Review of The Secret of NIMH (1982) by John A — 09 Jul 2012

This movie is very enjoyable, gripping, thought-provoking, and full of action. Now, I don't know why the National Institute of Mental Health would be behind making mice geniuses, but regardless, I feel this movie kept a sort of realism throughout, even with the magic (which wasn't really necessary here, but one could also call it incredibly complicated science that is beyond our time) and anthropomorphism. Science and its uses is an interesting focus throughout.

Another thing I was wondering, though, is why the other mice/rats seem to be pretty smart (smart enough to talk, walk on two feet, live like humans, and do amazing acrobatic feats) even though only a handful of them got injections. For instance, Mrs. Frisby, while she doesn't seem particularly book smart, is practical and intelligent enough to turn off a machine, escape a cage, and essentially be the heroine of this story, even though she was never given a shot.

I was disappointed, though, that we never learn more about N.I.M.H. and its intentions. However, that topic would be worthy of a sequel (though not the sequel we were given, unfortunately).