← Back to Reviews
in
That's how an online critic describes this early Mickey Mouse short, and he's not that far off. As the title implies, Barnyard Olympics follows a series of sports events set in a barnyard-like environment. We have boxing, wrestling, diving, and even a marching band. The main event, however, is this heptathlon-like cross country race where competitors have to run, row, cycle, and much more.
I had already seen most of this short at some point long ago, but especially as my kids watched it. They really enjoy most of Mickey stuff, including the early ones, and this was no exception. Like the quote above, it is full of fun visual gags and jokes from start to finish, starting with a fun one as the camera pans across the "stadium" and two characters break the fourth wall as they notice the "camera".
The first half of the short focuses on multiple events, which allows the animators to showcase different tricks and techniques. Once the race starts, it is indeed fast and exciting as we see the different ways that Mickey has to outsmart his nemesis Pete. The animation is gorgeously simple and fun to look at, which indeed results in one of Mickey's finest.
Grade:
BARNYARD OLYMPICS
(1932, Jackson)
(1932, Jackson)
"It’s a brilliant gag cartoon: it’s fast, consistent and exciting, and without doubt one of Mickey’s finest."
That's how an online critic describes this early Mickey Mouse short, and he's not that far off. As the title implies, Barnyard Olympics follows a series of sports events set in a barnyard-like environment. We have boxing, wrestling, diving, and even a marching band. The main event, however, is this heptathlon-like cross country race where competitors have to run, row, cycle, and much more.
I had already seen most of this short at some point long ago, but especially as my kids watched it. They really enjoy most of Mickey stuff, including the early ones, and this was no exception. Like the quote above, it is full of fun visual gags and jokes from start to finish, starting with a fun one as the camera pans across the "stadium" and two characters break the fourth wall as they notice the "camera".
The first half of the short focuses on multiple events, which allows the animators to showcase different tricks and techniques. Once the race starts, it is indeed fast and exciting as we see the different ways that Mickey has to outsmart his nemesis Pete. The animation is gorgeously simple and fun to look at, which indeed results in one of Mickey's finest.
Grade: