Ernest and Celestine (2012)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ½

Ernest and Celestine (2012) – S. Aubier, V. Patar, & B. Renner

Based on children’s books that we’ve never encountered (by Belgian author Gabrielle Vincent), the film tells the story of Ernest, a bear (voiced by Forest Whitaker), and Celestine, a mouse (voiced by MacKenzie Foy).  The animation is charming (and of the seemingly hand-drawn type – with watercolours, since it’s in French) and the story speaks of friendship between those from different backgrounds, teaching a lesson while also being fun.  Except the kids grew worried (in the theatre, asking to go home) when Ernest and Celestine got themselves into enough trouble that the police were looking for them.  In fact, they did break the law – stealing both candy and false teeth (to appease Ernest’s hunger and Celestine’s dental school master, respectively).  They end up in court!  I promised that there would be a happy ending – and of course there was (though we worried until the last minute).  In the end, the kids voted for 4.5 stars out of 5 and 10 stars out of 5 (from a 7 year old and a 4 ½ year old, respectively).  For me, the animation carried the day with excellent (voice and pictorial) characterisations all around – the film managed to be both touching and funny. Moreover, as an adult, I didn’t feel bored or neglected in the audience (and there didn’t need to be smirky or topical adult jokes to keep me interested).  Highly recommended!