Seriously. Before you reach for that keypad and say anything unkind about Marcel (who has never said an unkind word about anyone, and generally keeps his opinions to himself),remember that our culture elevated BORAT to cult status back in 2006. So, if BORAT was great film-making, Marcel will need a new pair of shoes -- and probably a tux -- to accept his long-overdue Oscar. Even before this project got to the big screen (or small device used in place of a big screen) it was already an internet sensation for voice actress Jenny Slate. Jenny's tone and delivery are so delicately nuanced that it makes the award given to FINDING NEMO back in 2004 look like an accounting error. Words like DELIGHTFUL, CAPTIVATING, and UNIQUE don't do Marcel justice. I would ask the little guy to step up here and say a few words for himself, but right now I think he is trying to find a way to make bird sculptures from ice cream. Ever since the feature release, he doesn't sleep much. Or, if he does, he keeps one eye open. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Greetings again from the darkness. For proof that social media and the internet can be used for good, I offer as evidence this film from writer-director Dean Fleisher-Camp and co-writers Elizabeth Holm, Nick Paley, and Jenny Slate. The first 'Marcel' short film hit the internet in 2010 and was such a hit that there were two follow-up short films and a best-selling picture book. Now expanded to a feature length film of 90 minutes, the innovative and curious premise holds up due to the fully-formed character of a precious one-googly-eyed mollusk shell wearing ... yes ... shoes.

Why do we connect with Marcel? Well, the instantly recognized voice created by Jenny Slate plays a huge part. There is a welcoming innocence in the wispy tone, and when combined with the exceptional writing, the result is a relatable character full of warmth and wit, and pain and humor. Marcel is naïve, yet persistent. He's someone we like and pull for. The story is told via faux-documentary as a filmmaker (played by director Fleisher-Camp) stays in the Airbnb where Marcel lives with his aging grandmother Connie (voiced by Isabella Rossellini). During interviews, we learn that Marcel longs for his family and community that was disrupted when the home's original owners broke up and moved out. Since then, Marcel has looked after his grandmother and helped her tend the garden. They have been quite creative in their use of household resources, including a tennis ball for transportation.

The filmmaker posts the interviews online and soon Marcel has a huge following, giving him hope that his family can be tracked down. This leads to a terrific "60 Minutes" segment with journalist Leslie Stahl. The best description I can offer of Marcel is adorable - not a word I use very often. Marcel forces us to view the world through a child's eye, but it's important to note, that while young children may find Marcel cute, the dialogue, wit, and life issues covered will be way over their heads (though not offensive in the least). Young kids (under 10) should probably stick to the shorts. The sad and painful context is balanced by sweetness and optimism. Marcel's story inspires us to embrace all stages of life with an open heart and mind - dealing with grief and sadness, while coming out the other side with spirit intact.

A24 specializes in distributing innovative and creative movies, and this certainly qualifies. It's not really a mockumentary because it's not mocking anything. The stop-motion approach in documentary style may initially seem like whimsy, but we quickly realize it's more substantive. Individual strength and the power of community are on full display, and somehow Marcel the Shell teaches us ... while wearing shoes.

Opens in theaters on July 8, 2022.

"Sometimes I find my mind wandering, thinking, "What would my family think?" Do you think they could be out there?"

Marcel, an adorable one-inch-tall shell living alone with his grandmother Connie seek to find their long-lost community with the help of a documentary filmmaker. Based on the widely popular YouTube series, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On revives the adorable shell in what is quite possibly the most adorable movie ever. I remember watching the YouTube videos a few times, but it was never something I fell for. However, this film re-introduced me to the world of Marcel and had me caring for every second of the runtime. For such a simple and silly idea, this film exceeds in sharing a heartfelt story. Everything about it is wholesome. For those who aren't familiar with the original shorts, the film easily updates those and throws easter eggs around. The script is incredibly funny. There would be times that we'd miss a few sentences into the next thing because the audience was laughing at the last thing. Some of the humor won't land with everyone because it's such a strange tone, but all of it worked for me. I thought it was written very well. There are emotionally gripping lines and thought provoking inquiries. It's one of those movies that makes you reflect on your own life and happiness.

Jenny Slate has never been better. Obviously this is just voice acting as a small shell, but this feels like the role that will define her career. We also have the talents of Isabella Rossellini and writer/director Dean Fleischer-Camp acting. Rossellini's character is incredibly well written and brings an emotional aspect to the film. I know it's not voice acting, but there's one really beautiful moment she has that's been playing through my head for the past week now. I like that Dean Fleischer-Camp acted in this because it gives it an intimate and unique angle to filmmaking. One of the most striking elements is the cinematography. I thought it was beautifully shot and does more than you'd think. Also, the score was very unique and I can't wait for them to release it. There are a few moments strewn about that didn't quite land. Sometimes it moves a little too fast with some montages in the beginning. Other times, it doesn't feel like we've stayed on the moment long enough. Still, you cannot deny the power these little shells hold on the story. I really loved Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. I can see this becoming a comfort movie for me and an instant crowd hit.