Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this animated movie isn't as accessible to the youngest viewers as many other Disney features -- its dark story (a suspenseful tale of child kidnapping and slavery) may be too much for sensitive preschoolers. Parents should also know that Penny is a neglected orphan who is kidnapped by a wicked treasure huntress. She and her mice companions are nearly drowned as they search for a certain diamond. The diamond gleams from inside a human skull.
Families can talk about how this 1970s tale is different from the animated movies they see today. They can also discuss the villain Medusa. What makes her an especially good villain? Who's your favorite villain in the movies or in books? Why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ellen MacKay
Although Disney animation was in a slump during the 1970s, the studio still managed to produce the worthwhile RESCUERS. A more modest effort than recent Disney extravaganzas, this movie still makes for great family viewing. The unlikely voice pairing of Eva Gabor as va-va-voom Miss Bianca and Bob Newhart as the timid janitor Bernard works exceptionally well. They enliven the melancholy Devil's Bayou, a haunting setting if ever there was one.
Because the film is unusually dark (literally and story-wise) a cast of animated misfits adds needed comic relief. There's the valiant dragonfly Evinrude, aptly named since he powers a makeshift swamp boat, and the clumsy albatross Orville who provides air transportation. Lady Medusa is a villainess in the grand tradition of Cruella Deville. She's a bit down at the heel (she runs a pawn shop) and when she gets behind the wheel, watch out -- this lady has a real need for speed.
Unfortunately this appealing mix is a bit dampened by sappy ballads that accompany some boring slide animation, dating it a little. Otherwise, THE RESCUERS is a worthy Disney sleeper.
For those who want to see more of Miss Bianca and Bernard, there's The Rescuers Down Under. Another movie featuring heroic rodents (also animated by Don Bluth) is The Secret of NIMH.
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ViolenceA battle with alligators. Penny is a neglected orphan who is kidnapped by a wicked treasure huntress. She and her mice companions are nearly drowned as they search for a certain diamond. The diamond gleams from inside a human skull. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSome of the critters have a fondness for Louisiana moonshine |
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