Like the character of Popeye very much, have said this more than once. The odd disappointing one aside, really like to love a vast majority of his cartoons. If more Fleischer's output than Famous Studios'. Fleischer's Popeye cartoons tended to be funnier, more imaginative and better made, Famous Studios' on the most part entertained though their later Popeye, and overall filmography actually, cartoons had tighter deadlines and lower budgets evident which accounted for the animation not being as good, less surprises and the material not as imaginative.
'Woodpeckin' is one of the lesser known and seen Popeye cartoons and for a Popeye cartoon on this site it's quite lowly rated. In my mind, it does deserve to be known and seen more and is far from being one of the weaker Popeye cartoons made during the second world war (if not quite one of the best at the same time). Actually consider it better than a few of the higher rated ones as far as this particular period for Popeye goes. Although the second world war-period Popeye cartoons were a mixed bag, all were at least watchable and a lot of them quite good even if heavy-handedness could be seen in a good deal of them.
Some of it is predictable, more imagination in some of the material to make it feel fresher would have helped. The cartoon is full of energy, but parts are a touch on the too frenetic side so some of it is a little rushed.
Occasionally, some of the drawing could have been a little smoother.
However, most of the animation is fine, simple but has some nice detail in the backgrounds, the shading is crisp and the character designs are far from ugly or off. The inventive overhead shots are striking. Even better is the music (always important for me to talk about and Popeye cartoons always fared very well in this respect), again lush and cleverly orchestrated and doing so well adding to and enhancing the action. The dialogue amuses a lot, the gags are plenty and most hit the mark thanks to crisp timing, some creative visuals and the vocal delivery, and even more so the increasingly wild action. While not what one would call hilarious, 'Woodpeckin' is amusing and doesn't ever feel repetitive or dragged out.
Popeye is amusing and likeable, with great rapport with the woodpecker, and Jack Mercer as always does a great job voicing him, as ever relishing his asides. 'Woodpeckin' is a case of a supporting character being funnier and more interesting than Popeye, with the woodpecker being a great foil and really enjoyed the chemistry between the two.
In summary, enjoyable Popeye cartoon. 7/10 Bethany Cox.