Review of An American Tail (1986) by Jon T — 29 Sep 2008
Following the release of THE SECRET OF NIMH, Don Bluth collaborated with Steven Spielberg for his second feature, which, like its predecessor, is also about mice. The resulting film, AN AMERICAN TAIL, divided critics but went onto become a favorite of audiences and children alike.
Gorgeously animated and occasionally heartbreaking, this tale of a Jewish mouse family pursuing the American dream to escape feline persecution succeeds not only as a parable about the American immigration, but in creating a loveable new hero in its star, Fievel.
There are some scenes that could've used a bit more fleshing out (the sweatshop labor sequence, Fievel's new friendship with a surprisingly friendly --and vegetarian-- cat named Tiger, and the Orphan Alley sequence near the end), but these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a fantastic "tail" for young and old.
James Horner's musical score is also noteworthy--particularly the "Somewhere Out There" song which occurs midway through the film and over the closing credits.
This review of An American Tail (1986) was written by Jon T on 29 Sep 2008.
An American Tail has generally received positive reviews.
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