Dave Fleischer was responsible for many gems. Ones that were amusing and charming, though over-cuteness did come through in some efforts and the stories were always pretty thin, with appealing characters, outstanding music and visuals that were inventive and with innovative animation techniques.
Ko-Ko similarly was an always amiable character to watch and among the better recurring characters in Fleischer's early work. Likewise, his series of Out of the Inkwell cartoons were among the best early efforts of Fleischer and silent cartoons in general. 'Ko-Ko the Kid' is not the finest example of that, and there are far better Ko-Ko and Fleischer cartoons. Nonetheless it's still pretty enjoyable.
Like all Ko-Ko cartoons, there is not much special or anything much for that matter to the story, although the concept and its execution is neat and up to this point unique for a Ko-Ko cartoon. Other cartoons before and since are livelier in pace too, momentum is not always consistent it felt here.
A couple of the gags could have been more inventive and wild and unfortunately there are splashes of some questionable material.
Having said that, there is a good deal to like here. It is amusing, with delightful character interplay and the animation and the live action, together and individually, are handled very well.
One expects the animation to be primitive and very low quality, judging by that it's the early 20s when animation techniques were not as many, as refined, as ambitious and in their infancy. While Fleischer became more refined and inventive later certainly, the animation is surprisingly good with some nice visual wackiness and wit. The live action is nicely shot.
Mostly 'Ko-Ko the Kid' has a liveliness and most of the gags are clever and funny with good wacky timing. Koko as ever is very likeable and amusing. Likewise with Fitz and it is hard not to enjoy the contributions of the Fleischer brothers. The baby too is adorable.
To conclude, pretty enjoyable and well done, just not mind-blowing. 7/10 Bethany Cox
