Born to Peck

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. 'Born to Peck' is one of his best but is an atypical effort for him, taking a more poignant and sombre as well as more reflective and nostalgic tone rather than the wonderfully chaotic and riotous one that one usually sees in a Woody Woodpecker cartoon.

'Born to Peck' sees Woody at his most likable and least intentionally obnoxious. One actually feels incredibly sorry for him and is moved by his heart-breaking plight.

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. The story is not predictable at all, and is perhaps the only Woody Woodpecker cartoon to make me tear up, unheard of usually. The ending is suitably ironic.

In conclusion, one of Woody's best even when completely different to usual. 10/10 Bethany Cox