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.
Also have much admiration for Tex Avery, an animation genius whose best cartoons are animated masterpieces and some of the best ever made by anybody. 'Uncle Tom's Cabana' is very stereotypical, especially in its portrayal of Uncle Tom, and the stereotypes in design, speech and behaviour are not for the faint hearted or easily offended (even for a decade where racism and stereotypes were rife). Can see why, they are not particularly flattering and very unsubtle for Avery. It's not one of Avery's funniest or most inventive cartoons.
Having said that, it is the better one of his Uncle Tom cartoons and oddly enough there are more offensive cartoons, especially 'Angel Puss', 'Scrub Me Mama with a Boogie Beat' and the human Tom and Jerry cartoon 'Plane Dumb'.
Character designs apart, the animation is rich in detail, has handsome background art and lush colours. Scott Bradley's music score is as ever superb, lushly and cleverly orchestrated, with lively and energetic rhythms, it's also beautifully synchronised with the action and gestures/expressions and even enhances the impact.
There are fun moments, a less flimsy story than one would expect, lively timing and excellent voice acting from particularly Paul Frees.
Overall, not for all tastes but while not always my cup of tea it was interesting and fun enough. 7/10 Bethany Cox