Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On is a charming little stop-motion animation and live-action mockumentary movie. It's a very unique title that boasts some phenomenal cinematography and surprisingly deep subject matter. It isn't a movie for everyone, a mockumentary about a talking shell sure makes for a strange watch, but the quality and talent on show can't be denied. It's a serious technical achievement. Was this movie for me? No. Would I watch this movie again? Probably not, but I am glad that I've watched it and would recommend giving it a go, especially if you're into animation. A good movie, but not for me.
STORY
A documentary maker called Dean discovers a talking shell called Marcel living in his Airbnb. Dean decides to make a documentary on Marcel, about his way of life and how he's trying to find the family he lost.
It's a strange one. Well made, but strange. The subject matter is really quite deep especially for the target audience. It's about a young person's dreams but also having to deal with sudden viral fame, needing to care for an sick elderly relative and searching for lost family in an unknown world.
It's quite funny throughout but can be very sad in places. The writing is good but the pacing suffers a bit.
ACTING
The movie is in the style of a documentary and the performances make it believable, it feels like an actual documentary. Performances are good for the style.
CHARACTERS
Marcel is very likeable. He's an adorable little shell with a big personality. He made me laugh a few times. His Nana Connie is also likeable.
CINEMATOGRAPHY/VISUAL DESIGN
Absolutely phenomenal. The stop-motion animation is absolutely fantastic. It's a craft that takes serious time, patience and skill to pull off and this is some of the best I've seen. A real achievement. The camera work and some of the scenes are excellent aswell. Some really impressive shots and ideas.
SOUNDTRACK/AUDIO
There's some really good use of music especially during the sad parts that really makes the scenes hit.
STORY
A documentary maker called Dean discovers a talking shell called Marcel living in his Airbnb. Dean decides to make a documentary on Marcel, about his way of life and how he's trying to find the family he lost.
It's a strange one. Well made, but strange. The subject matter is really quite deep especially for the target audience. It's about a young person's dreams but also having to deal with sudden viral fame, needing to care for an sick elderly relative and searching for lost family in an unknown world.
It's quite funny throughout but can be very sad in places. The writing is good but the pacing suffers a bit.
ACTING
The movie is in the style of a documentary and the performances make it believable, it feels like an actual documentary. Performances are good for the style.
CHARACTERS
Marcel is very likeable. He's an adorable little shell with a big personality. He made me laugh a few times. His Nana Connie is also likeable.
CINEMATOGRAPHY/VISUAL DESIGN
Absolutely phenomenal. The stop-motion animation is absolutely fantastic. It's a craft that takes serious time, patience and skill to pull off and this is some of the best I've seen. A real achievement. The camera work and some of the scenes are excellent aswell. Some really impressive shots and ideas.
SOUNDTRACK/AUDIO
There's some really good use of music especially during the sad parts that really makes the scenes hit.
Mini Review: A stop-motion mockumentary about a talking shell makes for a very watch. Not for me. That being said it is a very well made and charming movie. Must have taken some serious patience and dedication to make.
More Reviews of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
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