Review of The Three Caballeros (1944) by Ryan P — 26 Mar 2010

A joyous celebration of music and animation. Groundbreaking film making that makes it hard to believe this was released in 1945. Produced in part to improve U.S. relations in Latin America during World War II, Donald Duck is joined by two charismatic characters - cigar chomping Brazilian parrot Jose Carioca (first introduced in 1942's Saludos Amigos) and gun toting rooster Panchito Pistoles.

There are a few delightful segments not involving the trio which are all well done and fun to watch (particularly a penguin named Pablo who desperately wants to live on a tropical island). The animation is endearingly colorful and occasionally insanely trippy (especially throughout its manic, unbelievable ending), while also spending some of its time blending animation and live action together effectively albeit crudely.

Viewers must remember this is a 'package film' so it doesn't exactly have a fluid story, but is enjoyable and touching in its own very musical, expressive way. And it is over 65 years old, so it has aged fairly well!