The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue - G
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this movie is a straight-to-DVD sequel to Don Bluth's cult classic The Secret of NIMH, but that Bluth was not involved in this project, and it lacks the originality and depth of the first movie. Like the original, this story demonizes animal testing and provides some cartoonish scary imagery of cats, mice, and even humans in a test lab environment. An emphasis on teamwork and on thinking things through is nicely woven throughout the plot, but there's no real tension in the predictable story.
Families can talk about the complex relationship between Jonathan Brisby's two sons. Why is Martin so conflicted? Do you think Timmy is glad or resentful when he is singled out as the hero of Nicodemus' prediction? How does your family feel about animal testing? Are there situations in which you think it might be merited? Why or why not?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Nancy Davis Kho
In trying to recreate the magic of 1982's The Secret of NIMH, which was based on the Newberry Medal-winning book Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, THE SECRET OF NIMH 2 reprises the characters but lacks the pacing and originality of the first story. While there is a good plot twist near the end, most of the movie is highly predictable.
The story follows the growth of Timmy (voiced by Andrew Ducotte, then Ralph Macchio), one of the sons of the hero of the first movie, as he fulfills his own destiny as a hero to the rodents of NIMH. The movie starts with a helpful plot synopsis of the first movie, so that viewers who missed the original will soon be brought up to date. Animal testing at the evil National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has resulted in a breed of supersmart but peaceful rats; after escaping NIMH in the first movie with the help of Timmy's father, they now live in the utopian Thorn Valley.
The rats are threatened by a new evil within NIMH, and it's Timmy's job to help lead them out of danger this time. Timmy's future as the hero of Thorn Valley has been foretold by the rat prophet Nicodemus, and the movie follows his development from a scared runt of the litter to the cunning leader of the escape mission.
The movie brings back popular characters like Justin (William Macy), the rat leader, and Jeremy the crow (Dom DeLuise). A new love interest comes along as Jenny (Hynden Walch), the daughter of mice still trapped in NIMH. But it lacks the lush colored animation that made the first movie stand out more than 20 years ago. In fact, the animation seems amateurish. For example, as two animals conduct a back-and-forth conversation, their mouths and bodies move in unison.
Families may want to view Don Bluth's follow-up to the original NIMH, An American Tail, which also features mice in heroic roles. Other great mouse tales include Ratatouille and The Great Mouse Detective.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentTwo characters fall in love, hold hands, and exchange one kiss. |
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ViolenceCartoonish but scary scenes of animal testing. |
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Social BehaviorOne character endangers his friends by not following through with a plan, but ultimately redeems himself. Characters are rewarded for adapting and improvising as they face challenges. |
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