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. It was very bold to tackle smoking in animation, especially from this point of view back when attitudes towards it were different. 'Pipe Dreams' is not the only time Hugh Harmon, who did a lot of cartoons that had the cutesy factor, tackled controversial subjects in a darker way than usual, with it being done brilliantly in for example 'Peace on Earth'.
'Pipe Dreams' is not as good as that cartoon, but despite being a bit muddled tonally it is a very interesting cartoon that would have caused quite a stir in its ahead of the time portrayal of smoking. And is of quite good quality that is not near as sugary sweet as what is implied by the title and if you are familiar with Harmon's other work. Or anywhere near as preachy as feared considering the type of cartoon it is. Much better than what the rating suggests.
It is very well made visually, with it being beautifully detailed and a mix of vibrant and unsettling. It doesn't try to do too much while not being simplistic at the same time, the hallucinatory visuals being wonderfully surreal in a way seldom seen in other Harmon cartoons. The music is outstanding, lush, characterful with the odd haunting moment.
Also found it very interesting and informative, even when what is said is not much new through older eyes it is quite educational for younger viewers. As said, its attitude to smoking is quite bold and really does make one think about the negative effects about smoking, it may make smokers consider giving up and those with already strong views on it will not be converted (if anything their argument will strengthen). It is amazing though at how it actually managed to not be preachy or heavy handed, which to be honest was expected considering that it's a message cartoon and a lot of message cartoons have those problems (especially the ones tackling more controversial issues).
On the other hand, 'Pipe Dreams' isn't perfect. The story is best forgotten as there isn't one, basically it's visuals and action revolving around a message, and it feels over stretched at times.
The main issue is the inconsistent and muddled tone, with the shifts between cute and eerie not always being seamless which creates too much of a disjoint too often. Indicative of it trying too hard to appeal to a wider audience, laudable but doesn't quite succeed. The cuteness for my tastes did go overboard and 'Pipe Dreams' in all honesty would have worked better if either cute or eerie rather than trying to do both, with the latter being better as it would gel better with what goes on in the visuals.
Concluding, not bad at all and better than expected. 7/10.
'Pipe Dreams' is not as good as that cartoon, but despite being a bit muddled tonally it is a very interesting cartoon that would have caused quite a stir in its ahead of the time portrayal of smoking. And is of quite good quality that is not near as sugary sweet as what is implied by the title and if you are familiar with Harmon's other work. Or anywhere near as preachy as feared considering the type of cartoon it is. Much better than what the rating suggests.
It is very well made visually, with it being beautifully detailed and a mix of vibrant and unsettling. It doesn't try to do too much while not being simplistic at the same time, the hallucinatory visuals being wonderfully surreal in a way seldom seen in other Harmon cartoons. The music is outstanding, lush, characterful with the odd haunting moment.
Also found it very interesting and informative, even when what is said is not much new through older eyes it is quite educational for younger viewers. As said, its attitude to smoking is quite bold and really does make one think about the negative effects about smoking, it may make smokers consider giving up and those with already strong views on it will not be converted (if anything their argument will strengthen). It is amazing though at how it actually managed to not be preachy or heavy handed, which to be honest was expected considering that it's a message cartoon and a lot of message cartoons have those problems (especially the ones tackling more controversial issues).
On the other hand, 'Pipe Dreams' isn't perfect. The story is best forgotten as there isn't one, basically it's visuals and action revolving around a message, and it feels over stretched at times.
The main issue is the inconsistent and muddled tone, with the shifts between cute and eerie not always being seamless which creates too much of a disjoint too often. Indicative of it trying too hard to appeal to a wider audience, laudable but doesn't quite succeed. The cuteness for my tastes did go overboard and 'Pipe Dreams' in all honesty would have worked better if either cute or eerie rather than trying to do both, with the latter being better as it would gel better with what goes on in the visuals.
Concluding, not bad at all and better than expected. 7/10.