Was very fond of Woody Woodpecker and his cartoons as a child. Still get much enjoyment out of them now as a young adult, even if there are more interesting in personality cartoon characters and better overall cartoons.
That is in no way knocking Woody, because many of his cartoons are a lot of fun to watch and more and also still like him a lot as a character. He is a lot of fun here and is never obnoxious or a jerk. In fact, considering his situation one feels sorry for the poor woodpecker. Likewise with Happy. Claude is a wholly convincing adversary, one that one hates from the start and cheering when he gets his comeuppance. The sympathetic presence of the character of Phoebe gives 'Helter Shelter' a poignancy somewhat.
As ever, the animation is great. The characters are well drawn, but even better are the rich colours, meticulously detailed backgrounds and smooth drawing.
Music is bouncy, energetic and very lushly orchestrated, not only synchronising and fitting with the action very well but enhancing it. The whole cartoon goes at a snappy pace, especially in the second half, and there are continually impeccably timed and extremely funny gags and a great atmosphere.
Loved the conflict between Woody and Happy vs Claude and the poignancy brought by Phoebe. Grace Stafford does a great job voicing Woody and she doesn't get enough credit.
Overall, great. 10/10 Bethany Cox