Ub Iwerks's Willie Whopper series of cartoons was short-lived, only lasting a year from 1933 to 1934. On the most part the Willie Whopper cartoons are not great or cartoon/animated masterpieces and it is sort of understandable as to why Willie didn't make it bigger. However they are far from terrible ones either and do amuse and charm.
1933's 'Davy Jones' Locker' is the fifth cartoon in the Willie Whopper series, and once again it's a nice effort and interesting for it being in colour rather than the usual black and white for the series. And this is coming from somebody who has only just gotten acquainted with the series as a huge animation fan. It is amusing and cute providing that one doesn't expect a masterpiece or too much.
'Davy Jones' Locker' may be on the formulaic side with conflict that is somewhat predictable, it is not hard to figure out at all how it all ends.
Willie himself is slightly bland, though it is very early days still. The animation sometimes lacks finesse especially in some of the drawings.
However, there is some nice background detail, vibrant colour and inventive little things. The music is energetic and characterful with appealing orchestration. The cartoon goes at a lively pace, has an appealing charm and the tale is wonderfully outlandish.
While not hilarious, 'Davy Jones' Locker' has a lot of very amusing and sweet little laughs which makes it entertaining. Although slightly bland, Willie avoids being annoying and he avoids being sickly sweet as well, fairly likeable. The supporting characters are a lively bunch, especially Neptune.
Altogether, decent once again. 7/10 Bethany Cox
