While not an innovative one in animation, Looney Tunes did similar quite a few times, the premise (have a thing about good, promising premises which has always been a selling point) for 'Croakus Pocus' was very unlike the rest. The atmosphere is very different, with none of the other cartoons having this setting or spookiness. The witch is also a unique character for the series, in one of the few Tijuana Toads cartoons to have a human character as the opponent.
Despite being indifferent on the most part to the Tijuana Toads cartoons, there were a couple of exceptions that were above average. 'Croakus Pocus' is one of them, the other is 'Frog Jog'. It is not a great cartoon by any stretch in regard to animation overall, but by this series' standards it is quite decent and is much better than the mediocre (the general standard of the series) previous outing 'A Frog in the Deep'. Due to having one of the series' better opponents, having a different setting and actually being quite amusing.
'Croakus Pocus' is not perfect or great by any stretch. The story, not unexpectedly, is very slight and predictable (despite being unique for the series) as far as overall animation goes, with it feeling a little too derivative to the point of retread level of a Bugs Bunny and Witch Hazel cartoon. Except not as sharp or as witty.
The animation is not great too, it has its moments with the castle's interiors and some nice colours but most of it is too rushed looking and sparse. Wouldn't have said no to more gags and ones that felt less rehashed with the cartoon being a bit of a slow starter in regard to the humour.
However, the music (the only consistently good aspect) is light-hearted and lifts the spirits while also being appealingly orchestrated. Doug Goodwin always delivered on memorable themes and he did in the Tijuana Toads series. Did think that some of 'Croakus Pocus' is quite amusing, especially in the latter stages (such as the outcome of the taking of the potion), especially in some smile worthy lines. The ending was quite nice, if on the predictable side, with a nice cameo appearance from what looks like Roland from the Roland and Rattfink series.
El Toro and Pancho are actually tolerable here, with Pancho having one of his best ever lines regarding the hair. The witch is a Witch Hazel prototype somewhat, but is still entertaining and not too goofy. The voice acting is still broad but not overly so this time, with Anthea Lorde giving by far her best voice work of the series (which is saying a lot as she didn't do anything for me in her other appearances).
In conclusion, nothing brilliant but decent. 6/10.
