User Reviews

In 1950, the Popeye series was not near as good as it was in the 30s. While still liking the animation, music and voice acting and the cartoons were still funnier than most of those from the mid/late-50s (one of Famous Studios' generally roughest and most inconsistent periods overall), they didn't quite have the same energy and the stories were becoming increasingly formulaic with the lack of originality increasing over-time in the 50s.

'Riot in Rhythm' is a remake of 1942's 'Me Musical Nephews', which is not one of my favourite Popeye cartoons but is enormously enjoyable still. 'Riot in Rhythm' is quite well done and it's fun, though again it doesn't have the same amount of freshness and energy. The latter of which was livelier before and the cartoon is basically a respectful and faithful colour shot-for-shot remake with not enough of its own touches to make it stand apart, which does make one understandably question its existence somewhat.

A lot is done right in 'Riot in Rhythm'. The animation is mostly very good , the backgrounds have lost none of the meticulous attention to detail, it's fluid, Popeye still looks good and is recognisable in design and the colour is vibrant. Every bit as good is the lively and lushly orchestrated music score, that has character and adds a lot to the action and enhances it. It is also very important here and essential to the cartoon's success, it is brilliantly done here.

Popeye is amusing and likeable still, he is also quite relatable here, and Jack Mercer doesn't disappoint with the voice acting, really relishing the asides which are gold. The nephews are bratty but they avoid being too annoying and they are actually very funny, their actions and behaviour handled very cleverly. There are a lot of gags that are timed beautifully and are very funny and laugh a minute.

With it being basically 'Me Musical Nephews' in colour, it is less easy to forgive that the story is thin and formulaic with the energy (while still infectious) not being as crisp. Although there is nothing really catastrophically executed in 'Riot in Rhythm', it does suffer from being too predictable and too faithful.

Despite really liking the animation on the whole, there is a lack of finesse in spots, especially for the nephews that look a bit primitive here.

Altogether, decent. 7/10

Popeye's nephews are practicing their music which is keeping a tired Popeye up at night. After the practice, he agrees to tell them a story before bedtime. It's not enough and the kids are back playing their music. It's the last straw for Popeye. It's a Famous Studios Popeye cartoon. It's a remake of Me Musical Nephews (1942). It's Popeye and his nephews. It's simple. It's perfectly fine but not as good as the original.

Popeye's nephews finish their music practice and say their prayers. But they're not ready to go to bed. Popeye may want to sleep, but they want to play swing music

It's a happy respite from the usual Bluto-and-Popeye-fight, and there's a lovely door-slamming sequence at the end that finishes off with a lovely gag.

Popeye's four nephews are excellent musicians but they want to play all night, not letting Popeye get any sleep. The boys always get the upper hand as our sailor man is reduced to blubbering. Quite a slick presentation.