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Robinson Crusoe' gets the Ant and the Aardvark treatment
'The Ant and the Aardvark' 'Isle of Caprice' (1969)
Opening thoughts: The Ant and the Aardvark theatrical series is one of DePatie-Freleng Enterprises best and most consistent ones. Being one of the few where even the weakest was still well above average, something that those of the Pink Panther and The Inspector did not manage. One of the best cartoons in the series is 'Isle of Caprice'. Really liked the concept and 'Isle of Caprice' more than did it justice.
Bad things: Admittedly, it is not particularly high on the originality factor. With it being slightly reminiscent of Freleng's 'Rabbitson Crusoe', it is a little formulaic.
Good things: That though wasn't too hig a problem not with everything else being so good. 'Isle of Caprice's' animation is very well done. The finesse continues to improve in the drawing, but the rich colours, beautifully abstract backgrounds and the Aardvark's expressions and reactions continue to make, and make more of, an impact. The music is never scored with a heavy hand, its light touch being a striking asset here and throughout the series, it never loses the energy (the energy throughout the cartoon is constant too which is great) and its jazzy nature evokes a lot of nostalgia. The main theme accompanying the opening title sequence is memorable and doesn't grate, even when watching all seventeen cartoons in a row.
Like the previous seven cartoons in the Ant and the Aardvark series, 'Isle of Caprice' delivers on the humour. While the gags, even when not innovative, never let up on an energy level and the aardvark's expressions and reactions are beautifully done again, it's the dialogue in this regard that comes off best in unmistakable and classic Ant and the Aardvark fashion.
The aardvark may not be a complex character but he is a very entertaining and compelling one, and his conflict with the shark (similarly strong) is a lot of fun while also generating some tension. John Byner cannot be faulted.
Closing thoughts: Overall, enjoyed it very much and consider it one of the best of the series.
9/10.
Opening thoughts: The Ant and the Aardvark theatrical series is one of DePatie-Freleng Enterprises best and most consistent ones. Being one of the few where even the weakest was still well above average, something that those of the Pink Panther and The Inspector did not manage. One of the best cartoons in the series is 'Isle of Caprice'. Really liked the concept and 'Isle of Caprice' more than did it justice.
Bad things: Admittedly, it is not particularly high on the originality factor. With it being slightly reminiscent of Freleng's 'Rabbitson Crusoe', it is a little formulaic.
Good things: That though wasn't too hig a problem not with everything else being so good. 'Isle of Caprice's' animation is very well done. The finesse continues to improve in the drawing, but the rich colours, beautifully abstract backgrounds and the Aardvark's expressions and reactions continue to make, and make more of, an impact. The music is never scored with a heavy hand, its light touch being a striking asset here and throughout the series, it never loses the energy (the energy throughout the cartoon is constant too which is great) and its jazzy nature evokes a lot of nostalgia. The main theme accompanying the opening title sequence is memorable and doesn't grate, even when watching all seventeen cartoons in a row.
Like the previous seven cartoons in the Ant and the Aardvark series, 'Isle of Caprice' delivers on the humour. While the gags, even when not innovative, never let up on an energy level and the aardvark's expressions and reactions are beautifully done again, it's the dialogue in this regard that comes off best in unmistakable and classic Ant and the Aardvark fashion.
The aardvark may not be a complex character but he is a very entertaining and compelling one, and his conflict with the shark (similarly strong) is a lot of fun while also generating some tension. John Byner cannot be faulted.
Closing thoughts: Overall, enjoyed it very much and consider it one of the best of the series.
9/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jan 10, 2024
- Permalink
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