Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes, Hanna Barbera, Studio Ghibli and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. With significantly broader knowledge of different directors, animation styles and studios, actually appreciate and love it even more now.
1933's 'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' is an example of leaning towards the cute kind of cartoon with a surprising amorous and sensual approach in alternative to the laugh a minute and hilarious kind, the latter being the one that a lot seem to prefer (understandably, though am hardly biased against the former). This approach has varied in cartoons. In some instances it has been very sweet and charming, in others it can be cloying and too cutesy. Generally 'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' belongs in the former category, despite the danger of falling into the latter with the premise. Was not expecting much from the director responsible for some of the Buddy cartoons that generally didn't do an awful lot for me, this was better than expected.
'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' has a lot to like although not a great cartoon, not one to completely overlook if not a cartoon to watch repeatedly.
Yes it gets a bit too saccharine and strange in places and it is best perhaps to not talk about the story because there really isn't much of one.
What 'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' does so well however eclipses these problems. The animation is rich in detail for design and backgrounds, vibrant and crisp. There is also a lush and atmospheric music score, performed with a lot of spirit.
It is hard not to fall in love with the characters, even if they are not especially distinctive, and it has enough likeability and personality to not be dull. 'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' is rich in natural sweet charm and some very imaginative ideas and visuals with a nice setting. There is nothing hilarious and the cartoon's hardly laugh a minute, but a good deal of it does charm and amuse. There are many fun moments and some inventive ones too, enjoyed how the music was incorporated. The pace avoids being too draggy, with it being full of energy throughout when things got going.
Summarising, nice and pleasant to watch if not a must watch. 7/10 Bethany Cox
