"The Fisherman" Review: A Wild, Wacky Trip to an Island Unknown

"The Fisherman," huh? If you're looking for something that just kinda goes for it without much concern for logic, this old cartoon is probably worth a look. Folks who love the real early days of animation, especially the stuff with a bit of a madcap energy, will get a kick out of it. But if you need your films to have, like, a proper plot arc or characters that behave predictably, you'll probably just scratch your head. It’s certainly not trying to be The Gold Rush.

So, you’ve got Oswald, our kinda long-suffering hero, and his girlfriend, who’s usually a bit more chipper, heading out for a calm day of fishing. You know, poles, a little boat, the whole nine yards. Things are quiet for about two minutes. 🛶

Suddenly, they’re not just fishing anymore. A bizarre current, or maybe just fate, pulls their tiny boat towards this island that looks straight out of a dream — or maybe a fever. It’s not just an island; it’s a whole vibe.

This is where the movie really leans into the "crazy stuff." We see a tree that seems to be waving at them, like a person. And then there's this fish, I swear, it has a tiny bowler hat and a monocle. It doesn't talk, but its expressions tell a whole story. Totally unexpected. 🎩🐠

The whole thing moves super fast. One minute they're dodging giant, rubbery seaweed, the next they're trying to outsmart a crab that plays the trombone. Yes, a trombone. It's rapid-fire silliness. There’s a bit where Oswald tries to use a piece of fruit as bait, and the fruit runs away. I wrote that down. 🏃‍♂️🍎

The animation itself is pretty simple, but boy, it’s got charm. The way Oswald's ears bend when he’s stressed, or his girlfriend’s huge, expressive eyes. It’s not polished like today’s stuff, but it feels so alive. You can tell they just sketched these characters into existence with pure energy.

Funny thing, seeing Tex Avery listed as a writer and cast member here. You really feel his touch in the sheer chaotic energy. As for voices, you hear all these little chirps and boings. And yeah, Mickey Rooney's name pops up, and you wonder which of the many bizarre island creatures he's lending his voice to. Maybe the trombone crab? It's hard to tell, but it adds to the whole zany feel.

It’s not trying to teach you anything or make some grand statement. It’s just... an experience. Like someone just threw a bunch of wild ideas at a wall and whatever stuck, they animated. And that’s what makes it kinda special. It's a reminder of when cartoons were just about making you laugh at the absurd.

There's a scene near the end where a giant oyster almost swallows their boat. But it doesn't feel scary, more like a playful nuisance. The oyster just kinda winks after it spits them out. It’s a very specific kind of humor. 😉

So, yeah, if you’ve got ten minutes and a taste for the wonderfully bizarre, give "The Fisherman" a whirl. It's a fun little escape. Don't expect answers, just enjoy the ride.