The Terrytoons are oddly interesting, mainly for anybody wanting to see (generally) older cartoons made by lesser known and lower-budget studios. They are a mixed bag in quality, with some better than others, often with outstanding music and with some mild amusement and charm and variable in animation, characterisation and content.
1940, like all the other years for Terrytoons, saw a hit and miss batch if more consistent than previous years somewhat. Of which 'How Wet Was My Ocean' is one of the best ones ranking it in correlation with the rest of the Terrytoons, certainly up to this point anyhow, and one of the better 1940 cartoons. It is a very worthwhile cartoon with a lot of strengths with a few recognisable issues. 'How Wet Was My Ocean' is also well worth the look, completest sake is the main reason to see it but it's not the only reason.
Best asset is the music, which predictably is incredible. It is so beautifully and cleverly orchestrated and arranged, is great fun to listen to and full of lively energy, doing so well with enhancing the action. The ambitious, elaborate detail in the backgrounds is still great to see, as is the comparatively improved fluidity of drawing and movement, and some synchronisation in movement and sound is neat. Colour is vibrant and atmospheric.
A number of well timed and surprisingly very funny moments in particularly the second half, some imaginative and there is some zest and natural charm, and parts of it and the basic set up are nicely done. Sourpuss, one of the studio's better recurring characters, is endearing and amusing and while the pig character is not quite as interesting he is very cute and funny.
A few of the transitions are not always polished on the other hand.
Likewise, the story is paper thin and formulaic with not an awful lot to it, it could have done with more variety and imagination in places.
Overall, worthwhile and one of Terrytoons' better efforts up to this point. 7/10 Bethany Cox
1940, like all the other years for Terrytoons, saw a hit and miss batch if more consistent than previous years somewhat. Of which 'How Wet Was My Ocean' is one of the best ones ranking it in correlation with the rest of the Terrytoons, certainly up to this point anyhow, and one of the better 1940 cartoons. It is a very worthwhile cartoon with a lot of strengths with a few recognisable issues. 'How Wet Was My Ocean' is also well worth the look, completest sake is the main reason to see it but it's not the only reason.
Best asset is the music, which predictably is incredible. It is so beautifully and cleverly orchestrated and arranged, is great fun to listen to and full of lively energy, doing so well with enhancing the action. The ambitious, elaborate detail in the backgrounds is still great to see, as is the comparatively improved fluidity of drawing and movement, and some synchronisation in movement and sound is neat. Colour is vibrant and atmospheric.
A number of well timed and surprisingly very funny moments in particularly the second half, some imaginative and there is some zest and natural charm, and parts of it and the basic set up are nicely done. Sourpuss, one of the studio's better recurring characters, is endearing and amusing and while the pig character is not quite as interesting he is very cute and funny.
A few of the transitions are not always polished on the other hand.
Likewise, the story is paper thin and formulaic with not an awful lot to it, it could have done with more variety and imagination in places.
Overall, worthwhile and one of Terrytoons' better efforts up to this point. 7/10 Bethany Cox
