Lots of bawdy humor makes this not for the kiddies, but it's a fast-paced laugh per minute farce in the same vein as the "Naked Gun" films for breakneck speed of the gags.
Don't miss Moses parting the Red Sea & bringing down the *15* (yes, 15) Commandments from Mount Sinai.
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West continues theme of mice as immigrants trying to make it in America and the cats as the leaders who exploit their little opportunity. Due to poverty and overpopulation in the cities, immigrants emigrate west hoping for a better life yet still find exploitation. The theme of exploitation is balanced well with the notion that the immigrants were the backbone of American development as it expanded west. The immigrants were exploited, yet they continued labor in hopes of fortune that was rarely reached. The film also shows that you can be happy in times of trouble if you believe in yourself; a powerful ideal not to lose.
This movie was a Sunday afternoon classic at our house. After church and lunch we sat and watched this great little classic every week. The songs are still stuck in my head, the comedy is clever and costuming is great. And I found out recently that there really was a "Chicken Ranch" and it was the same whorehouse that the song "LaGrange" was based on. If you like musicals and have never seen this one it is worth the watch!
This has got to be one of the best comedy's ever. Most of the jokes still carry thru to today, and the ones that don't, you'll still "get". Great movie that has past the test of time.
May the schwartz be with you!
Reviewed by Squint for Spaceballs at 2008-03-12 14:54:10
I'm not usually a fan of Mel Brooks' films, but this one makes me whoop with laughter. Plus, Bill Pullman is crushworthy as the hero who is a blend of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.
Has aged pretty well; the writing is crisp and funny, and Kahn is great (Lily, Lily, Lily). Don't watch the edited version on AMC/TV though, the dialogue needs to be intact.