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.
None of the previous episodes of 'House of Mouse' for me were bad, in fact they all ranged from good to great. Although perhaps my least favourite of the twelve episodes so far up to this point "Thanks to Minnie" is still very good, especially for its relatable subject and one particularly good cartoon. 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.
Minnie is also very easy to identify with here and actually saw a lot of myself in her in this episode. It is great for younger viewers to learn that spreading false rumours and misconceptions that can be very hurtful, and being a victim of it myself throughout my secondary school life (amongst other things that caused a lot of bullying) the story did resonate, was done very honestly though also brought back not so good memories.
It is really lovely to see a long neglected character like Clarabelle have a more expanded role, and her gossip does amuse if with the potential of it causing some upset like it does here. Goofy is very funny here, especially in the joke/door part and 'Mickey's Big Break'.
Of the two cartoons featured in "Thanks to Minnie", 'Mickey's Big Break' is the far superior one. Love how Mickey and Donald are written (especially Donald), their chemistry, Goofy, the often witty and side-splitting dialogue and the hilarious lengths they go through to make amends and put things right. Would have enjoyed 'Minnie Visits Daisy' far more if Daisy didn't irritate me so much, know that was the intent but most of the featured cartoons with Daisy in (especially when with Minnie) go too far in that respect. Why is it that Daisy is funny and generally amiable in the 'House of Mouse' stuff but can grate in the featured cartoons?
Love the utilisation of characters from various Disney films and cartoons. Especially are Goofy and the 'Alice in Wonderland' door and Iago and the Parrots of the Caribbean (Iago complimentary? Whoever thought?). Lumiere and Cogsworth have a brief amusing bit.
While not surprising as such on the most part, the story is lively and engaging, and don't worry it is not near as distasteful as the premise makes out. 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 though. 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, Mickey is deservedly an iconic character and of his voice actors Wayne Allwine is the longest serving one and my personal favourite.
To conclude, unsurprisingly enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox
None of the previous episodes of 'House of Mouse' for me were bad, in fact they all ranged from good to great. Although perhaps my least favourite of the twelve episodes so far up to this point "Thanks to Minnie" is still very good, especially for its relatable subject and one particularly good cartoon. 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.
Minnie is also very easy to identify with here and actually saw a lot of myself in her in this episode. It is great for younger viewers to learn that spreading false rumours and misconceptions that can be very hurtful, and being a victim of it myself throughout my secondary school life (amongst other things that caused a lot of bullying) the story did resonate, was done very honestly though also brought back not so good memories.
It is really lovely to see a long neglected character like Clarabelle have a more expanded role, and her gossip does amuse if with the potential of it causing some upset like it does here. Goofy is very funny here, especially in the joke/door part and 'Mickey's Big Break'.
Of the two cartoons featured in "Thanks to Minnie", 'Mickey's Big Break' is the far superior one. Love how Mickey and Donald are written (especially Donald), their chemistry, Goofy, the often witty and side-splitting dialogue and the hilarious lengths they go through to make amends and put things right. Would have enjoyed 'Minnie Visits Daisy' far more if Daisy didn't irritate me so much, know that was the intent but most of the featured cartoons with Daisy in (especially when with Minnie) go too far in that respect. Why is it that Daisy is funny and generally amiable in the 'House of Mouse' stuff but can grate in the featured cartoons?
Love the utilisation of characters from various Disney films and cartoons. Especially are Goofy and the 'Alice in Wonderland' door and Iago and the Parrots of the Caribbean (Iago complimentary? Whoever thought?). Lumiere and Cogsworth have a brief amusing bit.
While not surprising as such on the most part, the story is lively and engaging, and don't worry it is not near as distasteful as the premise makes out. 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 though. 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, Mickey is deservedly an iconic character and of his voice actors Wayne Allwine is the longest serving one and my personal favourite.
To conclude, unsurprisingly enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox