Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons.
While not one of my favourite cartoons of all time and never will be, 'Porky's Hare Hunt' is nonetheless very well made and very entertaining. It is interesting to see a proto-version of Bugs Bunny before Bugs Bunny became famous and Porky Pig paired with a character that wasn't primarily Daffy Duck. There's not much wrong actually in 'Porky's Hare Hunt', it is very slight on story and there's not much original in it.
Porky is a lot of fun and very likable in a type of role that suits him, but he makes more of an impression as a supporting character later on, he sometimes was a little bland in early lead roles. Having said that, there is so much to recommend.
However, the animation is very good. It's beautifully drawn, very detailed and it's done in a crisp black and white, complete with some great expressions for particularly the rabbit.
Carl Stalling's music score is typically lushly and cleverly orchestrated, with lively and energetic rhythms, it's also beautifully synchronised with the action and gestures/expressions and even enhances the impact. All of those things Stalling was an unparalleled master at in animation, or at least in my view.
The rabbit is no Bugs, not as interesting in personality, but the character drives the action to fun effect. There are a lot of very funny and cute moments. Zero is the same. Timing is lively. Mel Blanc's versatility as ever shines impeccably.
Overall, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
