I had never seen the Popeye movie until recently. I had wanted to see it after Robin Williams passed away because it was one of his first movies. I have to say that amidst a number of issues, I actually think Popeye has some redeeming qualities.
Popeye is the story of...well...Popeye and his adventures in the town of Sweethaven. As I said before, I actually found this movie quite enjoyable even though it is a relatively slow movie, and is just on the brink of falling apart in the second half. From a cinematography standpoint, I love the way this movie looks. Beautiful sets and miniatures are utilized to perfection. It is also very rare to have a movie that functions so much on gags work so well, but Popeye is a movie that is very funny to watch. The boxing match with Popeye and Bluto's "I'm Mean" musical number are the highlights of the film. That being said, I am still not sure why this movie is a musical. I suppose the producers of the film had to find an excuse for Popeye to sing "Popeye the Sailor Man". I mean, it would not make much sense if he burst into song in the middle of a movie that was NOT a musical, right? Also, Popeye and Olive Oyl recieve Swee'pea in a basket when Olive's luggage is stolen, however Olive is not interested at all in the fact that someone has stolen her belongings!! Also, the entire sequence where Swee'pea gets kidnapped is just pointless. Why doesn't Popeye attempt to track Swee'pea down? Why does Olive Oyl sing to Popeye from a distance instead of teaming up with him to track him down? Why does Popeye write a letter to Swee'pea???? Also, towards the end of the film, Bluto has magically taken Olive Oyl captive, yet we have no idea how this happened. Under all these problems, however, there is a very fun movie to watch thanks to the genius casting that drives the movie.
Robin Williams plays Popeye. Williams perfectly embodies Popeye, right down to the physical movements and his muttering under his breath. It is also a treat to watch him sing "Popeye the Sailor Man" at the end of the movie.
Shelley Duvall plays Olive Oyl. Like Williams, Duvall is perfectly cast as the fast talking Olive. The banter that she and Williams have is top-notch, and she has an attitude to go along with it. It really is a great moment when she realizes Bluto is not the man for her, and then falls for Popeye.
Robert Altman is the director of Popeye. As I said before, I love the way the town of Sweethaven looks cinematically. Altman created a real visual world with great characters. Altman also seems to know the star power he has with both Williams and Duvall, because their performances are what stands out about the movie.
Personally, I think Popeye is a half-decent movie. The performances by the actors are what stand out more than the movie as a whole. I would say that if you are a fan of the late Robin Williams in even the smallest of ways, you will want to at least check this movie out.
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