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Mickey, Donald and Goofy: The Three Musketeers (G)

common sense media says

Too much cartoon violence in tale of classic trio.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Disney cartoon involves a major villain and his four sidekicks who battle against the three classic characters of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck. The movie is packed with cartoon violence, including fist fights, sword battles, and one scene where Mickey seems to die from drowning. At one point, when Goofy is on the verge of being thrown into the ocean to die, a shot of many skeletons under the water appears. An underlying theme is the romance between Princess Minnie and Mickey the Musketeer. In the end, each of the musketeers finds love and exchanges several exaggerated kisses with his partner. The female characters are pretty helpless, and the movie revolves around saving and kidnapping the princess and her lady-in-waiting.

Educational value: There is potential to pique interest in the history of France and the original story of the Three Musketeers.
Positive messages: The primary message is the benefit of teamwork and loyalty -- "all for one and one for all." Donald struggles with this idea because he's so fearful, but he ultimately makes the right choice to help his friends. The fact that Minnie is so helpless throughout the movie doesn't send a good message to kids about gender roles, especially because the idea of female helplessness is reinforced so frequently in mass media. Also, the focus on romance seems mildly inappropriate for the target age.
Positive role models: Mickey Mouse is a good role model in that he is always optimistic, helpful, a hard worker, and a good friend. When Donald is struggling with his decision to leave the trio, Mickey encourages him and reminds him of the ways he has been brave. The other characters overcome their fears and insecurities to fight for what's right.
Violence & scariness: Packed with cartoon violence. No blood, but the quantity of smacks, punches, sword pokes, things falling on heads, extreme peril, and one scene where Mickey seems to die, makes this movie too violent for younger kids and likely to rile up older ones. Also, Aladdin preview is somewhat scary.
Sexy stuff: Princess Minnie is a young romantic, dreaming of finding her true love. She meets Mickey, who is to be her savior, and they fall in love, despite his non-royal status. Several cartoony kisses between the two, and the other musketeers and their mates.
Language: Bad guy yells at Mickey and his mates. Calls them "dumb" and "losers" and other mean words.
Consumerism: Disney has perfected the movie-to-toy branding process.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Mickey, Donald and Goofy: The Three Musketeers

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the theme of the movie, which is the famous chant of the Three Musketeers: "All for one and one for all." What does this mean? How does this idea play out in the movie? How does the idea of "all for one" work in real life?
  • Talk about damsels in distress. Why are so many movies about male characters saving female characters? Can you think of other damsel-in-distress movies?
  • Can you imagine this movie if the genders were reversed -- Minnie saving Mickey? What elements would need to change to make that concept work, and why?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Three young friends -- Mickey, Donald, and Goofy -- are destitute. After being protected from robbers by royal agents -- musketeers -- they dream of one day becoming like their heroes. Alas, they end up as janitors for the head of the musketeers, a nefarious fellow named Peg Leg Pete. He laughs at their dream of becoming soldiers, calling Donald a "coward," Goofy a "doofus," and Mickey "too small." But when Princess Minnie requests bodyguards, Pete decides to put the trio in charge of her protection, thinking that will make it easier to kidnap her in his attempt to become king. Much mayhem ensues, but the loyal and earnest trio perseveres, learning to be brave, use their brains, and help one another out. In the end, Pete's plan fails and the musketeers each find romance.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The story follows the classic tale of a damsel in distress, which makes it both predictable and lacking in female empowerment messages. Despite this, the tale is action-packed (if too violent for younger kids) and colorful. Tons of little details and silly exploits will delight kids, like when Goofy runs so fast up the tower stairs he falls out the window, bounces off a horse, spins around a windmill, and lands back inside the tower.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Donovan Cook
Cast: Bill Farmer, Tony Anselmo, Wayne Allwine
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 68 minutes
DVD release: August 3, 2004
MPAA Rating: G
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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