User reviews

The previous two Bosko films, "Bosko's Soda Fountain" and "Bosko's Fox Hunt", were very good cartoons. This is because they abandoned the previous formula for the Bosko films. Gone were all the ultra-cutesy characters as well as the insipid singing and dancing. Sadly, when "Bosco at the Zoo" began, I could see it was a return to form...as it starts with Bosko and Honey singing a "La, La, La" song and skipping and dancing....stuff that no one could possibly find funny. Now I am not saying it's all bad...but that certainly WAS a bad start.

Once at the zoo, Bosko wanders about and is a bit of a jerk towards the ostrich. I liked this. But then Bosko felt sorry for the animal and began singing and dancing...oh, good grief, not more singing and dancing! Then, the rest of the animals in the zoo all start dancing and itching and moving about in what substitutes for fun and humor. There is a sequence where Bosko decides to start spanking the monkey (literally, not figuratively) and its BIG momma comes along...something Bosko did already in "Congo Jazz" in 1930. What follows is a lion attack but, sadly, Bosko survives.

To say I dislike most of the Bosko films is definitely an understatement. Looney Tunes' earliest films were mostly insipid...with little humor and a heavy dose of saccharine. Fortunately, when the Harmon-Ising production team left the studio in 1934, things did slowly improve. But you simply cannot compare these early cartoons to the output of the studio in the late 30s through the 1950s when their cartoon shorts were simply the best you could find...thanks to great humor, timing and characters...none of which you find in a Bosko cartoon.

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.

'Bosko at the Zoo' is enjoyable enough, if somewhat hit and miss. It has been well established by now that the Bosko cartoons should not be seen for their stories, which was never a strong suit (quite the opposite), and the story here is very thin and predictable. Not all the gags work, most do with the aquarium part being particularly fun and inventive but a few are spoilt by some truly stupid and questionable actions and decision-making by Bosko.

Regarding Bosko himself, he is a limited character with a personality that is not that endearing, entertaining or interesting here and too many times he behaves like an idiot.

Honey however brings a good deal of charm to the cartoon. As always, the animation is good. Not exactly refined but fluid and crisp enough with some nice detail, it is especially good in the meticulous backgrounds and some remarkably flexible yet natural movements for Bosko. The music doesn't disappoint either, its infectious energy, rousing merriment, lush orchestration and how well it fits with the animation is just a joy.

Sound quality has clarity and the synchronisation isn't sloppy and has imagination. The way Bosko is animated is well done and remarkably natural. The gags are mostly very nicely done.

In conclusion, enjoyable enough if not great. 7/10 Bethany Cox