The Loan Stranger

Was very fond of Woody Woodpecker and his cartoons as a child. Still get much enjoyment out of them now as a young adult, even if there are more interesting in personality cartoon characters and better overall cartoons.

That is in no way knocking Woody, because many of his cartoons are a lot of fun to watch and more and also still like him a lot as a character. 'The Loan Stanger' is up there with 'Woody Woodpecker' and 'Ace in the Hole' as one of the best Woody Woodpecker cartoons at this point in the series and one of my favourites overall too. One of those cartoons that starts off with the expected manic energy, and maintains it all the way to the hilarious final line quoted above.

While there may be cartoon characters with slightly more interesting personalities, Woody is still at his best incredibly funny, never obnoxious and very lovable self, summing him up in one word it would be wonderfully nuts. His personality traits are still evolving and while a few are different others are unmistakably recognisable. The fox and particularly wolf characters are great, witty opponent support.

As ever, the animation is great. Woody's character design and physicality have changed/evolved for the better. Even more impressive are the rich and vibrant colours, the meticulously detailed backgrounds and the quite smooth drawing.

Another standout quality is the music, with the joyful return of "Everybody Thinks I'm Crazy". It's characterful, lushly orchestrated and is not only dynamic with the action it even enhances it. The writing is suitably witty and raises a number of chuckles, especially the final line, and the gags are razor-sharp in timing and often hilarious.

Voice acting is good.

Overall, classic. 10/10 Bethany Cox