The Rescuers Down Under

This sort-of sequel to the 1977 hit The Rescuers boasts reasonably solid production values and fine character voices. Too bad they're set against such a mediocre story that adults may duck.

As for the animation, computer technology invests contemporary features with sometimes breathtaking dynamism, but outback flora being what it is, this isn't the most colourful Disney movie.

The film's direction, by Hendel Butoy and Mike Gabriel, is spectacularly inventive even when not fully appropriate to either the film's subject or the very young viewers it can be expected to attract.

The flight sequence and many of the other action scenes in this new Disney animated feature create an exhilaration and freedom that are liberating. And the rest of the story is fun, too.

A gorgeously drawn myth made for plucky children and very brave mice.

Carries its ambitions with an easy grace, expanding the art of animation to fresh ground without losing sight of the silly fun we love cartoons for.

Tweaks the formula with a brisker pace, and development of leading characters...and action sequences... [Blu-ray]

A rare sequel that improves on the original.

There's only the one thing it does flat-out wrong: this otherwise delightful adventure-comedy has a completely meandering, aimless story.

The villain is far too malignant, the young vigilante hero seems to be a kiddie Rambo, and some of the action is quite violent, if not tasteless.

The Rescuers' identification/memorableness factor remains second division.