Famous Studios in their Popeye series did three colour remakes of prime-Fleischer cartoons in the year of 1949. The first was the disappointing 'A Balmy Swami', remade from 'The Hyp-Nut-Ist'. The second was the very good 'Barking Dogs Don't Fite', remade from 'Protek the Weakerist' (the best of the three original cartoon). The third was this cartoon, remade from 'Flies Ain't Human', one of the outings where Popeye interacted with an animal rather than the usual Olive Oyl and/or Bluto in this hit and miss period of the series
'The Fly's Last Flight' is not as good as 'Flies Ain't Human', but it is enjoyable and well made and doesn't disgrace it. Even if the point of it can be understandably questioned. As far as 1949's colour remakes of the Popeye series go, 'The Fly's Last Flight' is not as good as 'Barking Dogs Don't Fite', the cartoon being the closest in spirit of the three remakes to its original. It is a lot better though than 'The Balmy Swami', which made what was fairly fresh material at the time its original was produced and made it too tired.
Is 'The Fly's Last Flight' perfect? Of course not. Like 'Flies Ain't Human', it is a bit of a slow starter and is formulaic. That cartoon was a little more vibrant in its energy and felt fresher, though actually there is nothing inherently wrong with the pace and general humour here.
Do agree that some of the more violent parts are taken somewhat too far and seeemed a bit too excessive and cruel, without veering too much on being too sadistic or lacking in taste.
However, the animation is bright and colourful as usual for the late-40s efforts and there is some lovely background detail. Don't have any issue with the music either and never did throughout the series, which is typically merry and sumptuous, adding to and enhancing the action and even gestures and expressions. The gag count is quite high and the humour generally is very amusing, even if it is not exactly surprising.
Pacing in the final act is characterful and wild enough without being overly hectic. Popeye is amusing and likeable as ever and once again the fly is an example of a character that is small in structure but big in personality. Their chemistry, while predictable, is tense and fun. The voice acting is great, Jack Mercer sure did always have a great time with Popeye's asides, one liners and mumblings.
Overall, worth watching. 7/10.
'The Fly's Last Flight' is not as good as 'Flies Ain't Human', but it is enjoyable and well made and doesn't disgrace it. Even if the point of it can be understandably questioned. As far as 1949's colour remakes of the Popeye series go, 'The Fly's Last Flight' is not as good as 'Barking Dogs Don't Fite', the cartoon being the closest in spirit of the three remakes to its original. It is a lot better though than 'The Balmy Swami', which made what was fairly fresh material at the time its original was produced and made it too tired.
Is 'The Fly's Last Flight' perfect? Of course not. Like 'Flies Ain't Human', it is a bit of a slow starter and is formulaic. That cartoon was a little more vibrant in its energy and felt fresher, though actually there is nothing inherently wrong with the pace and general humour here.
Do agree that some of the more violent parts are taken somewhat too far and seeemed a bit too excessive and cruel, without veering too much on being too sadistic or lacking in taste.
However, the animation is bright and colourful as usual for the late-40s efforts and there is some lovely background detail. Don't have any issue with the music either and never did throughout the series, which is typically merry and sumptuous, adding to and enhancing the action and even gestures and expressions. The gag count is quite high and the humour generally is very amusing, even if it is not exactly surprising.
Pacing in the final act is characterful and wild enough without being overly hectic. Popeye is amusing and likeable as ever and once again the fly is an example of a character that is small in structure but big in personality. Their chemistry, while predictable, is tense and fun. The voice acting is great, Jack Mercer sure did always have a great time with Popeye's asides, one liners and mumblings.
Overall, worth watching. 7/10.
