Common Sense Media Review
Great adventure, but too dark for preschoolers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
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The Rescuers
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Parents say this film features darker themes and scary elements that some feel may not be suitable for younger viewers, particularly due to the use of guns and abusive behavior from the villain. However, many find it entertaining and appreciate the positive messages and memorable characters, considering it a nostalgic favorite for some families despite its pacing and content concerns.
- dark themes
- suitable for ages 6+
- positive messages
- nostalgic favorite
- content concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is a charming yet dark animated film featuring two mice on a mission to rescue a little girl, with positive messages about teamwork and kindness. While some viewers find its themes and imagery a bit scary for younger audiences, many appreciate its nostalgic appeal and strong character development.
- charming yet dark
- positive messages
- nostalgic appeal
- mild peril
- character development
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When villainess Madame Medusa (voiced by Geraldine Page) kidnaps an orphan girl named Penny (voiced by Michelle Stacy) to help her find an enormous diamond, the police can't find her -- so two intrepid mice decide to track her down in Disney's 1977 animated adventure THE RESCUERS. Miss Bianca (Eva Gabor) and her janitor friend Bernard (Bob Newhart) head for the swamp to rescue Penny, enlisting the help of a ragtag group of critter friends, including valiant dragonfly Evinrude and clumsy albatross Orville (Jim Jordan).
Is It Any Good?
Although Disney animation was in a slump during the 1970s, the studio still managed to produce this worthwhile film. A more modest effort than recent Disney extravaganzas, The Rescuers still makes for great family viewing. Medusa is a villainess in the grand tradition of Cruella Deville, and 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. Unfortunately this appealing mix is a bit dampened by sappy ballads that accompany some boring slide animation, dating it a little. Otherwise, this is a worthy Disney sleeper.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Rescuers, made in the 1970s, is different from animated movies they see today. Can you tell the movie was made a long time ago? If so, what gives it away?
Discuss the villain Medusa. What makes her an especially good villain? Who's your favorite villain in the movies or in books? Why? And why do stories always have villians? What would stories be like without them?
How do the characters in The Rescuers demonstrate integrity, courage, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 15, 1977
- On DVD or streaming : May 20, 2000
- Cast : Bob Newhart , Eva Gabor , Geraldine Page
- Director : Art Stevens
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 76 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 1, 2026
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