Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Insightful docu about history of iconic cartoon character.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mickey: The Story of a Mouse
What's the Story?
MICKEY: THE STORY OF A MOUSE chronicles the behind-the-scenes creation by Walt Disney of the animated animal who becomes a global star. The documentary features archival footage, firsthand interviews, and memorable Mickey moments that include 1928's Steamboat Willie, the first synchronized sound animated short that made the mouse a Hollywood hit and pop culture symbol.
Is It Any Good?
This film's revealing look into the mass appeal of the cartoon mouse is sure to captivate viewers. In Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, the documentary shares fascinating facts about the animated character based on the farm boy days of creator Walt Disney. Actors Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks once asked that their films be paired with Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts at movie theater premieres. One of the attractions to Mickey, notes Disney animator Eric Goldberg, is the way in which the mouse moves. "It's how he does things that make him compelling to watch," explains Goldberg. "He has a spirit to him dating all the way back to Steamboat Willie that is playful, inventive, resourceful, and fun."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance of Walt Disney in Mickey: The Story of a Mouse. How does he also demonstrate communication and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
What do you think about the method of hand-drawn illustrations of Mickey Mouse used by the animators instead of computer-generated images?
The cast in the documentary shares their opinions about Mickey Mouse. What does the cartoon character represent to you?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 18, 2022
- Cast : Walt Disney , Eric Goldberg , Carmenita Higginbotham
- Director : Jeff Malmberg
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Arts , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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