From the famed French animation studio Folimage comes the charming animated treat "A Cat in Paris." This little film, filled with simple pleasures, was nominated for a 2012 Academy Award and just seems pleasingly different from the increasingly boisterous tone of most U.S. animation. It's a small movie, to be sure, without particularly lofty goals--but that's what I enjoyed about it. It's a flight of fancy, a bit of sophisticated escapism that you don't have to be anesthetized to enjoy with your older children. This is a real family film (not just a kiddie flick). As they enjoy the mischievous feline, you can relish in the Paris backdrop and fondly recall rooftop chases from "To Catch A Thief." This two-pack release has both the DVD and the Blu-ray feature and you may opt to see the film with its original subtitles or with the new soundtrack. For American distribution, Marcia Gay Harden, Anjelica Huston (with a fairly peculiar accent) and Matthew Modine headline the vocal talent.In addition to the 62 minute feature (in both English and French), this release has a cute short film entitled "Extinction of the Saber-Toothed Housecat" (also rated PG) and "The Many Lives of A Cat" Video Flipbook.
Despite these extras, though, the real star is the main show! The furry critter in the leading role is living a double life. During the day, it's a domestic pet for a troubled young girl reeling from the violent murder of her father. During the night, it prowls the cityscape with a human cat burglar scoring exotic treasures. Harden voices the girl's mother and Huston is a new housekeeper. As Harden, a police inspector, closes in on the criminal ring that was responsible for her husband's death--the two worlds get pulled closer together. And as danger approaches, might our nighttime criminals actually take on the roles of unexpected heroes? I think it's a safe bet, but it's a pleasure to see how. One particularly memorable scene (in the dark) is done simply with crude line drawings and was my favorite moment in the whole movie.
"A Cat in Paris" may not be for the very young, but it is certainly for the young at heart. It just has a cool vibe. It looks great and it's a lot of fun. What more can I say? That's more than enough for me, even with the film's modest ambitions. KGHarris, 10/12.
Buy A Cat in Paris (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2010) Now
------------------------------------------------------------"A Cat In Paris"
(Folimage/New Arts, 2010/2012)
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A real gem from French animators Jean-Loup Felicioli and Alain Gagnol... This brilliant, stylish, wildly creative thriller has a look and feel unlike anything being produced in the United States these days. Visually the film is gorgeous: the graphic design is odd and angular, with purposeful nods to film noir's camera angles and use of darkness and shadows, along with a color palette that's filled with rich, unusual choices. The delicious graphics are complimented by a slinky spy-jazz score that feels alternately moody and retro.
Thematically, "A Cat In Paris" is practically an anti-Disney kids' movie: it's stylish and unpredictable; there is a dead parent, but it's the kid's dad, not her mother (who, rather than being dead is a strong, no-nonsense police detective... A great female role model, along with the movie's young heroine...) The story is intelligent and brisk, a refreshingly original plot about a clever cat who slips out at night to join a lithe, roguish burglar who likes stealing stuff just for the challenge but has a strong sense of right and wrong when it comes to taking care of little kids. Best of all it presents cats in a favorable light and makes fun of dogs instead. Like I said: the opposite of Disney.
Lots to love here: alt-oriented families who enjoy material that's fun but off the beaten track will definitely want to check this on out! (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain children's media reviews)
Read Best Reviews of A Cat in Paris (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2010) Here
I enjoy most animated movies, especially with colorful characters, and an exciting story. The introduction of a cat and a child, bad guys and the police, and who's running for their lives, or who is being chased. There's plenty of excitement with a theme of good-verses-bad. Fun-filled, Enjoyable, and Entertaining. Highly Recommended!Want A Cat in Paris (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2010) Discount?
My initial interest in A Cat in Paris came from an excellent review but I was also interested in seeing the film from my own interest in cats and that the film is hand-drawn animation. The story revolves around Dino, a cat that lives a double life. By day, he is the pet of Zoë and by night, he is the companion of a bugler, who appears to be as flexible as a cat. Zoë's mother, a somewhat neglectful parent, is a police inspector, seeking to capture a notorious criminal. The characters of the two stories soon join together when the criminals her mother is after endanger Zoë.I enjoyed the animation. The colors are magnificent and the style of drawing was a refreshing change from the CG animation that is more often used for animated films. I must add that I got so caught up in the story that I didn't try to guess the cast members that were doing the voices, as I usually like to do. The DVD includes a short film called Extinction of the Saber-Toothed Housecat (a very tongue-in-cheek story) and The Many Lives of A Cat Video Flipbook. A Cat in Paris is a charming story, imaginatively drawn and boasts a marvelous jazzy soundtrack. A Cat in Paris is a wonderful film for the family that, I, for one will want to see again for the artistry of the animation and the fun of the story.
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