If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, Disney or both, then you owe it to yourself to give this surprisingly entertaining and clever tale a chance. Adapted from the children’s book series, Basil of Baker Street, this film manages to pay homage to the world’s most famous detective while serving up original fun for the whole family. Minor spoilers may follow!
The Great Mouse Detective (1986) is set in Victorian London and shows us the initial meeting of mouse detective Basil and his future assistant, Dr. Dawson. After teaming up to help a young girl find her missing father, they discover the trail leads to Basil’s arch-nemesis, the evil Professor Ratigan. It is a race against the clock as they attempt to stop the “Napoleon of Crime” from taking over the British Empire.
As someone who has read many of the original stories crafted by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I often found myself smiling and nodding in approval. Some references are enduringly obvious while others are just subtle enough to where only true Holmes fans will notice. For example, when the mice sneak past the human versions of Sherlock and Watson, the filmmakers use an old audio recording made by the most famous Holmes actor, Basil Rathbone. On that note, it is my theory that both Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr. have seen this version. Their performances seem to have characteristics of Basil. Either way, I tip my deerstalker hat to the team who brought this world to life.
Like most Disney films, the acting, score, characterization, pacing, humor, and visuals are all top-notch. Adults will be just as entertained as kids. There is a genuinely exciting action sequence, set inside and around the famous “Big Ben” clock-tower in London, that rivals many live-action films. While not necessarily inappropriate for kids, the parents specifically will get a kick out of a hilarious sequence involving our heroes infiltrating a grimy pub inhabited by various scoundrels and cutthroats.
I only have two minor gripes with this overall well-made film. One, there is a tonal shift towards the beginning of the film that I felt was slightly jarring. Two, the main antagonist’s song is fine but unnecessary. While not poorly written or anything, it does not add much to the plot. The story stands on its own without the need to be a musical.
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