Doggone Cats

Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons.

Arthur Davis may not have been one of the all-time greats when it came to animation directors, and he was in the shadow of a stiff competition of animation directors (won't name them right now because that wouldn't be fair on Davis) with more distinctive and imaginative styles. He was nonetheless a competent director with enough solid cartoons under his belt. 'Doggone Cats' is not just another one of his solid cartoons, it's a very good one.

Sure, it does tread familiar ground in story and humour, particularly the story, based on a non-novel idea, that is very slight and ends somewhat predictably. Having said that, 'Doggone Cats' has very little wrong, there is enough variation and freshness of the gags to make them at least amusing, the best of them actually very funny if not quite hilarious, and there is a tremendous lively energy throughout.

'Doggone Cats' animation is excellent. Beautifully drawn, very detailed and the colours are vibrant, complete with some great expressions and Davis' distinctive style of the characters moving from foreground to background.

Carl Stalling's music score is typically lushly and cleverly orchestrated, with lively and energetic rhythms, it's also beautifully synchronised with the action and gestures/expressions and even enhances the impact.

While agreed not famous iconic ones, the characters are fun and interesting. Especially Sylvester, though Wellington is also very effective in the humour and sympathy departments. The chemistry between them entertains hugely.

Voice work as always is never less than great. Mel Blanc has the lion's share voicing all three lead characters and he gets to show off his unique genius and why he is such a legend in the voice acting world.

In summary, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox