PLOT: An American Tail is a beautifully rendered animated film that tells an overly familiar story in terms children can easily understand. Fievel Mousekewitz and his family of Russian-Jewish mice escape from their homeland in the late 1800s, boarding a boat headed toward America to evade the Czarist rule of the Russian cats. Fievel, however, is separated from his family during a terrible open sea storm, and he arrives in New York City all by his lonesome, and he eventually discovers, to his horror, that there are cats in America too (his father said there weren't). Fievel meets his share of friendly and hostile mice, and he eventually befriends a cat as well. Former Disney animator Don Bluth co-produced and directed this often heartwarming yarn. It's the first animated feature presented by Steven Spielberg, and it has a certain charm despite a number of cliché situations therein.
This movie is usually hit or miss for most viewers, grown-up and children alike. But I would imagine if you grew up in the 80's, then this film would hold a special place with you. It certainly does for me. And I think this movie has enough heart & charm to win over most kiddies nowadays too. This is one of the earliest, Non-Disney animated films I can remember really being drawn in by when I saw it in the theatre as a kid. Not so much because of the story, but because of the beautiful animation. And "An American Tail", (along with other Don Bluth films like "The Secret of HIMH"), would go on to play a major role in why I'm such a big fan of classic hand-drawn animation today. I was home sick the other day when I decided to pop this movie in again after not seeing it in a good while. And even today, the beautiful animation and great voice work still mesmerizes me. If you're the sentimental type, then the dramatic mood and story might also suck you in. I will admit that there are certain scenes that still can make me teary-eyed. There, I said it...
Not counting all the straight-to-video/DVD sequels this movie spawned, this original '86 film is not one to be missed. It's a great family film with a warm heart, some good memorable music, great characters, and beautiful animation that I think should be shared for generations to come. Myself and some friends of mine who are also fans have even gone as far as to create and join petitions for a re-release of this movie in theatres. Sadly, that notion has not come to pass yet, but we aren't giving up!
My Rating: 9/10
[ 11. February 2017, 11:42: Message edited by: Pyro ]
Posted by Chris the CandyFanMan (Member # 3197) on :
A quarter century later, this is still Bluth's magnum opus for me. Everything just clicks right here: story, voice acting, songs (Somewhere Out There is an underrated gem), and artistry all come together to create a 2_D animated experience that easily can be held alongside the best films of the Disney renaissance that I can't help wondering if this and N.I.M.H. helped shepherd in.
Posted by kevdugp73 (Member # 5978) on :
I was 13-14 when this came out, so I don't recall seeing it in theatres...I think I was at that age that I would have loved to see the movie, but thought I was too grown up to go. That being said, certainly snuck a peek when it came out on video...and loved it of course. Funny....I know that I love this movie, but may have only seen it the once, and can't re-call most of it. Time to re-visit obviously, however, would love to watch it with my son (5 yrs old), though not sure if this would keep his attention. * I grew up with The Secret Of MIMH, which is an old fav of mine....
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
I´ve seen it and remember that it was a cute film but it definately needs a rewatch.
Posted by pettyfan (Member # 2260) on :
Aww I loved Fievel! I still have my stuffed Fievel somewhere. I have the movie on VHS and I even had the soundtrack too.
Posted by Pyro (Member # 7658) on :
quote:Originally posted by kevdugp73: I was 13-14 when this came out, so I don't recall seeing it in theatres...I think I was at that age that I would have loved to see the movie, but thought I was too grown up to go. That being said, certainly snuck a peek when it came out on video...and loved it of course. Funny....I know that I love this movie, but may have only seen it the once, and can't re-call most of it. Time to re-visit obviously, however, would love to watch it with my son (5 yrs old), though not sure if this would keep his attention. * I grew up with The Secret Of MIMH, which is an old fav of mine....
As I said in my original post, I believe this movie has enough going for it that it can keep the attention of youngins today, though this is obviously not a garantee, but just an un-educated opinion. So I would indeed try sitting and watching it with your son kev. And if he doesn't go for it now, you could always try again in a few years.
Posted by kevdugp73 (Member # 5978) on :
Now into Christmas break Pyro....so I might just get a chance to do that....
Posted by Ducktalesfan81 (Member # 10446) on :
Hey Pyro, did you too saw this in theaters as a kid? i did when i was 5 and saw it 4 times and had some of the merchandise like a talking Fievel doll, t-shirts, PJs, Mcdonalds books, coloring books and that sort of thing. I even got it on video for my 7th birthday.
Posted by Pyro (Member # 7658) on :
Yes, this is one I did get to see in the theatre when it came out, and I fell in love with it right away. I remember after seeing it the first time, i kept hounding my parents to take me to see it again. They ended up taking me once more. So that was cool.
Posted by Zigyma7ik (Member # 12351) on :
Very nice film. The Secret Of NIMH and The Black Cauldron were also one of my faves.
Posted by Pyro (Member # 7658) on :
haven't seen the Black Cauldron for quite sometime..that's one I'll have to re-visit again soon myself.
