The first Disney sequel is often overlooked when people consider the studio's so-called 'renaissance' period, which is a bit of a shame. ' The Rescuers Down Under (1990)' is an entertaining adventure that follows the further exploits of its eponymous mice as they're called down to Australia to free a kidnapped boy from his poacher captor. It isn't as focused on its lead characters as you might expect, as a lot of screen-time is given to the stolen child and his various escape attempts. Bernard and Miss Bianca are as compelling a pair as ever, though, and the movie comes together satisfyingly. It's enjoyable and charming enough, even if it does feel a little lacking in some aspects. It doesn't have the near wistful tone of its predecessor, for example, and this lends it a somewhat generic feel. The opening moments are so over the top that they feel as though they're part of a dream sequence. The piece isn't bad, of course. It's fun and fairly fast-paced, with a decent set of characters and some solid animation. The villain and his companion are suitably cruel, too. They stand out from their peers in more ways than one, elevating the film's genuine stakes. In the end, this is a solid entry into Disney's catalogue. It isn't as good as the first flick, but it's entertaining enough. 6/10
Review of The Rescuers Down Under
