Really liked to love a vast majority of Fleischer Studios' Popeye output, especially the best of those from 1935-1938. Famous Studios', taking over from 1942 until the series ended in 1957, was a little more variable, but all their cartoons for the series were watchable. 1946 started the series' post-war period and it was a solid, though not great (with individual exceptions like 'Rodeo Romeo'), year that was never on par with Fleischer's late-30s Popeye cartoons.
'The Island Fling' was another example of a 1946 Popeye cartoon that was pretty decent but nothing exceptional. When you compare that to how great the best of the Fleischer output was it is a touch disappointing though not a bad position at all to be in. With the racial stereotypes, and they are not flattering and difficult to overlook as they stick out like a sore thumb, it is an acquired taste and easy to criticise, but when looking past that for a moment there are a lot of things to like.
Its strengths and flaws are very similar to before. To me, as is common with the series Olive has very little to do, and her material and her character are not near as funny or as interesting as Popeye and Bluto. The surprises and freshness are present more in other Popeye cartoons, especially previous ones but even some since too, with an outcome that is easily predicted too soon.
On temporary military duty at the time, Jack Mercer not voicing Popeye takes getting used to and Harry Welch never completely clicked with me when replacing him. By all means he is not bad considering the big shoes he had to fill, he does amuse and Popeye is as likeable as ever, but Mercer relished the asides and mumblings (which are hardly unfunny still) much more and did more with them.
Popeye though is as amusing and likeable, while Bluto on villain duty (not unsurprisingly) is even funnier and even more interesting. Their chemistry really carries 'The Island Fling' and has considerable energy and sees a lot of amusing if not hilarious moments between them. The animals are also well used. When it comes to the gags, they are numerous and none of them misfire, just that there isn't really anything hilarious and they can be predictable. While the story may be a somewhat formulaic one, it is elevated by the chemistry between Popeye and Bluto. Liked the ending.
Moreover, the animation is lively and colourful with lovely attention to detail in the backgrounds. The music is also outstanding, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish.
In a nutshell, nice if unexceptional. 7/10
