As said many times, Fleischer were responsible for some brilliant cartoons, some of them still among my favourites. Their visual style was often stunning and some of the most imaginative and ahead of its time in animation.
The character of Betty Boop, one of their most famous and prolific characters, may not be for all tastes and sadly not as popular now, but her sex appeal was quite daring for the time and to me there is an adorable sensual charm about her. Anybody who loves those characteristics to her won't be disappointed, admittedly they've come through stronger in earlier cartoons when the material took more risks. In 'Betty Boop's Life Guard' she is as charming, sensual and adorable as ever.
Like 'Betty Boop's Trial' (except the story is a little more eventful here and the strange but fun concept gives more room for more of an imaginative streak), 'Betty Boop's Life Guard' is the sort of cartoon that does everything right and very little wrong, but at the same time something is missing in comparison to what made the best Betty Boop cartoons so good. Do have a preference for the more risqué, more surreal cartoons that are also richer in imagination.
On the other hand, as always with a Betty Boop cartoon the animation is very good, again as always rich in detail and beautifully drawn. The music is infectious and beautifully and cleverly orchestrated, putting one in a good mood and enhances the action wonderfully.
'Betty Boop's Life Guard' succeeds in the entertainment department, with some very funny gags and with everything going at a brisk pace. As said, Betty is characterised without complaint and the life guard is an amusing enough character. The voice acting is good as usual.
In summary, a very well made and entertaining cartoon that does pretty much everything right and little wrong, just something slightly missing. 8/10 Bethany Cox
