Coming to DVD and Blu-ray Combo Pack on April 16, 2013 is the newest release from the Shout Factory called A Monster in Paris.
I received a free DVD screener copy in order to do this review (there was no compensation).
Venture into the delightful Parisian cityscapes 1910s and spellbound by the visually opulent family adventure of A Monster in Paris, directed and written by Bibo Bergeron (Shark Tale) and produced by world renowned filmmaker Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp and Bergeron’s Bibo Films.
With an exceptional English-language voice cast of French singing sensation Vanessa Paradis, singer/song writer Sean Lennon, Catherine O’Hara (Penelope), Adam Goldberg (A Beautiful Mind), Bob Balaban(For Your Consideration), Danny Huston (Hitchcock) and Jay Harrington (Private Practice), A Monster in Paris harkens back to the classic tale of beauty and the beast, and delivers vibrant storyline packed with elegant characters, unforgettable song-and-dance musical numbers and beautiful CG animation that the whole family will enjoy!
This critically acclaimed international major motion picture also features enchanting, honey-toned vocals by Vanessa Paradis and Sean Lennon, with music score by popular French singer/songwriter Matthieu Chedid (aka M) and Patrice Renson.
A Monster in Paris is the story of two friends, Emile, a shy projectionist who has a serious crush on his co-worker Maude, and Raoul. Raoul has a “thing” for his childhood friend, Lucille, but won’t admit it. Lucille is a cabaret singer who has the attention of the Police Commissioner Maynott. Maynott is very full of himself and sees Lucille as “arm candy” more than anything else.
One evening Raoul makes a delivery to a laboratory where is friend works. He bring Emile along for the ride. After Raoul is done delivering to the lab he decides to take Emile on a tour. He has Emile film him as they walk through the lab, as if they are making a movie.
Raoul pays no mind to any warnings and thinks it’s OK to fool around with all the chemicals in the lab. That is until he goes too far and accidentally mixes two chemicals together that cause a huge explosion. That is not all it creates. The chemicals also created a monster which is later found out to be a flea from a monkey that worked in the lab who was transformed into a monstrous sized creature.
When the people of Paris find out there is a monster on the lose everyone is in a panic. Everyone except Maynott who is making it his quest to find the monster and dispose of him to make Paris a safe place again.
Once evening the monster finds his way to the cabaret where Lucille worked. Lucille accidentally came across him and was terrified. She ran back into the building and locked the doors and sat in fear of the monster. That is until she heard the monster sing. The monster had a beautiful singing voice. Lucille knew that something that could sing so lovely could not be a threat to her, so she opened the door and welcomed him inside.
Lucille tried to hide her new friend but it was soon discovered by Raoul and Emile that the monster was with Lucille. Not only that Maynott also found out about Lucille’s new friend – the very same monster he promised the citizens of Paris he would seek out and destroy.
Will Lucille be able to protect her friend from Maynott, or will Maynott destroy the monster with the beautiful singing voice? To find out you need to pick up a copy of A Monster in Paris, available where ever movies are sold on April 16, 2013.
This is a fun family movie. Although the monster (named Francoeur by Lucille) is not exactly cute or cuddly (he’s a giant flea after all), he is likable, as is all the characters in the film – except Maynott. He’s just mean and you want to root for something bad to happen to him.
Speaking of Maynott, he does go on a rampage at the end of the film and shoots a gun at Francoeur, Emile and Raoul. I would consider it very mild violence. Therefore it might not be suitable for very young children. I would think the film would be better suited for children ages 5-6 and older.
Here is the movie’s trailer. You can also see the trailer here, http://bit.ly/Xswdj8.
There are no bonus features on the DVD copy. I am not sure if the Blu-ray combo pack has bonus features or not.
I also have some fun activity sheets based on the film. All you need to do is click on the image below. You can then download and/or print out the activity pages.
In addition to the fun activities here is a brief slide show that introduces you the the characters in the film.
You can also view the character profiles here – http://bit.ly/XVV0Jy.
A Monster in Paris is set in Paris, France in 1910. I was in Paris back in 1986. My father took me as a graduation present from High School. I went to the UK, France and Belgium.
One of the things I really wanted to do in Paris is sit in a sidewalk cafe and have a croissant and a cup of coffee or tea and “people watch”.
France is known for it’s gourmet cuisine. In honor of the movie’s release I have some French recipes that you can prepare for your family and enjoy while you are watching A Monster in Paris. Simply click on the image to download or print out the recipes.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.
In the Hammock says
aww, i just watched the trailer, it looks so fun!
jamie braun says
ive been waiting patiently for this to come out! cant wait! downloaded the activity sheets!thanks
Vickie Couturier says
my grandsons want to see this badly
Cindy Brickley says
My grand kids want to see this, after your review I will have to purchase the DVD for them. I am sure it will keep them entertained for a while.
Janet W. says
This looks really cute! My grandson would enjoy the activity sheets!
Kathy Lane says
My grandson would really enjoy this movie.He loves anything about monsters.I need to check into getting this for him. Thanks!
June S. says
Can’t wait to see this with my grandson.