A big part of my childhood and secondary school student life was watching animation. Needed constant cheering up when younger with a lot of adversity to face, with health problems physically and mentally, and struggling with dealing with bullying, due to being "different from the rest". Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry were particularly influential. With wider knowledge of styles, directors, studios and how it all works, there is even more appreciation for it.
A major personal favourite show of mine, which consisted of both animation and non-animation, during those times was 'Ducktales'. Although the humour and storytelling was clearer when older, it was still one of the most entertaining shows that graced my television set. With getting more out of the writing, getting the jokes and references more, 'Ducktales' is actually a show that not only has held up extremely well but it is even better as a young adult. As a child it was a personal favourite and it has held up very well. Just in case one is wondering that this is nostalgia talking, not all my childhood favourites have.
There are for me much better episodes of 'Ducktales' than "Duckworth's Revolt". Don't get me wrong it is a very good episode and an interesting one. Just that other 'Ducktales' have more imagination and thrills. As well as generally more memorable supporting characters.
On the other hand, "Duckworth's Revolt's" animation is vibrant and fluid, with a wide variety of colour and shadings. The attention to detail in the backgrounds is also worthy of much praise, though with occasional lapses in finesse. Praise-worthy too is the music, always an important component to mention and talk about in reviews. There is endless dynamic scoring, beautifully orchestrated, never jarring with the action and full of energy. Irresistible and unforgettably catchy the theme song continues to be, Disney shows in the late 80s all the way through the 90s were very good at having theme songs that stick in the head for a long time after. That for 'Ducktales' is one of the finest examples.
Like 'Ducktales' in general, the writing in "Duckworth's Revolt" has remarkable intelligence and boundless sense of fun, as well as some of the smartest in a Disney show. More so through young adult eyes (though it was still very funny as a child. Have found the same experience re-visiting other favourites like 'Animaniacs', 'Pinky and the Brain' and 'Tiny Toon Adventures'. The dialogue continues to be hilarious, quotable and surprisingly fresh by today's standards, also surprisingly thought-provoking. Admittedly did not notice the references to 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'Dracula' when younger, as they were films not seen as a child but seen instead for the first time in my late teens, though the 'Star Wars' spoof was more recognisable, but they come over as witty and inspired now.
It has been said that other episodes have more thrills and imagination, but that is not saying that the storytelling brings "Duckworth's Revolt" down. It is not predictable or repetitive, not taking too long to get going. It is immensely entertaining to watch and is energetic while the conflict is interesting, even if the outcome is not really in question.
Characters are as great as ever. Scrooge is still interesting and amusing, though he has been more likeable in other episodes. Telling Huey, Dewey and Louie apart has been much easier to do here than when partnered in the cartoons with their uncle Donald Duck, because their personalities are more distinct. Making the most impression is Duckworth, appropriate as the episode is centred around him. It was great to see more focus on him, with him being a supporting character for so long and it was appreciated to get to know him more and know more about him.
Never have had issues with the voice work on 'Ducktales' and still don't have issues here. The voice acting honours go to Chuck McCann, note-perfect as Duckworth. Alan Young has lost none of the personality and traits he brings to Scrooge that other voice actors could never excel in as well as he. Russi Taylor brings individuality and variety to multiple roles, she has always had experience doing that and has never been taxed.
Summarising, very enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox
A major personal favourite show of mine, which consisted of both animation and non-animation, during those times was 'Ducktales'. Although the humour and storytelling was clearer when older, it was still one of the most entertaining shows that graced my television set. With getting more out of the writing, getting the jokes and references more, 'Ducktales' is actually a show that not only has held up extremely well but it is even better as a young adult. As a child it was a personal favourite and it has held up very well. Just in case one is wondering that this is nostalgia talking, not all my childhood favourites have.
There are for me much better episodes of 'Ducktales' than "Duckworth's Revolt". Don't get me wrong it is a very good episode and an interesting one. Just that other 'Ducktales' have more imagination and thrills. As well as generally more memorable supporting characters.
On the other hand, "Duckworth's Revolt's" animation is vibrant and fluid, with a wide variety of colour and shadings. The attention to detail in the backgrounds is also worthy of much praise, though with occasional lapses in finesse. Praise-worthy too is the music, always an important component to mention and talk about in reviews. There is endless dynamic scoring, beautifully orchestrated, never jarring with the action and full of energy. Irresistible and unforgettably catchy the theme song continues to be, Disney shows in the late 80s all the way through the 90s were very good at having theme songs that stick in the head for a long time after. That for 'Ducktales' is one of the finest examples.
Like 'Ducktales' in general, the writing in "Duckworth's Revolt" has remarkable intelligence and boundless sense of fun, as well as some of the smartest in a Disney show. More so through young adult eyes (though it was still very funny as a child. Have found the same experience re-visiting other favourites like 'Animaniacs', 'Pinky and the Brain' and 'Tiny Toon Adventures'. The dialogue continues to be hilarious, quotable and surprisingly fresh by today's standards, also surprisingly thought-provoking. Admittedly did not notice the references to 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'Dracula' when younger, as they were films not seen as a child but seen instead for the first time in my late teens, though the 'Star Wars' spoof was more recognisable, but they come over as witty and inspired now.
It has been said that other episodes have more thrills and imagination, but that is not saying that the storytelling brings "Duckworth's Revolt" down. It is not predictable or repetitive, not taking too long to get going. It is immensely entertaining to watch and is energetic while the conflict is interesting, even if the outcome is not really in question.
Characters are as great as ever. Scrooge is still interesting and amusing, though he has been more likeable in other episodes. Telling Huey, Dewey and Louie apart has been much easier to do here than when partnered in the cartoons with their uncle Donald Duck, because their personalities are more distinct. Making the most impression is Duckworth, appropriate as the episode is centred around him. It was great to see more focus on him, with him being a supporting character for so long and it was appreciated to get to know him more and know more about him.
Never have had issues with the voice work on 'Ducktales' and still don't have issues here. The voice acting honours go to Chuck McCann, note-perfect as Duckworth. Alan Young has lost none of the personality and traits he brings to Scrooge that other voice actors could never excel in as well as he. Russi Taylor brings individuality and variety to multiple roles, she has always had experience doing that and has never been taxed.
Summarising, very enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox
