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.
While maybe not quite classic Popeye, 'Dizzy Divers' is still very good and very funny. Have always enjoyed many of the Popeye cartoons a good deal and like Popeye very much, Fleischer's efforts were always well animated and scored with lots of entertainment value and great chemistry between Popeye, Olive Oyl and Bluto. 'Dizzy Divers' has everything that makes the Popeye series so appealing in its prime era and does nothing to waste the three main characters or make them less interesting.
The story is an interesting and beautifully paced one, never being dull, if formulaic (not uncommon with the Popeye cartoons), though with a lot of variety and creative moments. The humour and gags make it even more entertaining with very amusing to hilarious gags, and the cartoon is hardly devoid of them.
All three lead characters are great, though Olive Oyl's material is not as great as Popeye and Bluto's, though she is used very nicely and her actions towards the end make for one of the cartoon's highlights. Those two are spot on and their chemistry drives 'Dizzy Divers' and has so much energy. Popeye is always amusing and likeable but for me Bluto is here the funnier and more interesting character. The ocean animals are fun and used inventively.
Furthermore, the animation is beautifully drawn and with enough visual detail to not make it cluttered or static and lively and smooth movement. Some creative little things too with the ocean creatures. The music is also outstanding, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Fleischer's direction is always accomplished and his style is all over it.
Voice acting is dynamic and of very good quality on the most part, William Costello and especially Gus Wickie give Popeye and Bluto so much life. Only Bonnie Poe doesn't do it for me, Mae Questel fits the character design and personality much more.
Overall, very enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox
