"The Three Caballeros" is a much more solid product than "Saludos Amigos." The animation is better, there appears to be a lot more passion put into it, unlike "Saludos Amigos," where the only segment with that true Disney flair was the last ten minutes or so in Brazil. In "Caballeros," the colours just pop, the characters leap off the screen. It's wonderful to look at, if not a tad exhausting. Much like "Saludos Amigos," it tries to be an educational piece, telling American audiences little tidbits about their South American and Mexican neighbours. It was, as was its sister picture, an attempt at showing harmony between South and North America.
There is not much in terms of plot. The framing device is Donald Duck opening some birthday presents, which transport him to different places in Central and South America. There are some short films, such as a little boy and his flying burro, a penguin who wants to live in the sun, and so on. These shorts are much more entertaining than those in "Saludos Amigos." We also have the welcome return of José Carioca, the green parrot, who brings Donald to Bahía, where they lust after a live action woman (Aurora Miranda), who is selling cookies. There is also the introduction of our Mexican mascot, Panchito, a hyperactive rooster who dons a sombrero and carries a pair of pistols. He's as much fun as José, if only crazier. Panchito tells a very interesting story about Las Posadas, a Mexican Christmas tradition, which implements the use of the piñata. Using a magic carpet, or sarape, Panchito flies Donald and José to various places in Mexico, such as Acapulco and Pátzcuaro, where they learn various Mexican dances, and where Donald tries to get it on with the ladies. You read that right, Donald tries to get some tail on a Mexican beach. I hope Daisy doesn't find out! This is a fun little film. The main trio are enjoyable and charismatic (more so José and Panchito), and the animation is bright and well crafted, and brilliantly timed. There is also some live action and cartoon mixing, which is not as impressive as later Disney ventures, but still impressive for this time. The ending gets a bit too heavy on the dancing and partying, and never slows down to take a breather. There is a lack of focus, but it seems that was the intention. Regardless, the animation is so nice, the characters so likable, and the music so catchy and fun, that it makes "The Three Caballeros" a unique, enjoyable experience, with plenty of culture and atmosphere.
There is not much in terms of plot. The framing device is Donald Duck opening some birthday presents, which transport him to different places in Central and South America. There are some short films, such as a little boy and his flying burro, a penguin who wants to live in the sun, and so on. These shorts are much more entertaining than those in "Saludos Amigos." We also have the welcome return of José Carioca, the green parrot, who brings Donald to Bahía, where they lust after a live action woman (Aurora Miranda), who is selling cookies. There is also the introduction of our Mexican mascot, Panchito, a hyperactive rooster who dons a sombrero and carries a pair of pistols. He's as much fun as José, if only crazier. Panchito tells a very interesting story about Las Posadas, a Mexican Christmas tradition, which implements the use of the piñata. Using a magic carpet, or sarape, Panchito flies Donald and José to various places in Mexico, such as Acapulco and Pátzcuaro, where they learn various Mexican dances, and where Donald tries to get it on with the ladies. You read that right, Donald tries to get some tail on a Mexican beach. I hope Daisy doesn't find out! This is a fun little film. The main trio are enjoyable and charismatic (more so José and Panchito), and the animation is bright and well crafted, and brilliantly timed. There is also some live action and cartoon mixing, which is not as impressive as later Disney ventures, but still impressive for this time. The ending gets a bit too heavy on the dancing and partying, and never slows down to take a breather. There is a lack of focus, but it seems that was the intention. Regardless, the animation is so nice, the characters so likable, and the music so catchy and fun, that it makes "The Three Caballeros" a unique, enjoyable experience, with plenty of culture and atmosphere.