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 a long way from terrible, 'It's an Ill Wind' is a long way from being one of my favourites. It's one of those okay watchable cartoons that won't make people ill but one of those pretty uninspired ones at the same time, a wind that doesn't quite blow the right way. Ben Hardaway and Cal Dalton's work on 'It's an Ill Wind' is competent but undistinguished, lacking the visual imagination and consistent humour of the work of superior directors (a few not yet having fully refined their styles).
'It's an Ill Wind' is very flimsy and obvious throughout in the story and while there is energy to be found momentum is not always there. There could have been achieved with more gags, being a cartoon with not quite enough of them and their execution is hit and miss, and sharper timing.
The best gags are never hilarious. It is agreed that there is a subplot that should have not been included in the first place seeing as nothing is done with it and it just isn't interesting.
On the other hand, Porky is likeable and Dizzy is fun to watch. They have an easy going and charming chemistry together that carries 'It's an Ill Wind' very well. There are amusing moments, some lively energy and there is a nice idea that is not fully used to full potential but has moments.
Animation is very well done, done in crisp black and white with meticulous in background detail, nice drawing and fluid movement. Neat lighting effects too. Carl Stalling's music is outstanding. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it. Mel Blanc and Danny Webb's voice acting is impeccable.
Overall, a mixed bag. 5/10 Bethany Cox
