Famous Studios' Popeye output generally isn't as consistent as that for Fleischer Studios. There were a lot of very good efforts in the 40s, few though equal to the best of Fleischers', though a few disappointments too. When Famous Studios' output started suffering from budget limitations and tighter time constraints, meaning the animation wasn't as careful and the gags varying in quality and quantity, their Popeye cartoons became more uneven.
1947's 'I'll Be Skiing Ya' is one of the quite good Popeye cartoons from Famous Studios, if nowhere near close really to being classic Popeye. It is great to have Jack Mercer, back from temporary military duty after being on it from 1945's 'Shape Ahoy', as the voice of Popeye, after having Harry Welch admirably if not completely successfully fill his shoes from 1945's 'For Better or Nurse' to 1947's 'Abusement Park'. So 'I'll Be Skiing Ya' is something of an interest point in that respect.
'I'll Be Skiing Ya' is not flawless, though there are more good things than not so good (the case with a vast majority of the Popeye cartoons). It's amusing and doesn't get repetitive, but it could have done with more surprises and been less formulaic and it is standard Popeye/Olive/Bluto triangle with skating/skiing.
While charming, it for my tastes starts off a little dull with the story taking a little too long to set itself up. It is more amusing than hilarious and maybe it could have done with a few more gags and more wildness.
The final act however is the closest 'I'll Be Skiing Ya' gets to being classic Popeye. Very funny, energetic and wonderfully wild. Some of the humour comes from Popeye's mumblings and asides which are something of an art form in the Popeye cartoons. Popeye is very easy to like and is is amusing and he shares a charming chemistry with Olive. Bluto has great comic timing and is suitably formidable, as ever love his chemistry with Popeye.
Have no issues with the animation either. It is nicely detailed and drawn with some lovely colours that make the island setting come alive. The music is full of merry character and lushness, the action, expressions and gestures enhanced with it. The voice acting is fine, Jack Mercer showing in his more than welcome return that it is hard to imagine another voice for Popeye.
Overall, quite good. 7/10
1947's 'I'll Be Skiing Ya' is one of the quite good Popeye cartoons from Famous Studios, if nowhere near close really to being classic Popeye. It is great to have Jack Mercer, back from temporary military duty after being on it from 1945's 'Shape Ahoy', as the voice of Popeye, after having Harry Welch admirably if not completely successfully fill his shoes from 1945's 'For Better or Nurse' to 1947's 'Abusement Park'. So 'I'll Be Skiing Ya' is something of an interest point in that respect.
'I'll Be Skiing Ya' is not flawless, though there are more good things than not so good (the case with a vast majority of the Popeye cartoons). It's amusing and doesn't get repetitive, but it could have done with more surprises and been less formulaic and it is standard Popeye/Olive/Bluto triangle with skating/skiing.
While charming, it for my tastes starts off a little dull with the story taking a little too long to set itself up. It is more amusing than hilarious and maybe it could have done with a few more gags and more wildness.
The final act however is the closest 'I'll Be Skiing Ya' gets to being classic Popeye. Very funny, energetic and wonderfully wild. Some of the humour comes from Popeye's mumblings and asides which are something of an art form in the Popeye cartoons. Popeye is very easy to like and is is amusing and he shares a charming chemistry with Olive. Bluto has great comic timing and is suitably formidable, as ever love his chemistry with Popeye.
Have no issues with the animation either. It is nicely detailed and drawn with some lovely colours that make the island setting come alive. The music is full of merry character and lushness, the action, expressions and gestures enhanced with it. The voice acting is fine, Jack Mercer showing in his more than welcome return that it is hard to imagine another voice for Popeye.
Overall, quite good. 7/10
