Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. Actually appreciate it even more through young adults eyes, due to having more knowledge of it, various animation styles, studios, directors and how it all works.
'The Captain's Christmas' is not one of Friz Freleng's best cartoons by any stretch, in an uneven "still evolving" period of his long career, and he was yet to be in his full prime and not yet found his style properly. For a relatively early effort, 'The Captain's Christmas', one of a short-lived series of cartoons and easily the best of them, is well above average but not great or a Freleng classic. He would do much better later when there would be more freshness and wit, more laugh a minute material, an even livelier pace and more confidence.
It is fairly predictable story-wise and the Captain could have had more to. do
However, the titular character and especially John are fun characters and the chemistry between the characters elevates 'The Captain's Christmas'. John is in it more and he is more interesting and funnier.
The cartoon is very amusing, actually hilarious in particularly the final carolling scene, and it goes at a lively and energetic pace. It is a Christmas cartoon but it never gets too sappy.. The dialogue is witty and clever.
Animation is excellent, it's fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. It's also pretty witty. The music is lovely on the ears, lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, adding to the action and even enhancing.
Voice acting from Mel Blanc and Billy Bletcher, Blanc especially with more to do, is terrific and full of character.
Although, above average and hugely entertaining but nothing mind-blowing. 7/10 Bethany Cox
