The Bosko cartoons may not be animation masterpieces, but they are fascinating as examples of Looney Tunes in their early days before the creation of more compelling characters and funnier and more creative cartoons. There are some good cartoons, as well as some average or less ones.
'Little Ol' Bosko in Bagdad' unfortunately is one of Bosko's weakest, even in a period where most Bosko cartoons (from around 'Bosko the Drawback' to this) were barely average and very forgettable with a few exceptions (particularly 'The Old House' and 'Little Ol' Bosko and the Cannibals', two of Bosko's better overall cartoons).
As always for a Bosko cartoon the animation is good. Some of the most refined of all the Bosko cartoons, fluid and crisp enough with some nice detail and colour, it is especially good in the meticulous backgrounds and some remarkably flexible yet natural movements for Bosko. The music doesn't disappoint either and actually some of the best music in terms of how it's written and used in a Bosko cartoon, its infectious energy, rousing merriment, lush orchestration and how well it fits with the animation is just a joy.
One highlight is the Bosko and Bojangles tap-dancing, especially for the animation and how it synchronises with the music. Synchronisation and sound are very good.
However, wouldn't have minded the caricatures so much (far more memorable than a very bland Bosko, a limited character with little to do) if they weren't so racially stereotypical to even not bode well with anybody usually not so quick to dismiss anything for being racist, they also date the cartoon badly. The Fetchit caricature in particular really shouldn't be for the easily offended. This is coming from somebody who usually isn't easily offended, far from it, and tends to dislike criticising something as dated.
'Little Ol' Bosko in Bagdad' has very little that is funny (didn't laugh once and barely smiled even, a bad sign), has no imagination of any kind and too often lacks energy. The story is non-existent and the sluggish pacing and lack of laughs and originality do nothing to compensate.
In summary, very lacklustre at best. 4/10 Bethany Cox
