Chuck Jones is widely considered one of animation's finest directors/animators and for very good reason. When he was at his best, his cartoons were masterpieces of animation, comic timing, characterisation and wit.
The Sniffles cartoon series were very early efforts for Jones, and, while they are interesting from a historical perspective, it is safe to say that from personal opinion they really don't see him at his best. There is somewhat of a still finding his feet feel here, with the humour once he became a regular director for the Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies cartoons becoming much funnier, more constant and wittier and the characterisation far more interesting.
Wasn't completely sold on the first Sniffles cartoon 'Naughty But Mice', but liked 'Little Brother Rat' and consider it an improvement and among Sniffles' better efforts. It is predictable in terms of story, the Sniffles cartoons were hardly known for their originality. The funny moments are never hilarious and are only amusing and once again while not as sickly sweet 'Little Brother Rat' tries a little too hard to be cute.
On the other hand, 'Little Brother Rat's' animation is very good. It is lush and vibrant in colour and meticulous and beautifully drawn in detail. The character designs are fluid, well drawn and distinctive Jones, if not the creative ones of his very best cartoons. Carl Stalling's music is lush and characterful, with clever orchestration and a mastery of not just adding to the action but enhancing it as well (Stalling was a near-unequalled master at this, though Scott Bradley gave him a run for his money).
'Little Brother Rat' is likable and fun enough and Sniffles is a little more compelling here with a well-meaning personality while making mistakes. Best of all, and the best thing about the cartoon, is the owl, one of the best characters to appear in a Sniffles cartoon, love the erudite and smugly witty personality and his interaction with Sniffles is fun.
In conclusion, pretty decent but Jones did go on to much better things. 7/10 Bethany Cox
