Fleischer Studios' cartoons more often than not amused and charmed and were always well made. Not without over-cuteness at times and stories were seldom a strong suit, but they were always made up for significantly in appealing characters, outstanding music and visuals that were inventive and with innovative animation techniques.
'I Never Changes My Altitude' is not quite one of the best Popeye cartoons or one of the best Popeye cartoons from 1937 in the best period for the series (the late 30s). That is not knocking it in any way as it's still a great cartoon and saying what was said about it not quite being one of the best 1937 Popeye cartoons is only because really that 1937 was one of the best and most consistent years for the series where all the cartoons pretty much were very good and more, great in the case of many. Everything that is good about many of the cartoons, in primarily the series' prime era, is here in 'I Never Changes My Altitude'.
Have no issues, as ever, with the chemistry between the three leads. Olive's material is not as interesting or as funny as that for Popeye and Bluto but she does amuse and it is not hard to see what the two see in her. Popeye and Bluto always did have stronger material and their animosity always had plenty of fun and tension. Both are obvious in 'I Never Changes My Altitude'. Absolutely love their chemistry, which is deservedly legendary and just sparkles in energ, while Popeye is immensely likeable with great comic timing (Jack Mercer's voice acting helps quite a lot) and Bluto is a mix of funny and formidable.
What could have been formulaic in story is instead done with a lot of energy, entertainment value that never lets up and fresh execution, with some creative moments when in the sky. Lots of gags spot on in timing, with not a misfire in the lot. An example of a memorable bit is with the duck and the spinach. As always, love Popeye's mumblings and asides and there were not many other animated characters to be as funny as Popeye in that regard.
The animation is smooth and detailed enough and the music is full of merriment and lushness.
Voice acting is very good, especially from Jack Mercer while it is not hard to see why Mae Questel was the most popular voice for Olive Oyl.
Altogether, great fun. 9/10