Robin Hoodwinked

There are many classic Tom and Jerry cartoons. Robin Hoodwinked doesn't quite hold that distinction, but it has and is a lot of fun(though I do think Down Beat Bear is the last Tom and Jerry cartoon that I deem as truly great). Certainly far better than what was going to come later. Tuffy's voice and dialogue do get annoying after a while and the story is one of those you've seen a few times before that you're not all surprised by the outcome. I was surprised by the animation though, the colours are beautiful and there is some good detail(Sherwood Forest is particularly well done), easily one of their better-looking cartoons without Fred Quimby in charge. The music is catchy, lushly orchestrated and does really well enhancing the action, and the pacing is crisp and snappy. The main story point of Robin Hoodwinked is Tuffy trying to get the key from Tom's stomach, and that was fun to watch without feeling too overextended. Tuffy's drunken reaction to the booze that Tom swallows is priceless. Tom is a suitably dastardly foil and Jerry has some neat facial expressions. Tuffy is a character here that you'll either like or not, and while I think his voice and dialogue get too much he does have enough amusing moments that allow him some likability at least. All in all, a lot of fun if not among Tom and Jerry's classic masterpieces. 8/10 Bethany Cox