Have a lot of fondness for 'House of Mouse'. Love Disney and the concept was such an interesting and for Disney shows at the time a unique one. There are times where it could have done more with the concept, with showing more of some of the guests and not focusing all the featured cartoons on Mickey and the gang. It is however so much fun and how it makes an effort to retain the spirit of the classic old cartoons is to be lauded.
While not quite one of my favourite 'House of Mouse' episodes, "Humphrey in the House" comes close and is a hugely enjoyable episode. As has been said in my previous 'House of Mouse' episodes, really like that it and the rest of the show tries to and succeeds in making the personalities of Mickey and the rest of the gang true to those of their "golden age" ones when they first came out (1930s-1950s), especially Donald. Except that Mickey is far more interesting in personality in 'House of Mouse', feels like a lead character, is used well and isn't over-shadowed by the rest of the characters. Minnie is also more resourceful.
Although all the regular characters are great and true to personality with fine chemistry, much of the episode is centred around Humphrey and he steals the show. He is endearing and funny, showing why he should have made it bigger as a character.
Both featured cartoons are great, with 'Beezy Bear', one of the stronger cartoons of the unfortunately short-lived series of cartoons with Donald and Humphrey (all great), showing why the two work so well together. 'Hot Tub Humphrey' does very well emulating the spirit of Humphrey's cartoons and appearances, the rapport between Humphrey and Woodlore carries things beautifully and it shows that underneath all his sternness Woodlore does show genuine care actually for Humphrey and the bears it seems.
It is always nostalgic seeing so many characters from various Disney films, shows and cartoons in 'House of Mouse'. Even those that don't get much exposure or forgotten. Humphrey disguised as Merryweather was quite funny.
While not surprising in outcome, the story is lively and engaging, kept afloat by the character interaction, characters and the atmosphere. The writing is clever and very funny, even with the deliberately corny moment and pun which made me grin rather than groan.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful, smooth in movement and with some meticulous detail. The cheap recycling footage for the audience reactions at the end of the featured cartoons does jar and annoy though. The music is suitably groovy and cleverly used, while the theme song is one of the catchiest of any Disney show in the past twenty years.
Voice acting is very good as always. Especially from Tony Anselmo, a more than worthy successor filling in giant duck shoes to Donald's original voice actor, the legendary Clarence "Ducky" Nash. Corey Burton does a good job sounding like Woodlore's original voice actor Bill Thompson, who can be heard in 'Beezy Bear', without being too much of an imitation.
Overall, hugely enjoyable. 9/10 Bethany Cox
While not quite one of my favourite 'House of Mouse' episodes, "Humphrey in the House" comes close and is a hugely enjoyable episode. As has been said in my previous 'House of Mouse' episodes, really like that it and the rest of the show tries to and succeeds in making the personalities of Mickey and the rest of the gang true to those of their "golden age" ones when they first came out (1930s-1950s), especially Donald. Except that Mickey is far more interesting in personality in 'House of Mouse', feels like a lead character, is used well and isn't over-shadowed by the rest of the characters. Minnie is also more resourceful.
Although all the regular characters are great and true to personality with fine chemistry, much of the episode is centred around Humphrey and he steals the show. He is endearing and funny, showing why he should have made it bigger as a character.
Both featured cartoons are great, with 'Beezy Bear', one of the stronger cartoons of the unfortunately short-lived series of cartoons with Donald and Humphrey (all great), showing why the two work so well together. 'Hot Tub Humphrey' does very well emulating the spirit of Humphrey's cartoons and appearances, the rapport between Humphrey and Woodlore carries things beautifully and it shows that underneath all his sternness Woodlore does show genuine care actually for Humphrey and the bears it seems.
It is always nostalgic seeing so many characters from various Disney films, shows and cartoons in 'House of Mouse'. Even those that don't get much exposure or forgotten. Humphrey disguised as Merryweather was quite funny.
While not surprising in outcome, the story is lively and engaging, kept afloat by the character interaction, characters and the atmosphere. The writing is clever and very funny, even with the deliberately corny moment and pun which made me grin rather than groan.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful, smooth in movement and with some meticulous detail. The cheap recycling footage for the audience reactions at the end of the featured cartoons does jar and annoy though. The music is suitably groovy and cleverly used, while the theme song is one of the catchiest of any Disney show in the past twenty years.
Voice acting is very good as always. Especially from Tony Anselmo, a more than worthy successor filling in giant duck shoes to Donald's original voice actor, the legendary Clarence "Ducky" Nash. Corey Burton does a good job sounding like Woodlore's original voice actor Bill Thompson, who can be heard in 'Beezy Bear', without being too much of an imitation.
Overall, hugely enjoyable. 9/10 Bethany Cox