Have a lot of fondness for 'House of Mouse'. Love Disney and the concept was such an interesting and for Disney shows at the time a unique one. There are times where it could have done more with the concept, with showing more of some of the guests and not focusing all the featured cartoons on Mickey and the gang. It is however so much fun and how it makes an effort to retain the spirit of the classic old cartoons is to be lauded.
"Ladies Night" is yet another very enjoyable episode, if not quite one of my favourites. It's towards the top when ranking all the 'House of Mouse' episodes though. As has been said in my previous 'House of Mouse' episodes, really like that it and the rest of the show tries to and succeeds in making the personalities of Mickey and the rest of the gang true to those of their "golden age" ones when they first came out (1930s-1950s), especially Donald. Except that Mickey is far more interesting in personality in 'House of Mouse', feels like a lead character, is used well and isn't over-shadowed by the rest of the characters. Minnie is also more resourceful.
All the main characters are a lot of fun. Mortimer is suitably obnoxious and very funny while it has always been appreciated how the show resurrected a long neglected character like Clarabelle and expanded on her personality, with "Ladies Night" being a very strong contender for her best and funniest appearance.
There are three featured cartoons, none of them among the best featured cartoons on 'House of Mouse'. 'Purple Pluto' fares best, it's executed in a way that's fun and lively, Pluto is adorable and it is lovely to see Minnie trying to resolve the problem she's caused in order to not jeopardise Mickey and Pluto's chances in the competition. Have a fondness for the "Maestro Minnie" cartoons, they do follow a formula but they are amusing to watch and anybody who loves classical music and animation together (count me in as one) will love 'William Tell Overture'.
'Daisy Bothers Minnie' doesn't completely do it for me. Why is it that Daisy is amusing and likeable in 'House of Mouse', but generally is annoying in the featured cartoons (especially in those where she is partnered with Minnie, where she is a total pest)? She is at her most annoying here, even more so when she was every car passenger's worst nightmare with Mickey and Minnie. She was fairly pushy in her early cartoons, but not to this extent. Minnie is very easy to sympathise with. Thank goodness for the lion, who really does liven the cartoon up towards the end.
It is always nostalgic watching 'House of Mouse' and seeing characters from various Disney shows, cartoons and films. Highlights are Jasmine's remark regarding Clarabelle, Duchess' short but amusing appearance (Russi Taylor does quite well sounding similar to Eva Gabor) and the running gag involving the hippo from 'Fantasia'. Best of all is the "Mortimer Mouse" song, it is not only hilarious but also remarkably truthful and frank. One of the show's best and most satisfying moments as a result.
While not surprising in outcome, the story is lively and engaging, kept afloat by the character interaction, characters and the atmosphere. The writing is clever and very funny, even with the deliberately corny moment and pun which made me grin rather than groan.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful, smooth in movement and with some meticulous detail. The cheap recycling footage for the audience reactions at the end of the featured cartoons does jar and annoy though. The music is suitably groovy and cleverly used, while the theme song is one of the catchiest of any Disney show in the past twenty years.
Voice acting is very good as always. April Winchell and Maurice LaMarche seem to be really enjoying themselves.
Overall, very enjoyable as expected. 8/10 Bethany Cox
"Ladies Night" is yet another very enjoyable episode, if not quite one of my favourites. It's towards the top when ranking all the 'House of Mouse' episodes though. As has been said in my previous 'House of Mouse' episodes, really like that it and the rest of the show tries to and succeeds in making the personalities of Mickey and the rest of the gang true to those of their "golden age" ones when they first came out (1930s-1950s), especially Donald. Except that Mickey is far more interesting in personality in 'House of Mouse', feels like a lead character, is used well and isn't over-shadowed by the rest of the characters. Minnie is also more resourceful.
All the main characters are a lot of fun. Mortimer is suitably obnoxious and very funny while it has always been appreciated how the show resurrected a long neglected character like Clarabelle and expanded on her personality, with "Ladies Night" being a very strong contender for her best and funniest appearance.
There are three featured cartoons, none of them among the best featured cartoons on 'House of Mouse'. 'Purple Pluto' fares best, it's executed in a way that's fun and lively, Pluto is adorable and it is lovely to see Minnie trying to resolve the problem she's caused in order to not jeopardise Mickey and Pluto's chances in the competition. Have a fondness for the "Maestro Minnie" cartoons, they do follow a formula but they are amusing to watch and anybody who loves classical music and animation together (count me in as one) will love 'William Tell Overture'.
'Daisy Bothers Minnie' doesn't completely do it for me. Why is it that Daisy is amusing and likeable in 'House of Mouse', but generally is annoying in the featured cartoons (especially in those where she is partnered with Minnie, where she is a total pest)? She is at her most annoying here, even more so when she was every car passenger's worst nightmare with Mickey and Minnie. She was fairly pushy in her early cartoons, but not to this extent. Minnie is very easy to sympathise with. Thank goodness for the lion, who really does liven the cartoon up towards the end.
It is always nostalgic watching 'House of Mouse' and seeing characters from various Disney shows, cartoons and films. Highlights are Jasmine's remark regarding Clarabelle, Duchess' short but amusing appearance (Russi Taylor does quite well sounding similar to Eva Gabor) and the running gag involving the hippo from 'Fantasia'. Best of all is the "Mortimer Mouse" song, it is not only hilarious but also remarkably truthful and frank. One of the show's best and most satisfying moments as a result.
While not surprising in outcome, the story is lively and engaging, kept afloat by the character interaction, characters and the atmosphere. The writing is clever and very funny, even with the deliberately corny moment and pun which made me grin rather than groan.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful, smooth in movement and with some meticulous detail. The cheap recycling footage for the audience reactions at the end of the featured cartoons does jar and annoy though. The music is suitably groovy and cleverly used, while the theme song is one of the catchiest of any Disney show in the past twenty years.
Voice acting is very good as always. April Winchell and Maurice LaMarche seem to be really enjoying themselves.
Overall, very enjoyable as expected. 8/10 Bethany Cox
