Michael_Elliott
You're a Sap, Mr. Jap (1942)*** (out of 4)Popeye is out at sea when he comes across a Japanese ship and it's his American duty to try and destroy them all by himself.Obviously with a title like YOU'RE A SAP, MR. JAP, you're not dealing with something that is politically correct by today's standards but that's why it's so important to remember that when this movie was made Japan was the enemy. We were fighting them in WWII and I'm sure Americans got a kick out of seeing Popeye beat them up on the screen. The stereotypes that are shown here will probably be offensive to a lot of people but that's why keeping them in context is so important. As far as the film goes, it's pretty fun as it's non-stop action and there are several funny bits including the tricks the Japanese soldiers try to pull to kill Popeye.
ccthemovieman-1
This World War II Popeye cartoon had some very good sight gags in it, and its decidedly above-average for its genre. It was nicely drawn, too, with some great angles, good detail and....well, lots of interesting sights.What it amounts to is Popeye out at sea in his little boat and accidentally running into a small Japanese boat, with two guys on it. (Incidentally, why were the "Japs" always pictured with big, round glasses and bucked teeth?). Anyway, these harmless-looking Japanese sailors want Popeye to sign a peace treaty. Oh, boy, thinks the gullible Popeye, "wait until the Admiral sees this!" In one of those great artwork scenes I was alluding to above, we slowly see how that little Japanese ship is really a big destroyer.....and Popeye is in deep....um, water! "Why, you double-crossing Ja-pansies!," yells our Sailor Man.How he gets out of the situation is fun to watch.
emasterslake
Like "Spinach for Britain" only this time we find our favorite sailor, on lookout for any Japanese enemy ships that come by.At first Popeye thinks they're planning on giving out peace. But soon finds out that they're messing with him. And soon it becomes a battle on board a Japanese ship.This and many other WW2 titles don't see the light of day, due to it having the Japanese drawn in a stereotype way. The title & song itself says it all, that it's meant to be an insult to the Japanese(as they were the enemy back then).Along with "Tokio Jokio" and a hand full of Snafu cartoons. This one's very misunderstood for it's theme. Not saying it's great in any level, just it's an example of how people were thinking during that era.Where can you see it? Good luck finding it on the internet. I advise those who are Japanese to not view it. As I noted earlier, that it's very insulting.
rbverhoef
This Popeye animated short, made after Pearl Harbor, shows us how he alone destroys a complete Japanese ship. First they offer peace but while Popeye is signing the peace contract they start attacking him. After they have hurt him a little he takes his famous spinach and shows the Japanese how to fight.For me the only funny thing was Jack Mercer as the voice of Popeye. When he talks he always makes me smile, but when that is the only good thing in a short it is not enough. In black and white the animation is not bad, although sometimes things look a little messy. For war propaganda is probably pretty good, but for an entertaining short today it doesn't work.
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