for the ant and the aardvark, this was not cheaply done at all and blended very well, while there are some inventive moments with the aardvark's reactions. 'Mumbo Jumbo' didn't take too long to get going, getting to the point relatively quickly and grabbing the attention right from the amusing and superbly scored (the main theme stays in the head for a while after without getting annoying) opening titles sequence. The music overall is wonderfully light-hearted and quite atmospheric.

It is a seldom less than very funny cartoon. The gags are a big number and are crisply timed, well animated and fun. Actually thought though that the verbal humour/dialogue shone more. The best lines go to the aardvark, with the witticisms and talking to the audience, it's quite witty and raises a smile. Two bits stand out, the are you hurt exchange and "if I had as many friends as that ant, I'd run for governor", the latter being among the aardvark's funniest lines and the former being an example of how to do an exchange in an Ant and the Aardvark cartoon. The ending is a lot of fun too.

Nothing can be faulted with either of the lead characters, both equal in terms of having interesting well-contrasted personalities and strong comic timing in different ways (the ant more verbal and the aardvark more physical, if a little better at having both types). Tiny the elephant is a very funny supporting character too, especially in that aforementioned exchange (especially the good response). Love the chemistry between them. John Byner provides terrific and very individual voice acting that is instrumental in bringing the characters alive.

All in all, very enjoyable. 8/10

Mumbo Jumbo

[amorrice80 · 2 December 2001]

After his 'Brother's of the Forest' lodge meeting, the Ant befriends an elephant named Tiny who rushes to his aid whenever the Ant shouts the keyword 'Zimbalazumbala!' Ultimately the Aardverk joins the lodge to avoid getting pachedermic pummelings.