Much of the output of Dave Fleischer and Fleischer Studios was charming and amusing, as well as well made with some of the techniques used innovative. Some of the output was a bit too cute at times and the stories were never a strong suit, but the characters generally appealed and the animation and music were a consistent strength, often outstanding.
Although not really the Popeye series at its best, all those elements are evident in 1937's 'My Artistical Temperature'. Have always enjoyed many of the Popeye cartoons a good deal and like Popeye very much, Fleischer's efforts were always well animated and scored with lots of entertainment value and great chemistry between Popeye, Olive Oyl and Bluto. Do think though that there are better representations of those than 'My Artistical Temperature' which had more room to be more creative than it was, it was a nice concept and had real potential to be one of the most imaginative Popeye cartoons and was executed slightly ordinarily. That is not to say it's bad, it's still very enjoyable but it could have been even better.
Like most Popeye cartoons, 'My Artisitical Temperature' is formulaic. But many others have consistently funnier and fresher gags and more consistent energy.
Did think that the energy occasionally flagged, particularly in the latter stages, and the material for Olive Oyl is not as strong as that for Popeye and Bluto, who have more to do.
However, the animation is beautifully drawn and with enough visual detail to not make it cluttered or static and lively and smooth movement. The music is also outstanding, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Fleischer's direction is always accomplished and his style is all over it.
A vast majority of the gags are amusing and well timed and Popeye, as likeable as ever, and Bluto, even funnier and more interesting, and their chemistry together drive 'My Artistical Temperature' with gusto. The violence comes thick and fast, without being excessive and the verbal humour is very witty. The voice acting is very good, with top honours going to Jack Mercer whose delivery of Popeye's asides and mumblings adds enormously to the entertainment value.
Overall, very enjoyable but could have been more creative considering the premise. 8/10