Was very fond of Woody Woodpecker and his cartoons as a child. Still get much enjoyment out of them now as a young adult, even if there are more interesting in personality cartoon characters and better overall cartoons.
That is in no way knocking Woody, because many of his cartoons are a lot of fun to watch and more and also still like him a lot as a character. Do like Woody and Buzz Buzzard together, and Buzz is getting stronger all the time with each cartoon. With that being said, there is a preference for Woody being partnered with Wally Walrus, the chemistry is more inspired, their cartoons often funnier and Wally is a stronger personality contrast.
'Scalp Treatment' is nonetheless a good example of a solid Woody and Buzz cartoon that actually doesn't have that much wrong with it. It is not one of Woody's funniest cartoons and story-wise it is on the formulaic side with the pacing to begin with not being as sharp as other cartoons of his.
Luckily, Woody carries the cartoon very well with good comic timing and a personality that does annoy Buzz but doesn't annoy the viewer too much. Buzz is a worthy partner, although one doesn't feel sympathy for him as much as we do for Wally. The two work well together, and the lengths they go to get the girl's affections and the whole stuff involving Woody's scalp are a lot of fun to watch.
As ever, the animation is very good. The characters are well drawn, but even better are the rich colours, meticulously detailed backgrounds and smooth backgrounds.
Music is another strength here. It's characterful, lushly orchestrated and is not only dynamic with the action it even enhances it. 'Scalp Treatment' is very amusing and well-timed, with the second half being typically wild. Most of the pacing is fine, with it coming to life after a slightly slow start once the conflict is introduced.
On the whole, solid and fun cartoon. 8/10 Bethany Cox
