Inki and the Lion

Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes, Hanna Barbera and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. Actually appreciate it more even through young adults eyes, thanks to a broader knowledge.

Chuck Jones is one of the greatest geniuses in animation history, or at least to me and many others, but 'Inki and the Lion' while still a watchable effort is not one of the best representations of him by any stretch. Once his style was properly found, when his cartoons became much funnier, wittier, more inventively animated and iconic characters introduced and made household names, Jones did go on to much better things. 'Inki and the Lion' having said that is an interesting look at him in his relatively early days.

Although Inki is kind of cute and the interaction with the animals is amusing, people are not going to take kindly to the unappealing visual design of the character or the less than flattering stereotypical behaviour. 'Inki and the Lion' is more mildly amusing rather than laugh-a-minute or among the funniest cartoons around, and there could have been more variety in the gags.

Story-wise, 'Inki and the Lion' is likable and lively in pace but it is pretty predictable and occasionally does try too hard to be cute that it comes over as sugary.

However, the rest of the animation is very good. It's beautifully drawn, very detailed and the colours are vibrant, complete with some great expressions for particularly the lion.

Carl Stalling's music score is typically lushly and cleverly orchestrated, with lively and energetic rhythms, it's also beautifully synchronised with the action and gestures/expressions and even enhances the impact. All of those things Stalling was an unparalleled master at in animation, or at least in my view.

'Inki and the Lion' is amiable and amusing enough, the timing is lively and the animals add a good deal. The funniest and most interesting character in the cartoon is the lion, whose rapport with Inki is the highlight.

Overall, nice and watchable but unexceptional. Doesn't see a genius of his craft at his best or on top form. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Obviously, it's a little harder to laugh at the Inki cartoons nowadays, seeing how they portray African people (in fact, these cartoons are probably only available on YouTube). In this case, Inki becomes the target of a lion's hunger. Of course, the mystifying, immune-to-harm Minah bird - complete with his syncopated walk - might have his own ideas.

I think that they should eventually release these cartoons onto DVD, and have a disclaimer identifying that these were considered acceptable portrayals way back when, and they never meant any antagonism towards people of African descent. I think that they'd have to say something about like that. Anyway, worth seeing.