Classics: A Review of The Great Mouse Detective By Lauren Ennis

 The 1980's are commonly referred to as Walt Disney Studios' 'dark age'. In the years between the death of its founder in 1966 and its 'renaissance' in the 1990's the studio nearly lost its status as an animation juggernaut amidst a series of lackluster films and even disappointing box office returns. Even in its darkest moments, however, the studio managed to maintain some of its original spark and release a few precious diamonds amidst its rougher output. One such film is the 1986 mystery The Great Mouse Detective. The film cleverly parodies the classic Sherlock Holmes novels and introduced the genius detective to a new generation. For a mystery that will keep the whole family guessing follow the case of The Great Mouse Detective.

The story begins in Victorian-era London as young mouse Olivia Flaversham is celebrating her birthday with her widowed father, toymaker Mr. Flaversham. In the midst of their festivities a vicious bat breaks into their apartment and kidnaps Mr. Flaversham. Olivia narrowly escapes and seeks out the help of Basil of Baker Street, the famous great mouse detective. Basil realizes that the bat who kidnapped Mr. Flaversham was Fidget, the henchman of his arch-nemesis, Professor Rattigan. The unlikely duo enlist the aid of surgeon Dr. Dawson and Toby the pet basset hound of none other than Sherlock Holmes himself. Together, the ragtag sleuths discover that Professor Rattigan is forcing Mr. Flaversham to create a robot replica of the Queen of England as part of his plan to launch a political coup. Its up to Basil and his unlikely allies to stop the plot and save both Mr. Flaversham and the queen before its too late.

Upon its initial release The Great Mouse Detective was deemed a middling effort at best. The film was considered too much of a deviation from Disney's standard formula for contemporary audiences. Yet it is this very break with studio tradition that has earned the film a devoted following today. The film breaks with Disney's tried and true fairytale formula to instead relate a decidedly darker tale that appeals to a wider audience. All too often the perfect princesses and noble heroes of Disney's fairytales are admirable but not relatable. Rather than these idealized archetypes The Great Mouse Detective follows a diverse cast of decent but entirely human characters in the face of insurmountable odds. Basil in particular might surprisingly be the most realistic and relatable protagonist in the studio's history. Much like his literary counterpart, Basil allows his singlemindedness and success cloud his judgment. While such traits might make a character unlikeable it is these very flaws that ensure Basil is not an infallible, unattainable, genius. Similarly, he also begins the film with a decided lack of empathy, which makes his growing bond with Olivia and Dawson all the more impactful. The film also sets itself apart through its incorporation of darker themes. For example, the film begins with an all too real crime in the form of Mr. Flaversham's kidnapping. Rather than being jarring, however, this opening aptly serves to set the tone for all that follows. Similarly, the villains' plot is not some wacky scheme to take over the world, but instead a plot to stage a political coup. One look at a history book will remind viewers of just how surpringly realistic Rattigan's seemingly fantastic plot actually is. Even at its most serious, however, the film still manages to make room for plenty of dark, dry, wit that will appeal to parents and children alike. Solve the mystery of masterful storytelling with Basil, The Great Mouse Detective.

The film transports viewers to Victorian London thanks to the work of its exceedingly entertaining vocal performers. Candy Candido balances slapstick and sinister as Rattigan's bumbling henchman, Fidget. Val Bettin conveys kindness and intelligence as Dr. Dawon. Susanne Pollatschek turns in a surprisingly mature performance as plucky Olivia. Barrie Ingham captures the beloved combination of intellect, confidence, and charm hat has endeared audiences to Sherlock Holmes for generations as Basil. The film is easily stolen, however, by Vincent Price in a performance that oozes villainy in every syllable as Rattigan.

Blending high-flying adventure with classic mystery The Great Mouse Detective might be one of the greatest adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. The script balances comic hijinks, action, and mystery to expert effect. The voice performances bring the cast of colorful characters to vibrant life. Its no mystery why The Great Mouse Detective has become a cult classic.

Classics: A Review of The Leopard by Lauren Ennis

"A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man" Don Vito Corleone famously declared in The Godfather. It is this same sentiment that lies at the heart of another tale of a Sicilian patriarch; The Leopard. Much like The Godfather, The Leopard follows Don Fabrizio Corbera as he struggles to guide his family through political unrest, personal turmoil, and sweeping change. At once an ode to a bygone era and a timeless story of family The Leopard is a series you cannot refuse.

The story begins in 1860 as Giuseppe Garibaldi and his redshirts enter Sicily in a political coup against the local monarchy. As members of the local aristocracy the Corbera family find their status, wealth, and very way of life upended. As head of the family Don Fabrizio struggles to keep the Corbera clan together even as their entire world threatens to crumble around them. Amidst this upheaval the family also faces threats from within as they struggle to come to terms with personal rivalries and romantic entanglements all while striving to find their place in a rapidly changing Italy.

This sweeping historic tale continues to resonate today largely through its depiction of the paradox of parenthood. Throughout the series Don Fabrizio struggles to do what he believes is best for his family. In this depiction of a father trying to do his best the series ensures that Don Fabrizio is a relatable character viewers rather than a distant elite from an even more distant era. As the series progresses, however, it becomes apparent that father does not always know best. Ultimately, it is his meddling in his daughter's love life, his intercession in his nephew's legal troubles, and his neglect of his wife and son incur irreparable consequences. This depiction of his misguided but well-meaning efforts make him a tragic figure as it is his very attempts to guide and help his family which hurt them the most. Despite his many mistakes, however, it is the lessons that he imparts in and example that he provides to his family that allow them to move forward and find their place in the new Italy. For some fatherly love Italian style, join the Corbera family in The Leopard.

Daddy's home!

The series brings Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel to brilliant life thanks to the work of its cast. Saul Nanni perfectly balances callousness and charm as Don Fabrizio's reckless nephew, Tancredi. Benedetta Porcaroli infuses Don Fabrizio's oldest daughter and right-hand woman, Concetta, with a winning combination of intelligence, warmth, and girl next door charm. Deva Cassel showcases all the smoldering sultriness of a 1940's femme fatale as ambitious socialite, and Concetta's romantic rival, Angelica. Alessandro Sperduti personifies decency as Concetta's idealistic suitor, Colonel Bombello.Roberta Procida infuses Don Fabrizio's mistress, Mariannina with world weariness, wit, and sass. Alberto Rossi captures the passion and frustration of Don Fabrizio's overlooked son, Paulo. Astrid Meloni conveys warmth and wisdom as Don Fabrizio's devoted wife, Stella. Francesco Colella blends humor and cunning as opportunistic politician, Don Calogero. Even in the midst of superior supporting performances, however, the series belongs to Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio. In Stuart's hands Don Fabrizio is more than a symbol of a fading era and is instead a complicated man struggling to hold onto his dignity, his family, and his way of life even as they threaten to disappear.

Even as it captures the sweep of Italian history The Leopard is a timeless story of family and fatherhood. The intelligent script transports viewers to the tumult of Risorgimento-era Italy. The dynamic performances bring di Lampedusa's novel to vibrant life. This Father's Day celebrate family and fatherhood with The Leopard.

Like father, like daughter