Variable has always been a good way to sum up the Terrytoons cartoon. They often had outstanding music and with some mild amusement and charm, yet variable in animation (something that improved significantly over time), characterisation (which tended to be bland leads and pretty fun supporting characters, especially villains) and content, with not much originality and a lot of their cartoons contained recycled premises and material. They are interesting though for anyone wanting to see old(er) low-budget animation.
1942's Terrytoons output varied in quality, most ranging from average to decent although with a few weak ones. Of the previous 1942 cartoons, weak ones were few but 'Eat Me Kitty Eight to the Bar' came off worst. 'The Outpost' is one of the better ones ranking it in correlation with the rest of the Terrytoons and one of the better 1942 cartoons. It is a decent cartoon with a fair share of good assets. 'The Outpost' is worth the look, if not one to see over and over, completest sake is the main reason to see it but it's not the only reason.
Of the two best assets in 'The Outpost', particularly as always with Terrytoons, is the music, as ever wonderful. It is so beautifully and cleverly orchestrated and arranged, is great fun to listen to and full of lively energy, doing so well with adding to the action. The other best asset is the animation, it at this point has come on a long way since Terrytoons first started. The ambitious, elaborate detail in the backgrounds is still great to see, as is the comparatively improved fluidity of drawing and movement, and the synchronisation in movement and sound is neat.
There are a number of well timed and amusing moments, and there is lots of energy and charm that doesn't feel forced. Many parts of it and the basic set up are nicely done, with some nice tension and fun if not perhaps imagination in the army/battle sequences. Gandy has grown on me since 1941. In his earlier solo outings he wasn't very appealing and was pretty bland, but later on especially with Sourpuss he became funnier, more interesting and more likeable. He is very well matched by Sourpuss, who compels more as a character and is funnier, despite on paper their chemistry not making much sense they do have a nice dynamic together.
'The Outpost' does have a very predictable and thin story though that is fairly familiar in terms of premise, both for Terrytoons and animation in general and it could have executed it more freshly. There was a sense that the studio had run out of ideas by this point and were recycling old ideas, while in this regard 'The Outpost' doesn't fare anywhere near as badly there is that sense still.
A few of the gags later on are not as fresh or as well timed and it can get slightly heavy-handed. It also peters out at the end, felt like the writers were not sure how to end it and copped out.
Overall, decent if not a must watch. 6/10 Bethany Cox