The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

First off, give credits to where they are due: Basil and Professor Ratigan (Oh, Ratigan. Oh, Ratigan) are very entertaining characters voiced perfectly by Barrie Ingham and Vincent Price, respectively.Second, I'd like to praise the film's animation. Considering its a 1980s film, the animation is mostly not outdated.Lastly, I'd like to say that "The Great Mouse Detective" is very entertaining. It's fun from start to end, mostly thanks to the characters whom I cared for. I cared for them so much, I found myself cheering for them at a certain scene in the movie. (I never thought I'd cheer for them, but I did!).THIS IS A MUST SEE ENTERTAINING FILM!

I can't believe how little I see this among Disney-fans and in Disney-related shops. It is sad, because the two main characters Basil and Ratigan are among their most enjoyable. As much as I love The Great Mouse Detective I must confess that aside from the amazing Big Ben climax the animation is not among the studio's greatest accomplishments, but that is a minor detail. Speaking of the climax, it really is among Disney's greatest. The way the music builds up, the perfectly rendered CG in the bell tower and Ratigan's degeneration into his true self is just suspenseful. Ratigan is also among the most underrated and enjoyable Disney villains, period! Vincent price just engulfs himself in this evil- doer who loves every single second of it. His little running gag about not wanting to be called a rat is hilarious. He is great! Basil's giant ego is also enjoyable. He and Ratigan play off one another with perfection. They are the focus of the story and that is also what it should be. There is not too many side characters who steal screen time. The Great Mouse Detective certainly does deserve more attention. Watch it and enjoy some great voice acting and a great climax.

"The Great Mouse Detective" was a very important Disney film for two important reasons. First, the studio was in horrible shape in the 1980s and it needed a hit badly...and the film was a considerable improvement in quality of some of the previous films (such as "The Black Cauldron"). Second, it was the first full-length Disney cartoon to have any computer animation and was way ahead of its time.As for the film itself, this is an enjoyable film and should please everyone. However, it's also a bit slight--easier to forget and not one that is what I would consider a must-see. The animation is about that of the Disney TV shows of the time (such as "Duck Tales" and "Gummi Bears") and the characters decent but derivative. Let's face it-- it's essentially Sherlock Holmes in mouse form. Also, the sexy singing mouse scene was unnecessary and a little bit gross (as is Ratigan's sidekick). On the plus size, Vince Price is terrific and the Olivia character quite cute. Worth seeing, of course, but not quite on par with their great films of the next two decades.

Disney's 26th animated full-length feature film takes us on a fun-filled adventure as we follow Basil, the mouse Sherlock Holmes, in investigating the kidnapping of toy-maker Hiram Flaversham committed by his archenemy, Professor Ratigan. From start to finish, the plot is well-paced and full of excitement, from the good guy vs. bad guy tangling in the human toy shop to Basil and his associates attempting to foil Ratigan's sinister plans against the Queen.Each character is fleshed out well, each showing humane traits with touches of humor, drama, sadness and heroism; I especially liked Dr. Dawson's commitment in helping Olivia get through to Basil in order to save her kidnapped father. Basil, I thought, was a little too indifferent at first, especially toward Olivia. In addition, Professor Ratigan has proved to be a nefarious and sinister character with a power-hungry mind and cold-stoned heart, a villain you would love to root against.The animation is great and colorful and the voice talents were spot on; I especially liked Alan Young lending his voice to Hiram Flaversham as it reminded me of his Scrooge McDuck character, which he also voiced in various Disney cartoons and shows.Overall, it's a good little detective movie that should delight an audience of all ages.Grade B+