A really mis-understood film, Altman brings to life the incredible Fliescher Studio cartoons of the 1930s & 40s. Widely considered some of the greatest cartoons ever made (and rightly so) the Popeye in those cartoons was hilarious, mumbling wiseass, sarcastic and, often, risque comments under his breath; the type of cartoons that kid can enjoy but adults will get a whole different level of humor from. Wickedly clever stuff, years ahead of it's time, with Olive Oyl often matching Popeye comment for comment. (Years later both characters would be lobotomized and cleaned up for Saturday morning cartoons along with Bluto being renamed Brutus.)
Anyway, the original Popeye cartoons and Thimble Theater comic strips were filled with hilarity, adventure and great characters. Long before CGI Altman brings that whole world to life. His direction and Williams and Duvalls performances are amazing and hilarious.
I've recently upgraded my review from 7 to 9 stars due the the new widescreen blu-ray release. It's phenomenal. Enjoy.
Review of Popeye
