The Great Mouse Detective

When a brilliant toymaker is kidnapped by a creepy peg-legged bat, his daughter, Olivia, enlists the aid of the legendary Basil. Basil, Olivia, and Basil's assistant, Dr. Dawson, are part of an intricate city system of Victorian-era London mice. Basil quickly realizes his archenemy, Professor Ratigan (a rat who wants to be a mouse), is behind the abduction. Ratigan (voiced by Vincent Price) fiendishly aspires to take over London rodents--and will stop at nothing to achieve his greatest desire. The unlikely trio of good guys become heroes, of course. The engaging story line is a perfect introduction to Doyle's work and mysteries in general. Look for a very cleverly executed voice-cameo by Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes, natch). Alan Young (Mr. Ed) also provides a voice. Ages 4 and up. --N.F. Mendoza

KITKA


One of the better Disney films of the 1980s.   May 25, 2004
Ryne Williams (Cleveland, TN USA)
Full of adventure and mystery, in this film, Disney takes a slightly more sophisticated turn and the outcome is really enjoyable. The film has really nice animation especially the scene atop Big Ben. The voice talent is great, especially the dastardly Vincent Price. The villain is good, and very malicious and powerful. The DVD is really good as well. The movie is in a new letterbox treatment- very nice. I highly reccomend this film for anyone who loves the Disney film genre.


A Good Movie!   February 3, 2004
Calinira
I saw the Great Mouse Detective for the first time in a movie theater and I liked it, it's not as good as the classic Disney movies but it's pretty enjoyable and it's take on Sherlock Holmes is clever. I would recommend this movie to older kids and adults. Some younger children who are just starting to watch movies may find it hard to sit through this one but they just may like it when they are older. I'm glad that the movie on the DVD is presented in widescreen. The second time I watched The Great mouse Detective was on one of those movie channels and it was edited in fullscreen and it just wasn't as impressive as it was in it's original aspect ratio!


Under rated Disney Classic   January 11, 2004
J. Buettner (Folsom, Ca)
How the Great Mouse Detective has not found a wider audience is beyond me. Perhaps it's because adults see the cover of animated mouses and assume it's just for kids, but looks can be decieving. I have screened this movie for several of my adult friends (without kids) with many of them running out and buying a copy for themselves after realizing what a truely enjoyable classic it is.

Although the Little Mermaid has been given the credit for Disney Animation's rise to greatness throughout the 1990's it really began with this teriffic classic. The Great Mouse Detective marks the first effort of Don Musker and Ron Clemants (The directors of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin). Although it has two catchy showtunes it plays more like a detective adventure story than the later musical classics of Disney animation. What sets this film apart is that it is character driven. Each character in the film has quirks and traits that play into the film's plot. The Great Mouse Detective is wildly imaginative and orginal. This film also has perhaps the most thrilling endings in Disney animation too.

So in parting I beg you adults out there without kids to give this little animated tale a chance, I guarentee you will not be disappointed.