Sweet tale a mouse meeting a bear surprisingly entertaining, writes Christine Powley.
Directors: Stephane Aubier, Vincent Patar, Benjamin Renner
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, Megan Mullally, Jeffrey Wright
Rating: (PG)
5 stars out of 5.
Fesity young mouse Celestine and her best friend, the kind-hearted bear Ernest, have had their adventures documented in a series of children's books by Belgian author and illustrator Gabrielle Vincent.
Meshing them up to create feature-length animated film Ernest & Celestine (Rialto) has given the French Belgian co-production a pre-existing universe of bears who live above-ground in bourgeois French domesticity, while below is a mirror world of rodents. Each has a common set of prejudices about the other.
The books' illustrations have also provided a template for the visual language of the movie: simple, clear line drawings with a tasteful colour wash give an uncluttered feel which is pleasantly relaxing to watch.
This is a children's movie that children will enjoy, but its chief appeal is to adults looking for old-fashioned sweetness in a children's film.
The original vocals were in French and the version showing here has been redubbed by American actors, normally a source of irritation. But Ernest & Celestine's American talent is chosen wisely. Forest Whitaker is pitch perfect as Ernest and child actor Mackenzie Foy, best known for playing Renesmee, Bella and Edward's child in the last two Twilight movies, is wonderful as Celestine.
Best thing: How darn entertaining this mouse meets bear yarn is.
Worst thing: Some of the children's voices have an American twinge but otherwise it it faultless.
See it with: A little something to nibble on. Bears like treats and watching Ernest in action will remind you that humans do too.
