He Thought He Was Too Small to Make a Difference

The open prairie, the howl of coyotes, and the promise of a land where “there are no cats” await in An American Tail: Fievel Goes West—the charming, spirited sequel to the beloved 1986 classic. Directed by Phil Nibbelink and Simon Wells, this animated gem takes the Mousekewitz family out of New York City and into the heart of the Wild West, delivering a story rich with adventure, humor, and heart.

🐭 The Plot: From the Lower East Side to the Great Plains

Following the events of the first film, the Mousekewitz family—Papa, Mama, Fievel, Tanya, and Yasha—are still struggling to find their place in the crowded, cat-ridden streets of New York. Longing for a safer, freer life, they’re convinced by a fast-talking mouse named Wylie Burp (a washed-up canine sheriff voiced by James Stewart) to head west, where “the cats are friendly” and the cheese flows freely.

But not all is as it seems in Green River, their new desert-town home. A smooth-talking cat named Cat R. Waul (John Cleese) is secretly plotting to lure all the mice into a massive mousetrap—literally. With the help of a kind-hearted showcat named Miss Kitty (Amy Irving), Fievel must once again become the unlikely hero, teaming up with Wylie Burp and a comical dog named Tiger (Dom DeLuise) to save the mouse settlers from a feline-filled doom.

🌵 Why It’s a Worthy Sequel

Bigger World, Bigger Adventure: The shift from urban tenements to sweeping desert landscapes gives the film an epic, expansive feel while keeping the warmth and immigrant themes of the original.
Stellar Voice Cast: James Stewart’s final film role as Wylie Burp lends heart and gravity, while John Cleese’s villain is both hilarious and sinister.
Catchy Musical Numbers: Though no “Somewhere Out There,” “Dreams to Dream” (sung by Tanya) and “The Girl You Left Behind” carry emotional weight and charm.
Gorgeous Hand-Drawn Animation: Amblin’s partnership with Universal brought detailed backgrounds, expressive characters, and some of the most beautiful painted skies in ’90s animation.

🤠 Themes That Still Resonate

Fievel Goes West isn’t just a cute animal adventure—it’s a story about:

Courage in the face of the unknown
Not judging others by stereotypes (even cats!)
Finding your purpose, no matter how small you are

It also lightly pokes fun at Western movie tropes, making it fun for adults and kids alike.

🎨 Interesting Facts

This was the final film role for screen legend James Stewart—a fitting farewell from a man who embodied the spirit of the American West.
Steven Spielberg returned as executive producer, ensuring the sequel kept the emotional depth and high production values of the original.
It was the first feature-length animation collaboration between Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures.
The film was dedicated to David Kirschner’s father, who passed away during production.

🧡 Legacy & Why It Still Matters

While some critics felt it didn’t quite capture the raw emotion of the first film, Fievel Goes West has aged into a cult favorite praised for its bold art direction, memorable characters, and earnest storytelling. It’s a testament to the era when sequels didn’t just rehash—they reimagined.

Fievel’s journey west is more than a change of scenery—it’s a story about hope, bravery, and what it means to build a new home.