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. 'The Hollywood Matador' is certainly not one of Woody's best, but it's well made and entertaining, and of the numerous cartoons centred around bull-fighting 'The Hollywood Matador' fares better than most.Can definitely see why anybody would find it repetitive with too many typical jokes.
'The Hollywood Matador' doesn't exactly do much new with a premise done a lot in cartoons that was either done ingeniously or felt very repetitive. A few moments, due to their typicality, were a little too on the predictable side.
However, while there may be cartoon characters with slightly more interesting personalities, Woody is still at his best incredibly funny, never obnoxious and very lovable self, summing him up in one word it would be wonderfully nuts. His personality traits are still evolving and while a few are different others are unmistakably recognisable. Oxnor is a suitably intimidating antagonist.
As ever, the animation is great. Woody is much more appealingly designed even though still evolving, while the colours are rich and vibrant and the backgrounds meticulous in their detail.
Another standout quality is the music. It's characterful, lushly orchestrated and is not only dynamic with the action it even enhances it. The writing is suitably witty and raises a number of chuckles (even the very corny puns), while there are some amusing gags and an atmosphere to the cartoon that captures the fun and danger of the sport of bull-fighting. Would never do personally by the way and not my thing, this is going by its portrayal in film and cartoons which succeed in giving the necessary fun and tension.
Voice acting is good.
Overall, not one of Woody's best, still entertaining. 8/10 Bethany Cox
