The Great Mouse Detective

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The Great Mouse Detective

G

1986

1h 20m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

28 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Rodent supersleuth Basil and his bumbling partner must thwart evil Ratigan's plot to depose the Mouse Queen.

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Critics Consensus

The Great Mouse Detective may not rank with Disney's classics, but it's an amiable, entertaining picture with some stylishly dark visuals.

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Jill Rachlin

Entertainment Weekly

11/12/2019

A-

Older kids may be less enthused by this mousy story, though parents, particularly Basil Rathbone fans, will marvel at the accuracy with which this sophisticated homage hits Holmes.

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Caren Weiner Campbell

Entertainment Weekly

11/12/2019

There's no need for details - you know his methods, Watson - but suffice it to say that The Great Mouse Detective's few tunes are unmemorable and all the action (aside from the inventive chase sequences) is snooze-worthy.

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Charles Solomon

Los Angeles Times

11/12/2019

"The Great Mouse Detective" reflects the energy and enthusiasm of a talented group of young artists stretching their wings for the first time.

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Richard Freedman

Newark Star-Ledger

Jan 7

You don't need to be a fully accredited member of the Baker Street Irregulars to be beguiled by "The Great Mouse Detective."

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Dan Webster

Spokesman-Review (Washington)

07/27/2024

4/4

Especially entertaining is Vincent Price, who imbues the voice of dastardly Prof Ratigan with just the right amount of ham.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

01/29/2024

4/5

... never less than enjoyable, but there’s a few narrative flourishes, like the wonderfully elaborate manner of execution prepared for Holmes, that look forwards to the best comic exaggerations of the later Disney style...

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Matteo Q

@Matteo59 Apr 25

Familiare ma stranamente strano.

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Ben W

@Username618 Apr 25

Enjoyed- bit dark, possibly.

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Van B.

@harp0marxist Apr 21

Comfort movie level for me. Vincent Price as Ratigan is legendary.

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Mariana T

@M.Tezeta Feb 3

I know this film isn't entirely original: Disney had already made The Rescuers, a mystery film. Animal movies aren't new, and this one uses the classic Disney formula: musical numbers, animated sequences that are driven by music... of course, it won't be an unforgettable film. However, the script and characters won't leave you indifferent. You won't be bored for a single minute as it unfolds. The simple premise of a kidnapped father becomes an engaging story with a political undertone. Ratigan makes an excellent antagonist. The London setting is the perfect backdrop. Who could resist the super-sleuth Basil? Although it's not directly based on the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, I bet his fans will enjoy the atmosphere and pacing of this film... entertaining for everyone (Disney did it again). Finally, seriously, what was Dawson doing in Afghanistan?

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TheMovieSearch R

@TheMovieSearch Feb 1

The Great Mouse Detective is one of Disney’s most underrated animated films, offering a clever Sherlock Holmes–style mystery set in a charming world of mice and rats. Released during Disney’s lesser-known 1980s era, the film still stands out for its strong storytelling and memorable characters. Basil of Baker Street is an engaging and intelligent lead whose partnership with Dawson keeps the mystery entertaining and balanced. The screenplay blends humor, suspense, and heart, making it accessible for kids while still engaging adults. The animation is detailed and expressive, capturing Victorian London with creativity and atmosphere. Ratigan is a standout villain, bringing charisma, danger, and humor to every scene. His presence elevates the entire film and gives Basil a worthy opponent. The pacing remains steady, and the direction keeps viewers invested from start to finish. Overall, The Great Mouse Detective is a timeless, fun, and well-crafted Disney classic that deserves more

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Tom C.

@tom6161 Jan 11

Captivating and brilliant .. Basil of Baker Street is all time

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John Musker

Director

Ron Clements

Director

David Michener

Director

Burny Mattinson

Director

Vincent Price

Professor Ratigan

Barrie Ingham

Basil of Baker Street

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Synopsis

Rodent supersleuth Basil and his bumbling partner must thwart evil Ratigan's plot to depose the Mouse Queen.

Director: John Musker, Ron Clements, David Michener, Burny Mattinson
Producer: Burny Mattinson
Screenwriter: Peter Young, Vance Gerry, Steve Hulett, Ron Clements, John Musker, Bruce Morris, Matthew O'Callaghan, Burny Mattinson, David Michener
Production Co: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 2, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $37.3M
Runtime: 1h 20m
Sound Mix: Surround