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.
Both Bob Clampett and Porky Pig have had much better cartoons than 'Ali-Baba Bound', together and individually. 'Ali-Baba Bound' is certainly far from bad, in fact it's a pretty decent watch. Pretty decent though doesn't feel enough. Clampett showed numerous times that he was capable of great and even classic. The same goes for Porky, especially in his legendary partnership with Daffy Duck. Porky actually fares well here, he is likeable and fun, on top of that he's not underused or misused and feels like a lead.
Clampett doesn't fare as well. He directs competently enough, but other cartoons of his show off his distinctive style much more. For Clampett, 'Ali-Baba Bound' is somewhat tame and subdued, it's not wild, visually outrageously wacky, witty or anarchic enough. Far from a hack job, Clampett never stooped as low as that even in his lesser efforts, but bland by Clampett standards.
There is certainly a good deal to like about 'Ali-Baba Bound'.
Mel Blanc is outstanding as always. He always was the infinitely more preferable voice for Porky, Joe Dougherty never clicked with me, and he proves it here. Blanc shows an unequalled versatility and ability to bring an individual personality to every one of his multiple characters in a vast majority of his work, there is no wonder why he was in such high demand as a voice actor.
Animation is good if not mind-blowing, it's fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail, if not as imaginative or as witty as Clampett has shown many times. Ever the master, Carl Stalling's music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it.
Regarding the humour, it's timed well and raises some amused smiles but is never what one would call hilarious and in the gags department it didn't quite feel enough. Personally remembered the very inventive attack methods much more, this aspect was done very well and they and the previously mentioned longshot are where the animation most excels. The story is lively enough but is flimsy and to me the supporting characters were fun and support Porky very well but some won't take kindly to the stereotyping.
In summary, decent but comes up short somewhat. 6/10 Bethany Cox
