Have a lot of fondness for 'House of Mouse'. Love Disney and the concept was such an interesting and for Disney shows at the time a unique one. There are times where it could have done more with the concept, with showing more of some of the guests and not focusing all the featured cartoons on Mickey and the gang. It is however so much fun and how it makes an effort to retain the spirit of the classic old cartoons is to be lauded.
For me, "House of Crime" is definitely up there with the best, and one of my favourite, 'House of Mouse' episodes. As has been said in my previous 'House of Mouse' episodes, really like that it and the rest of the show tries to and succeeds in making the personalities of Mickey and the rest of the gang true to those of their "golden age" ones when they first came out (1930s-1950s), especially Donald. Except that Mickey is far more interesting in personality in 'House of Mouse', feels like a lead character, is used well and isn't over-shadowed by the rest of the characters. Minnie is also more resourceful.
The episode boasts one of the show's most creative premises and utilises it to full advantage. The identity of the culprit is not a surprise at all but how it's all solved still makes it involving, Donald and Goofy's arguing is very funny too.
'Mickey Foils the Phantom Blot' is to me one of the best, perhaps the best, cartoons featured on the show. The fun story that never gets too silly, suspenseful atmosphere, the crime-solving thrills, the character interplay between Mickey, Donald and Goofy (always delightful) and the Phantom Blot are reasons enough as to why.
The Von Drake cartoon 'Teledinger' matches the characters eccentricity, though it's a bit short.
It is always nostalgic seeing so many characters from various Disney films, shows and cartoons in 'House of Mouse'. Even those that don't get much exposure or forgotten. Character moments and little things are plentiful and lovely to spot. The Phantom Blot is a very memorable villain, while Von Drake is as deliciously eccentric as are his antics. The crime clues Mickey has to solve keeps the viewer on their toes.
While not surprising in outcome, the story is lively and engaging, kept afloat by the character interaction, characters and the atmosphere. The writing is clever and very funny, even with the deliberately corny moment and pun which made me grin rather than groan.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful, smooth in movement and with some meticulous detail. The cheap recycling footage for the audience reactions at the end of the featured cartoons does jar and annoy less, being less of it. The music is suitably groovy and cleverly used, while the theme song is one of the catchiest of any Disney show in the past twenty years.
Voice acting is very good as always. Corey Burton is always great value as Von Drake and John O'Hurley is effectively sinister as the Phantom Blot.
Overall, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
For me, "House of Crime" is definitely up there with the best, and one of my favourite, 'House of Mouse' episodes. As has been said in my previous 'House of Mouse' episodes, really like that it and the rest of the show tries to and succeeds in making the personalities of Mickey and the rest of the gang true to those of their "golden age" ones when they first came out (1930s-1950s), especially Donald. Except that Mickey is far more interesting in personality in 'House of Mouse', feels like a lead character, is used well and isn't over-shadowed by the rest of the characters. Minnie is also more resourceful.
The episode boasts one of the show's most creative premises and utilises it to full advantage. The identity of the culprit is not a surprise at all but how it's all solved still makes it involving, Donald and Goofy's arguing is very funny too.
'Mickey Foils the Phantom Blot' is to me one of the best, perhaps the best, cartoons featured on the show. The fun story that never gets too silly, suspenseful atmosphere, the crime-solving thrills, the character interplay between Mickey, Donald and Goofy (always delightful) and the Phantom Blot are reasons enough as to why.
The Von Drake cartoon 'Teledinger' matches the characters eccentricity, though it's a bit short.
It is always nostalgic seeing so many characters from various Disney films, shows and cartoons in 'House of Mouse'. Even those that don't get much exposure or forgotten. Character moments and little things are plentiful and lovely to spot. The Phantom Blot is a very memorable villain, while Von Drake is as deliciously eccentric as are his antics. The crime clues Mickey has to solve keeps the viewer on their toes.
While not surprising in outcome, the story is lively and engaging, kept afloat by the character interaction, characters and the atmosphere. The writing is clever and very funny, even with the deliberately corny moment and pun which made me grin rather than groan.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful, smooth in movement and with some meticulous detail. The cheap recycling footage for the audience reactions at the end of the featured cartoons does jar and annoy less, being less of it. The music is suitably groovy and cleverly used, while the theme song is one of the catchiest of any Disney show in the past twenty years.
Voice acting is very good as always. Corey Burton is always great value as Von Drake and John O'Hurley is effectively sinister as the Phantom Blot.
Overall, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox