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.
"Suddenly Hades" is another one of my favourite 'House of Mouse' episodes. 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.
What is especially great about "Suddenly Hades" is Hades (by far the best thing about 'Hercules') himself. He is as hilariously hot-headed as ever and it was a masterstroke to keep James Woods as his voice actor, he gives the character so much life to the extent that he essentially makes him and one cannot imagine anybody else doing Hades.
Pete is also entertaining as the antagonist of the episode. His scheme is predictable, when were they ever not, but a lot of fun to watch as are the lengths he goes through to make it work. Loved Hades' reaction to Pete's Aphrodite disguise and the outcome.
Do like the two featured cartoons. Although Estelle Harris quite badly overdoes it as Mrs Turtle (nearly all her lines are yelled), it's pretty predictable and Baby Shelby is a pretty intentionally annoying pest, there are lots of very funny gags, witty chemistry between Donald and Shelby and regardless of how annoying he is Shelby's comic timing is on point. 'Donald's Lighthouse' also does a good job emulating the spirit of the classic Donald Duck cartoons.
It is always nostalgic seeing so many characters from various Disney films, shows and cartoons in 'House of Mouse'. Even those that don't get much exposure or forgotten. While there are lovely character moments peppered throughout, like with 'The Little Mermaid' characters towards the end and the Disney character-inspired food names, Hades is the one who steals the show.
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, particularly from Woods and Jim Cummings.
Overall, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
"Suddenly Hades" is another one of my favourite 'House of Mouse' episodes. 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.
What is especially great about "Suddenly Hades" is Hades (by far the best thing about 'Hercules') himself. He is as hilariously hot-headed as ever and it was a masterstroke to keep James Woods as his voice actor, he gives the character so much life to the extent that he essentially makes him and one cannot imagine anybody else doing Hades.
Pete is also entertaining as the antagonist of the episode. His scheme is predictable, when were they ever not, but a lot of fun to watch as are the lengths he goes through to make it work. Loved Hades' reaction to Pete's Aphrodite disguise and the outcome.
Do like the two featured cartoons. Although Estelle Harris quite badly overdoes it as Mrs Turtle (nearly all her lines are yelled), it's pretty predictable and Baby Shelby is a pretty intentionally annoying pest, there are lots of very funny gags, witty chemistry between Donald and Shelby and regardless of how annoying he is Shelby's comic timing is on point. 'Donald's Lighthouse' also does a good job emulating the spirit of the classic Donald Duck cartoons.
It is always nostalgic seeing so many characters from various Disney films, shows and cartoons in 'House of Mouse'. Even those that don't get much exposure or forgotten. While there are lovely character moments peppered throughout, like with 'The Little Mermaid' characters towards the end and the Disney character-inspired food names, Hades is the one who steals the show.
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, particularly from Woods and Jim Cummings.
Overall, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox