larocque492

People with curiosity about real problems with race, both in the white and black communities, will find this show thought-provoking. I thought the opening of a black-face party to be a bit cringe inducing, but it did serve as a powerful dramatic device, was not at all without merit, and was not written just to demonize the white people involved. Despite the title, this show's not really as concerned with white people as it is with the incredibly authentic experiences of the (lighter and darker skinned) black protagonists, who are brought to life with a range of good to downright excellent actors.

The first episode's kind-of-groan-worthy setup reverberates throughout the show, and topples a whole line of dramatic dominoes in expert and creatively satisfying ways.

As long as you are not a delicate snowflake who thinks white and black Americans are all holding hands singing Kumbaya under the peace tree after MLK died to kill racism so race is definitely never an issue anymore, ever (/s), you should enjoy this show. Its writers found all kinds of poignant and inventive ways to explore familiar themes, of which these are just a few: College students' desire to affect real change inside the most privileged and curated environment known to man, the hallowed ivy league campus. Establishment vs grassroots mentalities, and what happens when they butt heads. Color vs willful ignorance of color. Self-seriousness and single-mindedness of activists to the point of alienating those close to them.

It's also just really freaking funny. Watch it and let yourself have a few belly laughs. That's scientifically proved to be good for you, at least if you're someone who wants to live a long and fulfilling life. Come to think of it, so is thinking hard in new and uncomfortable ways, and opening your mind to the experiences of others not like yourself.

This is in the very top tier of Looney Tunes cartoons from director Chuck Jones. It feels more cohesive and less abstract than something like Dover Boys, but completely separate from his later, best known work.

It was produced in 1945, right as beautiful, fully drawn backgrounds for cartoons were reaching their peak. The animation of the characters is also impressive, and conveys personality much better than most one-shot characters. And as an added bonus, there's actually a great subtext in its unusual subject matter that could apply to any number of subjects, political or social.

When forced to interpret the situation of a steak gone from a plate, which owner wouldn't believe the cat was the selfish ingrate and the dog the stalwart champion? It raises some interesting questions about preconceived notions, though I don't believe it was intended to answer them or send any particular message. The last scene in particular gives the impression that there is indeed some serious motive behind the ludicrous story, related somehow to hero worship and public figures not at all turning out to be who they seemed to be. But this is just icing on the cake - even if you don't think about what it means, it's a wonderful cartoon all around.

(From LT Golden Collection V4D2) Frank Tashlin's cartoons always have a great setup - think of Porky and Daffy trying to escape the hotel manager. This one is a bit more basic but still fun, with Porky the owner of a poultry farm and a bunch of hens. A run-in with a chicken hawk quickly turns into a pre-World-War-2 dogfight when Porky, still very chubby in 1936, takes to the skies in his equally paunchy airplane. Really solid short with some very cool action shots. The creative black & whites often are the best surprises because they're so often overlooked, and this one is no exception.

A 10 line minimum for a 7-minute short does seem a bit steep, doesn't it?