Sky Scrappers (1928) Review
BUILDING GAGS IN THE SKY
Diving back into the world of old animation, I decided to give "Sky Scrappers" (1928) a go, expecting a good time, and that’s exactly what I got. Directed by Walt Disney, this early Oswald the Lucky Rabbit short is filled with usual humor set on a building construction site, with Oswald, a Big Pete-style bully, and a Minnie-ish female character all involved in some knockabout antics. It’s a delightful mix of gags, physical comedy, and the kind of lighthearted chaos that makes early animation so charming. I had fun with this one but didn't enjoy it as much as some of the others I've seen.
What I loved about this short was the energetic physical comedy, which was really the heart of the short. The construction site setting offered a perfect backdrop for slapstick humor, and the animation makes great use of the environment to create a series of amusing situations. Whether it’s Oswald’s interactions with the bully or the way they use the tools and equipment on-site to set up pratfalls, there’s a real sense of creativity in the way the action unfolds. The simple yet effective character designs and exaggerated movements add to the fun, giving everything a sense of chaos that works wonderfully in this context.
However, while I did enjoy the humor, there were a few things that didn’t quite grab me. For one, the events that occurred felt a bit predictable and one-note at times. The rivalry between Oswald and the bully, though funny, follows the typical pattern of “comedic chase and fight,” which, while entertaining, doesn’t offer much variety. The female character also doesn’t add as much to the story or gags as I would have liked—she’s more of a background character than an active participant in the chaos. While that’s not unusual for these early cartoons, it did feel like a missed opportunity for some more dynamic character interaction.
Overall, "Sky Scrappers" is a solid early short, filled with the kind of humor and visual creativity that makes these old Disney cartoons so fun to watch. It’s light, entertaining, and showcases the charm of Oswald and his world of slapstick comedy. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of story or character depth, it’s a joyful watch that’s perfect for anyone looking to experience the early days of animation. What’s really been interesting about diving into these older animated shorts is how consistently enjoyable they’ve been so far. I’m very curious to see if there will be an old animated short that I dislike, because so far that hasn’t happened, I think. Each one, despite their simplicity, has had something unique to offer, whether it’s the humor, the animation style, or just the creativity of the time. "Sky Scrappers" certainly falls into that category—fun, quirky, and a perfect snapshot of early Disney animation. I’m looking forward to seeing more and seeing how these early works continue to shape my perspective on animation as a whole.
(3.5 stars ⭐️ out of 5). (6.8/10). 68/100
Sky Scrappers (1928) Review
BUILDING GAGS IN THE SKY
Diving back into the world of old animation, I decided to give "Sky Scrappers" (1928) a go, expecting a good time, and that’s exactly what I got. Directed by Walt Disney, this early Oswald the Lucky Rabbit short is filled with usual humor set on a building construction site, with Oswald, a Big Pete-style bully, and a Minnie-ish female character all involved in some knockabout antics. It’s a delightful mix of gags, physical comedy, and the kind of lighthearted chaos that makes early animation so charming. I had fun with this one but didn't enjoy it as much as some of the others I've seen.
What I loved about this short was the energetic physical comedy, which was really the heart of the short. The construction site setting offered a perfect backdrop for slapstick humor, and the animation makes great use of the environment to create a series of amusing situations. Whether it’s Oswald’s interactions with the bully or the way they use the tools and equipment on-site to set up pratfalls, there’s a real sense of creativity in the way the action unfolds. The simple yet effective character designs and exaggerated movements add to the fun, giving everything a sense of chaos that works wonderfully in this context.
However, while I did enjoy the humor, there were a few things that didn’t quite grab me. For one, the events that occurred felt a bit predictable and one-note at times. The rivalry between Oswald and the bully, though funny, follows the typical pattern of “comedic chase and fight,” which, while entertaining, doesn’t offer much variety. The female character also doesn’t add as much to the story or gags as I would have liked—she’s more of a background character than an active participant in the chaos. While that’s not unusual for these early cartoons, it did feel like a missed opportunity for some more dynamic character interaction.
Overall, "Sky Scrappers" is a solid early short, filled with the kind of humor and visual creativity that makes these old Disney cartoons so fun to watch. It’s light, entertaining, and showcases the charm of Oswald and his world of slapstick comedy. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of story or character depth, it’s a joyful watch that’s perfect for anyone looking to experience the early days of animation. What’s really been interesting about diving into these older animated shorts is how consistently enjoyable they’ve been so far. I’m very curious to see if there will be an old animated short that I dislike, because so far that hasn’t happened, I think. Each one, despite their simplicity, has had something unique to offer, whether it’s the humor, the animation style, or just the creativity of the time. "Sky Scrappers" certainly falls into that category—fun, quirky, and a perfect snapshot of early Disney animation. I’m looking forward to seeing more and seeing how these early works continue to shape my perspective on animation as a whole.
(3.5 stars ⭐️ out of 5). (6.8/10). 68/100
