Lonesome Ghosts: When the cartoons are better than the ghosts

Is it worth your time?

If you want ten minutes of pure, hand-drawn joy, yes. You should watch Lonesome Ghosts today. It’s perfect for anyone who likes their animation bouncy and their humor slightly mean-spirited. If you hate old-school rubber-hose movement or get annoyed by Donald Duck’s temper, you probably won't get the charm here.

The whole thing starts with a phone call that feels like a prank. Honestly, these ghosts are just incredibly bored. They remind me a bit of the aimless energy in A Mad House, except with way more floating furniture.

I love the way the ghosts look. They aren't terrifying, just these gloopy, semi-transparent guys who get a kick out of being jerks. When they start messing with the trio, you can tell the animators were having way too much fun.

Small details that stick out:

• The way Goofy trips over his own feet is still the funniest thing on screen.
• The ghosts’ laugh sounds like they’ve been practicing it in a bathroom mirror for years.
• There’s a moment where a ghost pours syrup on Donald, and the animation is just deliciously petty.

It’s not trying to teach you anything. It’s not a masterpiece about the human condition. It’s just Mickey, Donald, and Goofy being absolute idiots while getting terrorized by spooks. 👻

I noticed that the ghosts seem to have more personality than the heroes. They have this weird, smug confidence. Watching them organize their little traps feels like watching a Rube Goldberg machine designed by a toddler with a grudge.

The pacing is fast. It doesn't overstay its welcome like some modern stuff does. It hits, it lands the joke, and it moves on. It’s not quite as weird as Betty Boop, M.D., but it has that same frantic 1930s energy.

I kind of wish the ending was a little more chaotic. They just kind of run away. But whatever. It’s a classic for a reason.

Go watch it while you eat lunch. It’s better than whatever is on the news anyway. ☕️