Review of The Secret of NIMH (1982) by Andy G — 20 Jan 2008

This is arguably Don Bluth's film with the most amazing animation, and it is certainly a treat to watch. The movements are extremely fluid, the lighting effects are cool, and Mrs. Brisby... wow. In live action movies there will be characters that viewers absolutely want to protect and take care of b/c of their shy, vulnerable beauty. It may sound odd, but Bluth tugs at heartstrings the same way with the lovely Mrs. Brisby.

Unfortunately, I do not consider this Bluth's finest work. Bluth had not yet perfected the pacing of his films with NIMH. That, combined with budget restraints, produced a movie that is a thrill to look at but otherwise feels rushed through. And I'm sure Elizabeth Hartman was a fine actress during her lifetime, but she gives a halfhearted effort voicing Mrs. Brisby. The sound of it works, but the forced or often unemotional delivery does not. A shame, considering the rest of the voicework is great.

I remember liking this book in 3rd grade. I also remember thinking as a preteen that the movie felt incomplete for whatever reason. Even though it's obvious now that the book and film are two very separate entities only loosely tied to one another, my opinion hasn't changed much. An American Tail and The Land Before Time are the two films in which Bluth perfected his craft. But, just as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King wouldn't exist without The Little Mermaid, Fievel and Littlefoot owe a lot to Nicodemus and the rats of NIMH. And, of course, Mrs. Brisby is still amazing :-).