Mexican Boarders

Mexican Boarders is perhaps a little too short, a little leisurely in the pacing and a little too slight in the story department. However, it is one of the better Speedy cartoons, as it is pretty funny. And I have to say the animation is an improvement over other Speedy cartoons, it is much more thought-out in the backgrounds and colours, and the music is good too, there have been times I have found it too repetitive and annoying, but it was good and authentic here. The dialogue is funny and the sight gags are clever. Speedy is less abrasive here than he has been, which is a good thing, while Slowpoke Rodriguez is an amusing supporting character, but it is Sylvester who steals the show. As always, Mel Blanc's voice work is outstanding. Overall, entertaining and worthwhile, not really a classic but it is an improvement over other Speedy cartoons. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Usually, I don't think about whether or not extreme velocity runs in Speedy Gonzales's family. If so, it must not affect everyone, as his cousin Slowpoke Rodriguez is the most unhurried mouse in Mexico. But that gives "Mexican Boarders" an interesting aspect. In this cartoon, Speedy lives in the same house as Sylvester. As the most accelerated rodent in the United Mexican States, Speedy naturally never has to worry about Sylvester catching him (especially since Sylvester apparently suffers from listlessness).

Anyway, one day there arrives Slowpoke, who has even less energy than Sylvester. But Slowpoke is desperately hungry, and only Speedy can get the food. I shouldn't have to tell you what Speedy does to Sylvester, but I will say that one trick involves Tabasco sauce! The lackadaisical Slowpoke is certainly an eye-opening counterbalance to the expeditious Speedy, and he eventually plays a bigger role than we assumed. He even sings "La cucaracha" and includes the line "marijuana que fumar"! So I like this cartoon.

And yes, Sylvester is kind of stupid. Unfortunately, dictators get stupid people to carry out their evil deeds (of course, I'm not comparing Speedy and relatives to despots).