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Ducky
Horror Picture Show
One subject that almost always turns out creative in
animation is monster stories. They allow
for different interpretations of monster looks and mythos. Often, they astound with portrayals that are
more civil than most would expect. This
episode about monsters covers all the usual appealing qualities interestingly.
Scrooge comes up with another money-making
plan of turning an old boardwalk shack into a convention center. When it’s built, Scrooge gets a call from an
organization who wishes to use the convention center. This organization is Monsters Unanimous
consisting of monsters from all over the world.
Right away, there’s a sense of creativity to the monster angle with the
organization as a social group staying in touch. This setup is ahead of its time for being
done before the age of social media.
They all send letters and commandeer phone booths to inform the upcoming
convention where they’ll meet in person.
As for the monsters themselves, on their own, they’re just what you’d
expect. Some are duck versions of real
world monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein and his bride, a hunchback, and a
little man with a scratchy voice transforming into a werewolf. Others are their own creation like a blob, a
creature from the Black Lagoon, and a mummy who is made fun of for wearing
bandages. Together, it’s a combination
of experiences from the monsters and their powers.
The meaning behind these being real monsters
is also a huge factor. Scrooge is unable
to get them under control as they rush to their convention, throw him out, and
ruin the center. In addition, they use
his mansion as their hotel and are very rowdy and difficult for the staff to
handle. Through it all, it’s hard to
imagine that Scrooge can possibly get good out of this situation. With the convention center wrecked and needing
to give the monsters their money back if he kicks them out, much is working
against this business deal being successful.
The biggest thing working against Scrooge is the most problematic. The monsters doing their thing makes all of
Duckburg think they’re all Scrooge pulling publicity stunts for monster movie
marathons at his cinema. Their scorn goes
too far and makes them look close-minded for not considering all
possibilities. At least the monsters
themselves are likable. Despite doing
things wildly, they seem like relatable decent people. This is especially true through the friendly
bonds they form with the mansion staff.
Also, while Scrooge’s sympathy comes from unfair means, Monsters
Unanimous’ is more believable. It’s not
just about people not seeing them as real monsters, but also being scared by
them and bothered by their presence.
When they’re later seen protesting monster movies at Scrooge’s cinema,
they’re at their most relatable. Rather
than horror machines, they’re regular citizens who want to be treated equally. I will say that kids praising them for being
scary just as their protest starts does come a little too fast despite being an
appropriate conclusion. As for Scrooge,
he solves his problem by having the monsters give nightly performances. This is fitting too, but it doesn’t answer
why the law finds this ok. It’s technically another publicity stunt which they
were getting fed up with. Logic aside,
it’s at least a fun scene to end things off with.
Aside from a few storytelling issues, this
episode is a fun and creative way to show that monsters have feelings too.
A-
The Ranking
- Once Upon a Dime
- Duck in the Iron Mask
- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck
- Spies in Their Eyes
- Nothing to Fear
- The Uncrashable Hindentanic
- Dime Enough for Luck
- Duck to the Future
- Launchpad’s First Crash
- Jungle Duck
- Ducky Horror Picture Show
- All Ducks on Deck
- The Status Seekers
The next DuckTales review is on the Season 1 finale which places the show in syndication. It features Scrooge falling in love with a woman who's secretly after his fortune.
Next time on MC Toon Reviews is "Dinner for Four" and "Phoebe Skips" from Hey Arnold.
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