Was expecting something mediocre considering the rating and the general indifference towards Beans. After watching it, 'Hollywood Capers' surprisingly was a good cartoon, though not a classic and there are more compelling and interesting characters out there than Beans.
Beans himself is not a bad character and neither are his friends. Their personalities are not as memorable as Looney Tunes' later more iconic characters, that are also more interesting, more layered and less cutesy. However, they all are very charming, amusing, quite likable and have an appealing innocence.
There are more consistently funny cartoons before and especially since. There are some great moments, especially the nods to WC Fields, Charlie Chaplin and the cartoon's highlight Frankenstein's monster, the part with the camera-eating being the funniest part and the most inventive one visually. Beans' antics are cute and amusing, but other parts are a tad limp at the same time. Story is also thin and not much more of an excuse to string scenes/skits together.
'Hollywood Capers' animation is remarkably pristine, detailed and fluid for an early black and white cartoon, with the characters being well drawn and with imaginative range of expressions.
Its music is lushly orchestrated and rich in energy and character, not just being dynamic with the action but also enhancing it. Pacing is solid, and while scenes fare better than others there is a sense of fun and charm throughout. The voice acting is strong and fit the characters well.
All in all, was expecting a mediocre cartoon in 'Hollywood Capers', instead got a good if not great one. 7/10 Bethany Cox
