 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Rescuers
- Review Date: July 14, 2003
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1977
Common Sense Media says
Great adventure, but too dark for preschoolers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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. The young Penny and her mice companions are nearly drowned as they search for a treasure, which gleams from inside a human skull. Though the kindness and bravery of Penny's rescuers ultimately triumph over the evil kidnapper, kids might find that the scary elements linger after the movie has finished.
What's the story?
When villainess Madame Medusa (voiced by Geraldine Page) kidnaps an orphan girl named Penny (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. 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 the worthwhile Rescuers. A more modest effort than recent Disney extravaganzas, this movie 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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how this 1970s tale 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?
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Parent of 10 year old
April 9, 2011
AGE
We really liked this movie, and thought it was very fun. One concern was the way moon-shine was used as a joke a few times. Some of the scenes would be to scary for younger children I feel.
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Educator and Parent of 4 year old
June 12, 2009
AGE
Some scary scenes for a 4 year old. My daughter loved it although she did have lots of questions about Penny and why she didn't have parents and wanting to know why Medusa was so mean.
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Kid, 10 years old
April 2, 2010
AGE
Good movie
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Parent of 7 year old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Not bad
I was a bit reluctant to let my 5 yo son see this movie but relented when he got it as a gift. Overall, it's not bad. Neither the animation nor the storyline come even close to current Disney fare but it's less violent than the Lion King and much less heartwrenching than Bambi. It does, however, reinforce my belief that Walt Disney had an issue with his mother! "Penny" is an orphan (bringing up concepts that needed explanation - orphans, orphanages, adoption) and "Medusa" is psycho. Another thing that gave me pause but went completely over my son's head is the sexist portrayal of Bianca. Some families could object to the moonshine drinking but I just told my son that mouse was drinking something really spicy. So, I wouldn't rush out and buy it but it's fine to watch if mom and dad are in the mood for something different.
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Parent of 3 and 3 year old
May 7, 2010
AGE
Not for your preschooler; definitely ages 6+
This is a really cute movie my husband and I remember being one of our favorites when we were small. However, the Common Sense review mentioned above forgets to mention one important part of this flick -- guns, guns, guns. As the mom of two three year-olds, I know most preschoolers aren't ready for this kind of intense action adventure with LOTS of shooting. I'm probably more conservative than most parents, but I think the use of guns (shooting at the mice, the villains shooting at each other, etc) is worth noting.
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Teen, 14 years old
May 15, 2010
AGE
I like it, it was cute! Poor Penny's been threw a lot. And I like that cute little mouse society to save people. I'd be conserned about the crocidiles, gunshots, and the skull.
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Parent of 2 year old
February 13, 2010
AGE
If you are anti-guns in movies, this is not for your child. Otherwise, 9+
I rated this nine and up because of the violence factor! The lead adult female is evil and locks up a little girl. Very similar to Cinderella, but worse and abusive!!!! She is terrible to her and it is very scary/sad. Furthermore, the "battle with the alligators" mentioned above is a SHOOT OUT with guns. Again, the lead female is in charge of the violence here. This was one of my favorite movies in third grade, but I'm not sure now that I want my daughter watching this anytime soon! She will be 3 next month.
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Adult
August 25, 2010
AGE
i like it.
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Teen, 15 years old
January 21, 2011
AGE
i watched this when i was about 4 an i didnt scare me at all. i loved it. i thought it was great.
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Adult
January 12, 2011
AGE
Naked lady scene - NOT FOR THE KIDS
not such a perfect film ,with its "naked lady in window scene", placed in for a split second (in the original). They were smart enought to recall it ,but did not tell parents why ! Another reason is guns are used widely...
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| Topics: | adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Art Stevens |
| Cast: | Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, Geraldine Page |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 76 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 15, 1977 |
| DVD release date: | May 20, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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