Review of The Rescuers (1977) by Andrew C. D — 01 Jan 2016

Remarkably original and meticulously executed. Eva Gabor and Bob Newhart have an unusual chemistry in the title characters, and carry the story along quite well. Medusa (Geraldine Page) is somewhat lacking as a villain, a consequence of the character's seeming lack of development in the pre-production phase rather than any error in Page's voice work, but the character is offset well by her bumbling henchman "Mr. Snoops," voiced well by Joe Flynn.

The key flaw in the film it seems to be pulled in two directions by conflicting creators. Not only do they alternate between some very sombre (and possibly powerful) moments and some unfocused silliness, they also never decided whether or not it's a musical. There are two short story pieces, the first of which feels like a big missed opportunity, and two non-diegetic vocal numbers sung by Shelby Flint that strengthen the overall sombre tone of the film.