Review by JAM
Some things only get better with time it seems, and the re-release of The Great Mouse Detective is definitely one of them. When our library seems filled with princesses and computer animation, sometimes a little mouse can remind us of our past and share lessons with our future (my daughters).
The toymaker Hiram Flaversham (voiced by Alan Young) is taken from his home in a daring attack by a crippled one-legged bat and only through quick thinking is able to hide his daughter Olivia (Susanne Pollatschek) before she is taken as well. Olivia, all alone in the city until she encounters a military mouse by the name of Dr. David Q. Dawson (Val Bettin), searches for the greatest mouse detective in the world, Basil of Baker Street, and the two companions by chance strike off to find Basil.
Basil of Baker Street (Barrie Ingham) is hot on the pursuit of his arch-nemesis that eludes his grasp at each and every turn, Professor Ratigan (the immortal Vincent Price). And as this pursuit is all encompassing to him, he pushes Olivia and Dr. Dawson aside as being inconsequential until the crippled bat is described. Realizing that the crippled bat is Fidget (Candy Candido), one of Ratigan’s thugs, Basil realizes that the two cases may be connected and enlists the help of a reluctant Dawson and an overeager yet unwanted Olivia.
Through the seedy underbelly of the mousy London, Basil and Dawson pursue the evil Ratigan even as the dastardly professor kidnaps the defenseless Olivia and prepares for his ultimate conquest. Yet good triumphs over evil once again, even with a detour through thoughts of failure, as Basil shows why he truly is the greatest of mouse detectives, especially teamed with his faithful companion Dr. Dawson.
JAMS Ink on The Great Mouse Detective
This movie shares a number of life lessons that are just as important now as when the movie was first released in 1986.
Number 1 – Kids know more than we think at times. Basil was quick to put Olivia off, even though she had insight that was essential for Basil to catch his arch-nemesis. Throughout much of the movie, Basil acts indifferent towards the little girl, only to realize at the end what he could have lost.
Number 2 – Be proud of who you are. Ratigan is brought down because of his obsession with not being considered a rat, but rather a mouse. This obsession drives him to the point of insanity as he loses control of himself if his heritage is even brought up. Basil also finds himself doubting who he truly is as the movie nears its climax, and only through the tough love help of Dr. Dawson does he find the reserve within himself to achieve greatness, and a good group photograph.
Number 3 – Two heads are often better than one. Throughout the many Sherlock Holmes adventures, there is never a doubt of the brilliance of Holmes, yet he also must have Watson at his side to keep him grounded in the here and now, and to find what he might miss. Dr. Dawson is much the same in this movie, as Basil recognizes it and proclaims him to be his partner in crime detection as the movie comes to a close.
The movie itself is a great return to childhood for those of us who may be a little older, but it is also great for our young ones too. My daughter was entranced by the movie and loved it just as much as any of her princess movies. I think the lesson came through that good people try hard to help other good people. And bad people, besides not being very nice, do not succeed in the end. Is it a little return to innocence? Maybe, but that’s what I want for me and my daughters. So I highly recommend The Great Mouse Detective for any parent out there that feels the same.
Extras
There is a new “So You Think You Can Sleuth” game along with the original release extras. The true bonus to the film is that it has been digitally remastered and restored. It makes for a beautiful film.
Bonus Features include:
So You Think You Can Sleuth – your chance to be a detective
The Making of The Great Mouse Detective – an interesting look into the making of this film
“The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” Sing Along
Dylan and Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray is Suite
Learn How to Take Your Favorite Movies on the Go
The Great Mouse Detective – Mystery in the Mist Edition from Disney scurries its way onto shelves on DVD on April 20, 2010. Make it elementary, and deduce that you need this DVD in your collection!
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