Blu-ray Review: Sweet, Charming ‘A Monster in Paris’

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CHICAGO – Just as there are tiers of animation in the United States, there are varying degrees of quality in our imported product as well. In the States, we know not everything can be Pixar. I suppose the French equivalent is not everything can be “The Illusionist” or “Triplets of Belleville”. And so we shouldn’t approach the recently imported 3D family film, “A Monster in Paris” with that standard of movie magic. The script for this fantasy is a bit thin and the visuals can be disappointing but it has a pleasant spirit, bouncy energy, and air of romance that allow it to work well for a rental. And it’s not weighed down with the gross-out jokes and pop culture references that often sink Hollywood 3D animated productions.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

“A Monster in Paris” has echoes of “Phantom of the Opera” for the younger romantic in your house. Writer/director Bibo Bergeron has worked on projects as varied as “Flushed Away,” “Caillou,” “Shark Tale,” “Bee Movie,” and “Asterix.” He brings a light touch to “Monster” which is the opposite of so many Hollywood productions that feel made by committee. I found parts of “Monster” a little dull but that alone is notable given the manic approach to storytelling so often approached by studios like Fox and Sony. Just because it’s 3D doesn’t mean it has to be in your face.

A Monster in Paris was released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 16, 2013
A Monster in Paris was released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 16, 2013
Photo credit: Shout Factory

Synopsis:
Paris,1910. Panic sweeps the city as floodwaters rise and a monster is on the loose!

Meanwhile a wacky inventor, his camera-crazy best friend, and a madcap monkey are on a mission to protect the beast, Franc, as he holds a rare and special talent. With the help of the beautiful but feisty singer Lucille, the team harbors the monster to keep him from the ghastly wannabe Mayor, Commissioner Maynott, who has a plan to capture Franc and reveal him to be nothing more than a monstrous danger to the people of Paris.

From Bibo Bergeron, the director of Shark Tale, and starring Adam Goldberg, Jay Harrington, Bob Balaban, Sean Lennon, Vanessa Paradis, Danny Huston and Catherine O’Hara, A Monster In Paris is presented in stunning 3D for a spectacularly fun experience for the whole family.

Special Features:
o Just a Digital Copy

“A Monster in Paris” was released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 16, 2013.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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