Released after the triumph that was "The Little Mermaid" and before the glories of "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King," "The Rescuers Down Under" was a film that, though moderately successful, doesn't classify as one of the studio's best. However, the film does have its highlights, from the casting to wondrous animated sequences.
Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor reprise their roles from the original ("The Rescuers") as rodents that respond to a distress call from The Australian Outback. Aided by a daffy albatross, well-played by John Candy, the pair make their way "down under" and come upon a sinister poacher (George C. Scott). The poacher is aided by a not-too-bright salamander named Joanna (Frank Welker). The exchanges between the poacher and his aide are hilarious, making the lizard one of the film's strong points.
Other pluses is the eagle family, spectacularly animated as it soars in the sky. The film's opening sequence is a genuine masterpiece, standing as one of the best ever for an animated film.
Bruce Broughton's score is particularly exciting, befitting the setting and the storyline.
Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor reprise their roles from the original ("The Rescuers") as rodents that respond to a distress call from The Australian Outback. Aided by a daffy albatross, well-played by John Candy, the pair make their way "down under" and come upon a sinister poacher (George C. Scott). The poacher is aided by a not-too-bright salamander named Joanna (Frank Welker). The exchanges between the poacher and his aide are hilarious, making the lizard one of the film's strong points.
Other pluses is the eagle family, spectacularly animated as it soars in the sky. The film's opening sequence is a genuine masterpiece, standing as one of the best ever for an animated film.
Bruce Broughton's score is particularly exciting, befitting the setting and the storyline.