Ub Iwerks's Willie Whopper series of cartoons was short-lived, only lasting a year from 1933 to 1934. On the most part the Willie Whopper cartoons are not great or cartoon/animated masterpieces and it is sort of understandable as to why Willie didn't make it bigger. However they are far from terrible ones either and do amuse and charm.
1934's 'Jungle Jitters' is one of the weaker Willie Whopper cartoons to me. It's still pretty entertaining though. And this is coming from somebody who has only just gotten acquainted with the series as a huge animation fan. Just don't expect a masterpiece or too much.
'Jungle Jitters' is on the formulaic side with conflict that is somewhat predictable, it is not hard to figure out at all how it all ends or what goes on in the cartoon.
Willie himself is a bit bland and a fairly limited character, while still being likeable, and his material is more repetitive than it usually is. The cannibal characters are stereotypical and not for the easily offended, especially the cook.
However, there is a lot of nice background work, smooth drawing, lively black and white (although it was originally meant to be in colour) and inventive little things. The music is energetic and characterful with appealing orchestration. The cartoon goes at a lively pace, has an appealing charm, is amusing and the tale is wonderfully outlandish.
There are a lot of very amusing and sweet little laughs which makes it entertaining. Although slightly bland, Willie avoids being annoying and he avoids being sickly sweet as well, fairly likeable. Some of the supporting characters are lively enough. The setting is nicely done though it has been handled more inventively elsewhere. The ending is cute.
In summary, pretty entertaining but Willie Whopper has done better. 6/10 Bethany Cox
