Disney movies, shows and shorts have always had a large place in my heart, and I have always considered Goofy one of their best, funniest and most unique characters. It is very easy to see why in The Olympic Champ. The animation is beautifully done, it is crisp and colourful and the colours really do have a sense of life to them. The music has often been one of the best things about the Disney shorts, the rousing and texturally rich feel that the music has in The Olympic Champ ensures that it is not an exception here. It also does a fine job of enhancing the action and humour. The slyly written and thoughtfully voiced commentary/narration occurring throughout is just another strong asset, and how the running track is demonstrated and Goofy running around with a torch were fun, uplifting scenes. The gags are similarly clever, the one with the oil derrick especially is hilarious. Maybe there are more tighter paced Disney shorts around, but there is still great energy and I didn't find it dull really for a second. Goofy this time doesn't take on different characters and personalities, he is here just his appealing everyman persona demonstrating all the Olympic tactics to the audience. To decide which of those personas he's better at is difficult, as he is so great at both and at no point does it feel out of character when he does either, and he certainly excels here. Overall, beautifully animated and very funny with a likable and perfectly placed lead character. 10/10 Bethany Cox
