The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue

The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue is a 1998 American direct-to-video animated musical adventure film from MGM Animation. It serves as a follow-up to the 1982 film *The Secret of NIMH*, but its plot does not connect to *Racso and the Rats of NIMH*, the book sequel to the original novel. The story centers on Timothy Brisby, the youngest son of Mrs. Brisby and her late husband, who journeys to Thorn Valley hoping to emulate his father's heroism. There, he meets a young female mouse named Jenny and discovers that mice thought to have died during the NIMH escape are actually alive, prompting a rescue mission.

Unlike its predecessor, this sequel used digital ink and paint technology. It was produced without the involvement or approval of the original film's director, Don Bluth, and was widely criticized by reviewers.

**Plot** A prophecy foretells that one of Mrs. Brisby and Jonathan's children will save Thorn Valley from NIMH. Timothy is chosen, but his older brother Martin believes he should have been the one and sets off on his own adventure. Jeremy, an old friend of the Brisby family, flies Timmy to Thorn Valley, where he is warmly welcomed and trained by Justin, leader of the Rats of NIMH, and Mr. Ages. Over time, Timmy learns to adapt, improvise, and think on his feet, but struggles with following orders and considering consequences.

During a scavenger mission, Timmy meets Jenny McBride, a female mouse whose parents were among those thought dead during the NIMH escape. She reveals the mice are still alive but trapped, and that the institute is preparing a plan for the next full moon. Thorn Valley's council deems a rescue too risky, but Timmy decides to help after learning Martin has also been captured. They escape in a makeshift hot air balloon but are attacked by a hawk and crash into the forest, where they meet Cecil, a con artist caterpillar who scares the hawk away.

Seeking aid, the group visits the Great Owl, only to find Jeremy impersonating him. Timmy and Jenny discover Cecil and Jeremy have been tricking forest animals for money. When exposed, the pair flee with Timmy and Jenny to NIMH. Inside, they find experiments turning rats into obedient minions while human scientists become animalistic. Timmy and Jenny reunite with Justin and the rats, who have come to help.