Member review

Quick! Check underneath your sofa! Nothing there? Check again. This time you might meet Basil the Great Mouse Detective! “Who’s he?” I hear you ask. Elementary, my dear reader. Let me fill you in…

In a miniature world within our own, lived a mouse. But not just any mouse. A mouse of the most extraordinary kind! That is, Basil the Great Mouse Detective! You thought your math teacher was smart, but he’s no match for Basil… and Ratigan! Upon finding Olivia, a young mouse whose father has disappeared, Dr. Dawson, a kindly old mouse, takes pity on her and helps her find Basil of Baker Street. Upon their arrival, Basil traces the kidnapping to none other than the dastardly Ratigan! With the help of the adorable dog, Toby, can they save Olivia’s father? Or will Ratigan prove himself superior?

Although this film was aimed at a younger audience, I feel like the voice of Vincent Price hints at the fact it’s more suitable for 6+. It seems that the almost annoyingly cute Olivia Faversham, however, was designed as an attempt to broaden the viewer base. In my opinion this was a bit of a hit and miss. In the time since this film was released, Disney has improved its ability to make their films appealing to all ages, with Big Hero 6 being an outstanding example.

Overall, this film was enjoyable. I found of this film charming that, nearer the end it started getting darker. Price’s two musical numbers were very entertaining! A horror film star belting out cheesy ballads isn’t something you see every day! I would recommend this to 6+, one to watch with the whole family as a little old fashioned, but definitely wouldn’t be my first choice.