While not one of my favourites, Ub Iwerks was responsible for a lot of interesting work. Especially when working with Walt Disney, his oldest friend and one of his best, and co-creating one of animation's most famous characters in Mickey Mouse. His career since opening his own studio had interest value but the quality was variable, often being successful in the animation and music but wanting in the story and variable in gags, lead characters and tone.
1933 to 1936 saw twenty five cartoons, mostly based on famous fairytales and familiar stories, as part of Iwerks's "ComiColor" series. The "ComiColor" series is very much worth watching and interesting, as is the case with many series some cartoons are better than others but there are no real animation nadirs. 1935's 'The Three Bears' is decent enough but not great.
'The Three Bears' is slight in the story department with not always enough content for the short length and is too saccharine, especially in the first half, and lacking tightness and variety.
One of the biggest problems is Goldilocks herself, instead of being a character to root for she is an annoying brat and that is quite a big problem. It does adhere faithfully to the famous original story which is nice, but this can come at the expense at the same time of having much new.
However, 'The Three Bears' is certainly worth the watch. It isn't too dull and doesn't feel too stale.
There are a few amusing moments that aren't too corny and never repetitive, the highlight being the ending, and there is a genuine likeability and charm. The bears fare far better and have cute and amusing personalities.
Furthermore, the animation is great. Meticulously detailed, fluid in drawing, vibrant in colour and often rich in imagination and visual wit. The music is cleverly and lushly orchestrated, is infectiously catchy and adds a lot to the cartoon. Along with them, the hilarious ending makes the cartoon worthwhile.
In summary, decent. 6/10 Bethany Cox
1933 to 1936 saw twenty five cartoons, mostly based on famous fairytales and familiar stories, as part of Iwerks's "ComiColor" series. The "ComiColor" series is very much worth watching and interesting, as is the case with many series some cartoons are better than others but there are no real animation nadirs. 1935's 'The Three Bears' is decent enough but not great.
'The Three Bears' is slight in the story department with not always enough content for the short length and is too saccharine, especially in the first half, and lacking tightness and variety.
One of the biggest problems is Goldilocks herself, instead of being a character to root for she is an annoying brat and that is quite a big problem. It does adhere faithfully to the famous original story which is nice, but this can come at the expense at the same time of having much new.
However, 'The Three Bears' is certainly worth the watch. It isn't too dull and doesn't feel too stale.
There are a few amusing moments that aren't too corny and never repetitive, the highlight being the ending, and there is a genuine likeability and charm. The bears fare far better and have cute and amusing personalities.
Furthermore, the animation is great. Meticulously detailed, fluid in drawing, vibrant in colour and often rich in imagination and visual wit. The music is cleverly and lushly orchestrated, is infectiously catchy and adds a lot to the cartoon. Along with them, the hilarious ending makes the cartoon worthwhile.
In summary, decent. 6/10 Bethany Cox
