Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Funny, profound, weird, sad, and gorgeously constructed — Marcel is a true original, liable to melt even the most cynical heart. A very special shell indeed.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On both gets on little ones’ level and lifts them up to give them a better view out the window, presenting a world of thought and feeling to go along with the giggles and “aw”s of the film’s endearing landscape. Maybe quirky earnestness is back—so long as it’s done with as much care and insight as this rather marvelous curio.

While simple, there is great depth to this uncomplicated story.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a true delight.

If a heartfelt summer comedy feels like something that the doctor ordered, then a healthy dose of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is just what you need.

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On could be considered a kids movie or an art-house indie (A24 is releasing). But its proper audience might be anyone who’s ever felt sanded down by life, and could use a roll in Marcel’s rover.

The self-reflexiveness of the entire enterprise only breaks the spell that Slate and Camp work hard to maintain — one which Rossellini effortlessly keeps intact with intelligence, beautifully controlled phrasing and a soft, melodious warmth that feels like a tender caress.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

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 post

IN A NUTSHELL: After the success of a short film about a mollusk named Marcel back in 2010, it was decided to turn the story into a feature film. Marcel is an adorable, 1-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. However, when a documentary filmmaker discovers them, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans, as well as unprecedented dangers and a new hope of finding his long-lost family. The darling film was written, produced, and directed by the talented Dean Fleischer-Camp. What an imagination he has. But wait, there’s more. He also stars in the movie, most of the time with just his voice. His genuine laughter was so infectious. THINGS I LIKED: This is one of the cutest, most original, and endearing movies you’ll ever see. It is also filled with humor and profound life lessons. Jenny Slate has the perfect voice for animation. She gave so much life to Marcel. The director is Jenny’s ex-husband. She said they were both focused on doing the film well and that they didn’t have fights or awkward moments about it. She also said it’s both of their favorite projects. The witty humor is extremely entertaining, both spoken and visual. I loved hearing Isabella Rossellini’s voice. So sweet. That’s so cute that they got the real Lesley Stahl to join the cast. Fun fact 1: It is said that a full day of filming averaged only 5 to 10 seconds of actual run time! It took them 7 years to get everything right. Fun fact 2: the director purchased Marcel’s shell in a hobby store. He ended up buying quite a few and then made additional shells with a 3-D printer! You’ll notice non-shell characters at the end of the movie that also come to life. The director explained, “If an object is neglected long enough, it develops a spirit of its own.” A24 is a studio that everyone is now talking about with the success of this little gem. I hope they can keep the momentum up. This movie WILL give you all the feels and probably pull some wet drops out of your eyes. THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: Have YOU ever eaten a raspberry? It would have been a perfect ending to show Marcel doing that. TIPS FOR PARENTS: This is a family-friendly movie that all ages will enjoy. Some “light” profanity Some suggestive humor that will fly over the heads of children

The movie quality wise is a 3 or so. It is insanely boring, but the movie is original, obviously has heart/care put into it, and the technical filmmaking and care with the shells is admirable. Because of that a 5 is pretty fair.

What is this overly hyped nonsense? Movie was an absolute bore from start to end, the main character being incredibly annoying with zero plot or direction. Good to put on if you are looking to take a nap is about it.