Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons.
Chuck Jones deserved, and still does deserve, his status as one of animation's most legendary, greatest and most important directors/animators. He may have lacked the outrageousness and wild wackiness of Bob Clampett and Tex Avery, but the visual imagination, wit and what he did with some of the best-known and most iconic characters ever were just as special. 'Tom Thumb in Trouble' may not be one of his best cartoons, but it shouldn't be dismissed as it can easily be for being a subdued effort for Jones that is more reliant on heartfelt emotion than it is hearty, witty humour.
Pacing may lack the zip that one would expect for Jones, something that early Jones cartoons have been criticised for. But really there is very little to criticise 'Tom Thumb in Trouble' for.
All three characters are immensely engaging and have a wonderful rapport with each other, very easy to relate to Tom Thumb. The friendship and love is realised beautifully and with a lot of heart. Shepperd Strudwick does understatement beautifully in his voice work.
Story is effective in its simplicity, is high in charm and cuteness and is very touching. It is easy to dismiss 'Tom Thumb in Trouble' as a sentimental cartoon that cloys too much, but actually to me the sentiment wasn't overdone and was well-meaning and poignant.
'Tom Thumb in Trouble' is beautifully animated. It's fluid in movement, crisp in shading, vibrant and atmospheric in colour and very meticulous in detail. Jones does direct very solidly. Ever the master, Carl Stalling's music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it. The use of pre-existing music is inspired.
Overall, excellent. 9/10 Bethany Cox