'Aladdin's Lamp' was seen with mixed to reasonably optimistic expectations. Despite Terrytoons being an inconsistent studio, they did do cartoons that were good and more. That is including the best of the Mighty Mouse series, an uneven theatrical series and Mighty Mouse is one of those pleasant enough but quite limited characters. While old, the Arabian Nights setting always intrigues and has leant itself well to animation many times. Personally love operetta and operetta-style music, something that 'Aladdin's Lamp' is heavy in.
1947 was not as prolific a year for Mighty Mouse as the previous few years, but there were a fairly big number of cartoons of his, alternating with Heckle and Jeckle (actually on the whole prefer that series, if more the earlier cartoons than the later ones). As with the previous years, 1947 was a mixed year for him in quality, some cartoons were pretty good while others were mediocre and he as a character was take and leave. One of the better cartoons of his from the year is 'Aladdin's Lamp'.
Like a fair share of his previous cartoons, 'Aladdin's Lamp' is actually at its weakest with Mighty Mouse himself. He does feel more like a lead and doesn't feel too irrelevant to the story like he can do, but he does come over as somewhat bland and one-dimensional and his role, which is merely there to move the story forward, is one that could be filled easily by any character.
The story is one of those melodrama-like stories that Terrytoons did a lot in the 30s and it is not just flimsy but it is also painfully obvious how everything maps out, the conflict and ending are very similar to many earlier Terrytoons cartoons with this type of story and it doesn't feel particularly fresh.
Despite all of that, there is actually still a lot to like about 'Aladdin's Lamp'. The character of Aladdin's daughter is adorable and alluring, her appeal understandable. The best and most interesting character though is the villain, who does pose a good threat and is also amusing. Despite being predictable the central conflict is fun to watch still.
Best asset as ever is the music, which is its usual lush and characterful self and essentially is not just part of the cartoon, it practically is the cartoon. The lyrics are basically the dialogue, which carries the story and not bogging it down or making it too cutesy or cheesy. The animation is equally great in quality, especially the backgrounds and landscapes which immerses one into the setting vividly, though the colours are also very attractive and colourful and never drab or garish. Nothing is completely hilarious, there are more than enough gags to satisfy and they are amusing and timed without flagging. It has a good deal of energy and didn't find myself bored or annoyed by any of it.
Overall, not great but pretty well done. 7/10
1947 was not as prolific a year for Mighty Mouse as the previous few years, but there were a fairly big number of cartoons of his, alternating with Heckle and Jeckle (actually on the whole prefer that series, if more the earlier cartoons than the later ones). As with the previous years, 1947 was a mixed year for him in quality, some cartoons were pretty good while others were mediocre and he as a character was take and leave. One of the better cartoons of his from the year is 'Aladdin's Lamp'.
Like a fair share of his previous cartoons, 'Aladdin's Lamp' is actually at its weakest with Mighty Mouse himself. He does feel more like a lead and doesn't feel too irrelevant to the story like he can do, but he does come over as somewhat bland and one-dimensional and his role, which is merely there to move the story forward, is one that could be filled easily by any character.
The story is one of those melodrama-like stories that Terrytoons did a lot in the 30s and it is not just flimsy but it is also painfully obvious how everything maps out, the conflict and ending are very similar to many earlier Terrytoons cartoons with this type of story and it doesn't feel particularly fresh.
Despite all of that, there is actually still a lot to like about 'Aladdin's Lamp'. The character of Aladdin's daughter is adorable and alluring, her appeal understandable. The best and most interesting character though is the villain, who does pose a good threat and is also amusing. Despite being predictable the central conflict is fun to watch still.
Best asset as ever is the music, which is its usual lush and characterful self and essentially is not just part of the cartoon, it practically is the cartoon. The lyrics are basically the dialogue, which carries the story and not bogging it down or making it too cutesy or cheesy. The animation is equally great in quality, especially the backgrounds and landscapes which immerses one into the setting vividly, though the colours are also very attractive and colourful and never drab or garish. Nothing is completely hilarious, there are more than enough gags to satisfy and they are amusing and timed without flagging. It has a good deal of energy and didn't find myself bored or annoyed by any of it.
Overall, not great but pretty well done. 7/10
