The Secret of Nihm is getting another adaptation. Not remaking the animated classic, but adapting the original children’s book Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nihm.
As rodents prove surprisingly likable on the big screen, the studio [Paramount] is developing a feature version of the Newbery Medal-winning children’s book “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.”
Director Neil Burger (“The Illusionist”) is in talks to write the screenplay.
The new “NIMH” likely will combine live action and animation in the manner of “Alvin and the Chipmunks” and other kiddie hybrids.
The Secret of Nihm by Don Bluth was one of my favourite animated films when I was younger. It was different from the other kiddie flicks and dealt with a more mature subject matter. It was the first time I saw animation that COULD be serious and opened up doors for me that I didn’t know were possible.
I am a little more encouraged that they wouldn’t be trying this as another animated feature, but very discouraged that they are trying to make it a “kiddie hybrid” and liken it to Alvin and the Chipmunks and G-Force which clearly cater specifically to a younger crowd.
My kids get bored at parts of Nihm, and mostly because it isn’t really a kiddie film, so for them to kiddie-fy the movie to be live action hybrid worries me.
