Do get a lot of enjoyment out of most of the Popeye cartoons. They are formulaic story-wise, especially the later ones and more Famous Studios' than Fleischer Studios' (prefer the latter's Popeye output in general too), but most are well made, they are entertaining if again more Fleischer Studios' than Famous Studios' and it is hard not to love Popeye and Bluto and their chemistry together. Olive is a little more mixed for me though.
With both Fleischer Studios and Famous Studios, there were changes of pace where there was either no Olive or no Bluto and sometimes it's just Popeye and different characters like animals and his nephews. There were also some "cheater" cartoons that varied in quality. A semi-remake of 1946's 'Rocket to Mars' (enjoyable if not great), 'Popeye the Ace of Space' is one of those change of pace cartoons. Personally find this cartoon the better of the two and it's a no-brainer, it's funnier, it has more interest value and it stands out more. Plus Jack Mercer, the best and most popular Popeye voice actor, voices Popeye here, whereas he didn't in that cartoon and it didn't feel the same.
'Popeye the Ace of Space' is interesting because it features neither Olive, meaning no amorous chemistry, or Bluto, so not quite as wild and not having their acrimonious chemistry. Instead having a different setting and different conflict characters, even if the conflict itself isn't hugely original. Story-wise, it is not as formulaic as most of the series which is a good thing, due to the things just mentioned. Of the early-50s Popeye cartoons, and the Famous Studios Popeye output in general, this stood out as one of the best.
It is one of the studio's most interesting Popeye, and overall, cartoons visually. Also think 'Popeye the Ace of Space' is one of the most interesting and striking-looking cartoons of the whole Popeye series (both studios combined) actually. Namely because it is one of just two Paramount cartoons made in 3D, the 1954 Casper the Friendly Ghost cartoon 'Boo Moon' being the other one, the colours are gorgeous to look at and the depth and detail of the backgrounds is to be admired. The music is equally outstanding as one expects from Famous Studios regular composer Winston Sharples in a way that is immediately distinctive of him, beautiful on the ears and its character is infectious.
The gags are many and there is nothing corny or fatigued about them, they may not be innovative but they are funny at least. The conflict has a little tension, there is a lot of energy on display and the martians are fun. Popeye is as ever the amusing and easy to like character and Jack Mercer doesn't disappoint with the voice acting.
Summing up, one of Famous Studios' best Popeye cartoons, of the 50s decade and overall. 9/10
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