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. He is a lot of fun here and is never obnoxious or a jerk. He is suitably manic and while a pest (as he originally conceived to be) he is an annoyance to his opponent but comic joy for the viewer. The painter is a good foil and they work very well together. 'Arts and Flowers' is very good and compares favourably among the other Woody Woodpecker cartoons from this point.
'Arts and Flowers' only real problem is the animation, which is pretty ugly and looks like it was made in haste on a low budget.
Otherwise, the story is one of the least predictable for any Woody Woodpecker cartoon and the ways that Woody and the painter compete against other is done very inventively.
Music is bouncy, energetic and very lushly orchestrated, not only synchronising and fitting with the action very well but enhancing it. The whole cartoon goes at a snappy pace, especially in the second half.
There are some inventive moments here and the humorous elements are timed beautifully and often hilarious. The voice acting is very good.
Overall, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
