Review of The Secret of NIMH (1982) by Colin H — 30 Sep 2010

I had under reasonable authority that Secret of Nimh was an underrated animated classic, but having watched it, I can assume those who harbour feelings for it grew up with it. I think as a film for kids it is a decent picture, and suitably dark in imagery, but the pacing is terrible and the story flails around hopelessly. I had trouble keeping my interest.

The film would rather focus on a pointless, comic relief character flopping about rather than flesh out those that matter to the story. The story follows a mother mouse who is looking to save her ailing son and family from the farmers plough, only to uncover a secret of strange, all-knowing rats.

There's some great animation at times - an old owl for one, covered in cobwebs - but the film preferred to bumble about, much like its comical crow tangled in ribbon.