A Polca do Pica-Pau

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. Have always loved Woody and Wally Walrus and 'The Woody Woodpecker Polka' is a strong example of why, again perfect proof of how well the two work together. Concept-wise it is a fairly familiar one and is pure fluff, but it is varied enough and far too entertaining to make that not matter.

Very funny and never obnoxious here (like him as a character but will admit that that trait has come through in some of his cartoons), Woody carries this cartoon very well. If you haven't seen him dressed up as a girl then you haven't lived. Wally is a great contrast, taking the butt of the laughs with ease but one does root for him too.

As ever, the animation is very good. The characters are well drawn, but even better are the rich colours, meticulously detailed backgrounds and smooth backgrounds.

Music is another strength here. It's characterful, lushly orchestrated and is not only dynamic with the action it even enhances it. The song, courtesy of the Starlighters, is a great catchy one too. The pacing can get pretty wild but never feels rushed, while the gags are never less than very amusing and are timed very well, the latter half as wild as the pacing humour-wise.

Overall, fantastic fun and what Woody Woodpecker is all about. 10/10 Bethany Cox