Was very fond of Woody Woodpecker and his cartoons as a child. Still get much enjoyment out of them now as a young adult, even if there are more interesting in personality cartoon characters and better overall cartoons.
That is in no way knocking Woody, because many of his cartoons are a lot of fun to watch and more and also still like him a lot as a character. He is a lot of fun here and is never obnoxious or a jerk. While it is a little toned down, there are shades of his original personality as a manic pest. Dooley is formidable and amusing but one also feels sympathy for him.
Sure, the story when it comes to the Woody Woodpecker action has its typical moments and the main premise with the insurance is executed a little repetitiously occasionally.
Time and budget constraints shows in some of the animation, which is a little rushed looking in the drawing and detail wise it's on the simplistic and careless side like many of Woody's cartoons from this period continuing through to the 60s.
Music however is bouncy, energetic and very lushly orchestrated, not only synchronising and fitting with the action very well but enhancing it. The whole cartoon goes at a lively pace, especially in the second half.
Gags are always very amusing and never less than that, some of it is actually very funny and timed very well, especially with the missile. The voice work is solid.
In summary, very decent. 7/10 Bethany Cox
