Wackiki Wabbit

Two castaways (based on Warner Brother's writers Micheal Maltese and Tedd Pierces, who also voice themselves) find themselves on a tropical island inhabited by one Bugs Bunny. Seeing as not too long ago these two guys were eyeing each other like they were both food, they naturally start salivating when they see Bugs and proceed to chase him down in order to make some much needed stew. This is another classic from the early years of Bugs and still remains as fresh and funny as it undoubtedly was when it was first released. This one is totally timeless. This animated short can be found on Disk 1 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 3 and includes an optional commentary by John Kricfalusi and Eddie Fitzgerald.

My Grade: A+

While not my favourite Bugs Bunny or Chuck Jones cartoon, Wackiki Rabbit is still a great cartoon with lots of colour, great humour and a wonderfully odd atmosphere. One does wish that Bugs had more to do here, despite being the star he does agreed play more of a secondary character to the castaways, albeit a very memorable and funny one at that.

The cartoon does on the other hand some really colourful visuals with beautifully bold colours, impeccably detailed backgrounds, some inventive 'surreal' physical comedy and well-drawn characters (Bugs' design is in early stages but while different he's drawn well and moves easily). The music by Carl Stalling is typically outstanding, giving the cartoon so much energy while also being richly and cleverly orchestrated throughout, it's also a perfect match with the visuals, humour and action and even elevates them to a greater level. The writing is fresh, razor sharp and brilliantly funny, some of it is bizarre but in a hugely entertaining way, while the gags are oddly surreal but inventive and quite hilarious, especially when the castaways are first introduced to Bugs, with the cooked chicken and the ending.

Story-wise, it's crisply paced, has a constantly colourful atmosphere and it's not too routine or predictable because the humour is so well done. Bugs is as always great fun though as said he should have had more to do, while the castaways (caricatures of Michael Maltese and Tedd Pierce, who also voice the characters) are a hilarious and an oddly-but- well-matched double act. Mel Blanc, Maltese and Pierce all give fine vocal characterisations.

Overall, colourful, hilarious and wonderfully odd. Definitely worth seeing at least once. 9/10 Bethany Cox

As this started, I was dreading terrible jokes from the two stupid men the whole way through. Instead - Bugs Bunny brings on a few clever gags! This is in no ways the best Looney Tunes episode, but it was worth it. :-)

This short begins with two castaways on a bobbing raft in the middle of the ocean, incredibly hungry (the bad jokes that this episode starts with do not follow on in the same way, by the way!). They wash upon, by good (or possibly not) fortune on a desert island. The first thing they see that looks like food is Bugs Bunny. Of course, the wacky wabbit realises that he may end up on the menu, so he beats it very quickly. Funny capers follow...

I like this episode because of the colourful backgrounds, the animation and character of Bugs Bunny (who always seems to be a good character in some way or another) and the humour. This is not the most funny of Looney Tunes, nor is it the most worth watching. If you are new to Bugs Bunny, I suggest you do not watch this first - perhaps try some real classics such as "What's Opera Doc" and "Bugs and Thugs" before you begin on this episode.

Anyhow, anyone who likes Bugs Bunny and stupid side characters will like this short. Enjoy "Wackiki Wabbit"! :-)

7 and a half out of ten.

This one is a cartoon classic. The two castaways are not only voiced by Michael Maltese and Tedd Pierce, they are caricatures of the two writers as well. Now, you'd think the rabbit would know which side his carrots were buttered on and be nice to two of the writers putting words in his mouth, but they get the same treatment he gives Elmer. Of course, they ARE trying to cook and eat him, so I guess it is understandable that he treats them rather badly. Excellent short. Well worth watching. Most recommended.

One of the most surreal and abstract Bugs Bunny cartoons: the scenes jump in vibrant and bold colors, swirling and changing in a mad scramble on a lush,tropical island. At one point Bugs breaks into fluent Hawaiian and says "humuhumunukunukuapua'a"! This is the name of the former state fish of Hawai'i (pending reinstatement as of April 2006). This little fish was a favorite at the Waikiki Aquarium hence, presumably, the title of the cartoon "Wackiki Wabbit". It's always refreshing when modern art, hallucinations, and ethno-linguistics join in a comic romp! Another interesting development is the characterizations of the castaways. Visually they play off each other in a Laurel and Hardy way, with a thin, tall man vs. fat, short man. As noted, they are the likenesses of the writers Pierce and Maltese, who also do the voices. This was a hallmark of the many Bugs cartoons that show real-life people on the cartoon "stage" via wonderful caricature---think Peter Lorre, Edward G. Robinson and Lauren Bacall, to name a few. This is one of my very favorites, and, I like to say "humuhumunukunukuapua'a"!