1950's 'Better Late than Never' is the first of five non-recurring character cartoons from the 1950 batch of Terrytoons cartoons. A year that was dominated by the theatrical series of Mighty Mouse and of Heckle and Jeckle with varied success for both series and saw the birth of the non-long lasting Little Roquefort series, which was a mixed if unexceptional series with a limited if not intolerable lead character. Mixed if unexceptional is my overall feeling of the studio's 1950 output.
Of which 'Better Late than Never' is one of the better cartoons in that year's batch. As far as the non-recurring theatrical series characters series cartoons go, it is one of the better faring ones as well. It is well made and good fun once it got going, with a lead character that could have made more cartoons if given the chance. Despite the story being nothing special at the end of the day. 'Better Late than Never' won't be for all tastes, some may find it too cutesy and bland, it just about did it for me when sticking with it.
'Better Late than Never' isn't perfect. It is a bit of a slow starter, lacking the energy that the rest of the cartoon once the action kicked in had. Giving the impression that it would be a slight and predictable cartoon.
And to me if to be respectfully honest the first third, which was a bit too cute and may tempt others from turning it off, did have that impression. It is actually not a novel premise for Terrytoons, the story for 1945's 'Smoky Joe' was similar. The female lead character is bland and is given little to do.
In my view though 'Better Late than Never' is worth sticking with as it does get quite a bit better while never becoming anything extraordinary. Once the action kicked in about a third of the way through it was good fun and became lively and more creative. There are some very amusing and well timed physical sight gags, not anything unique but they don't get repetitive. The lead character engages at least.
The animation is great. Of all the components of the cartoons from the studio, overtime this was the most improved, the drawing is smoother and more refined and the backgrounds more detailed complete with some vibrant colours that help make the fire visuals look as authentic as possible. The music as to be expected is outstanding, the characterful energy and sumptuousness of orchestration is evident throughout and it helps the action get the snap that is necessary.
On the whole, not mind blowing but worth the look. 7/10.
Of which 'Better Late than Never' is one of the better cartoons in that year's batch. As far as the non-recurring theatrical series characters series cartoons go, it is one of the better faring ones as well. It is well made and good fun once it got going, with a lead character that could have made more cartoons if given the chance. Despite the story being nothing special at the end of the day. 'Better Late than Never' won't be for all tastes, some may find it too cutesy and bland, it just about did it for me when sticking with it.
'Better Late than Never' isn't perfect. It is a bit of a slow starter, lacking the energy that the rest of the cartoon once the action kicked in had. Giving the impression that it would be a slight and predictable cartoon.
And to me if to be respectfully honest the first third, which was a bit too cute and may tempt others from turning it off, did have that impression. It is actually not a novel premise for Terrytoons, the story for 1945's 'Smoky Joe' was similar. The female lead character is bland and is given little to do.
In my view though 'Better Late than Never' is worth sticking with as it does get quite a bit better while never becoming anything extraordinary. Once the action kicked in about a third of the way through it was good fun and became lively and more creative. There are some very amusing and well timed physical sight gags, not anything unique but they don't get repetitive. The lead character engages at least.
The animation is great. Of all the components of the cartoons from the studio, overtime this was the most improved, the drawing is smoother and more refined and the backgrounds more detailed complete with some vibrant colours that help make the fire visuals look as authentic as possible. The music as to be expected is outstanding, the characterful energy and sumptuousness of orchestration is evident throughout and it helps the action get the snap that is necessary.
On the whole, not mind blowing but worth the look. 7/10.
