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.
"Not So Goofy" does nothing to change my mind on this. While not one of my favourites, it is very well done and entertaining. 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.
For Goofy fans it's a delight, the show generally does a great job giving him very human and relatable stories where one can see all view-points. It is always frustrating when somebody's character flaw (that also actually sets them apart), in Goofy's case his clumsiness, is a hindrance, but the episode also shows that trying to change somebody is not always a good thing.
Of the three featured cartoons, the very clever and hilarious 'Roller Coaster Painters' comes off best, it is always delightful to see Mickey, Goofy and Donald together with them working so well and all three being true to personality. 'How to Wash Dishes' is not particularly illuminating or educational but it is still fun to watch. 'Whiteboarding' shows off Goofy's funny but endearing ineptitude at tasks the clever sight gags much more, and although far from a sports fan it did hold interest.
The episode is yet another good example of the nostalgia one feels watching characters from various Disney classics. The best scene in this regard is "My Name is Panchito", anybody who loves The Three Caballeros (the trio of Panchito, Jose and Donald) will like this.
While not surprising as such on the most part, the story is lively and engaging, as well as rootable. 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, especially from Bill Farmer and Corey Burton fills the narrator role very well.
On the whole, very enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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