If you want to watch a cute family-style movie that will just make you happy, sad, relieved and more, then this is the movie you need to take the family to. I was worried, since this is another one of those YouTube to Film movies, but this one is done in enough of a way, and enough of a story that it breaks out as a hidden hit that is to be enjoyed.
Marcel is an adorable one-inch-tall shell who ekes out a colorful existence with his grandmother Connie and their pet lint, Alan. Once part of a sprawling community of shells, they now live alone as the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy. But when a documentary filmmaker discovers them amongst the clutter of his Airbnb, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans, as well as unprecedented dangers and a new hope at finding his long-lost family. A beloved character gets his big-screen debut in this hilarious and heartwarming story about finding connection in the smallest corners.
Although the character is made up, this made for YouTube documentary style movie works well with what it knows it is. The film doesn't go out of the way to try to trick or change the point of what this is. It's about a shell that hits the big time with YouTube and wants to find his family and friends. The movie is filled with messages that are good for people of all ages to learn. It will even make you have feelings that you won't believe a talking shell, wearing shoes, will make you feel.
No one is going to judge you by having feelings for a shell. I know I did while watching this movie, and you will too. It's ok, embrace it.
With the run time being short, it's just the right amount for you to learn enough about this shell, without overdoing it and feeling too long. I would say I wish they had explored more of the main character who films Marcel. I know this movie is about Marcel, but they leave enough clues and hints that make you want to know more, but the film never explains much. What we do know does explain something about why he's there in the first place. Just not enough to please the interest they create in the story.
This one is a cute one for families and people of all ages. Just make sure you get some popcorn for the slower parts, but the whole family at any age will enjoy Marcel and the adventures he has. Let's hope we see more from Marcel going forward, even if it's just back on YouTube.
'Marcel The Shell With Shoes On' is in Select Theaters on Friday, June 24th, Expanding, July 1st, 2022.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Billy Joynt (Editor) - Billy has seen many movies over the years. He enjoys comedies and anything action, including the summer blockbuster movies. You can follow Billy on Twitter here.Click Here to check out Billy's Articles.