Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

This is ultimately a movie about the very bad things that can happen when we don't address our unease, when we just try to brush it off, whether that's to fit in or to preserve our self-image.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Was very fond of Woody Woodpecker and his cartoons as a child. Still get much enjoyment out of them now as a young adult, even if there are more interesting in personality cartoon characters and better overall cartoons.That is in no way knocking Woody, because many of his cartoons are a lot of fun to watch and more and also still like him a lot as a character. While not one of his best cartoons, 'Woodpecker in the Rough' is good fun still and fans of Woody should get a good deal of enjoyment out of it. Story-wise it is very predictable, and Woody is lacking an opponent of Wally Walrus or Buzz Buzzard calibre so while amusing the conflict never quite feels inspired.While there are more interesting characters, Woody is an amusing character and never too obnoxious even when intentionally annoying.As ever, the animation is great. The characters are well drawn, but even better are the rich colours, meticulously detailed backgrounds and smooth backgrounds.Music is another strength here. It's characterful, lushly orchestrated and is not only dynamic with the action it even enhances it. The whole cartoon goes at a snappy pace, especially in the second half, and there are some very well-timed and extremely funny gags, with the ending being quite wild in a good way.In conclusion, good fun. 8/10 Bethany Cox