A Monster in Paris (2011)

81% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
58% want to see it
(1,478 ratings)

An oversized bug is caught up in a most unexpected adventure in this animated comedy. It's 1910, and Raoul is a Parisian delivery man by day and scientist by night who is determined to brainstorm an important new invention. With the help of his friend Emile, a cinema projectionist with women on the… More An oversized bug is caught up in a most unexpected adventure in this animated comedy. It's 1910, and Raoul is a Parisian delivery man by day and scientist by night who is determined to brainstorm an important new invention. With the help of his friend Emile, a cinema projectionist with women on the brain, Raoul attempts an experiment in a greenhouse that has an unexpected side effect -- a tiny flea has suddenly expanded until it's seven feet tall. The enormous flea gets loose and it's not long before word is out that a monstrous bug is haunting Paris. However, while mean-spirited politician Victor tries to snare some publicity by making people afraid of the bug before he catches it, Lucille, a pretty nightclub performer, makes a surprising discovery -- the big flea is not only gentle and friendly, he's a gifted guitar player, and decked out in a suit and a hat, he's soon impressing patrons as part of her act. Un Monstre a Paris (aka A Monster In Paris) was written and directed by Bibo Bergeron, returning to France after directing several successful features in the United States. The original French voice cast includes Gad Elmaleh, Sebastien Desjours, Ludivine Sagnier and Francois Cluzet, while the English language version features Adam Goldberg, Jay Harrington, Catherine O'Hara and Danny Huston; Vanessa Paradis voices Lucille in both versions. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Bibo Bergeron
Written By: Bibo Bergeron
Genres: Animation, Kids & Family

Critic Reviews

Graham Young, Birmingham Mail
From its curiously light opening to its emotive climax, the best thing about this animation is that it gets better and better as you grow into its own little world.
Dan Brightmore, Little White Lies
Above all it's just plain fun, and the songs are catchy, too.
, This is London
Bibo Bergeron's charmingly animated but fiendishly plotted feature is up for an Oscar and just about deserves the compliment for originality, if not for its storyline.
Andrew Osmond, SFX Magazine
Solidly staged and charmingly quirky, but be prepared for a few longueurs.
, Liverpool Echo
There are some decent laughs and energetic set pieces despite a flimsy script.
Allan Hunter, Daily Express
The manic story shoots off in so many directions it is a mess but Paris looks marvellous, the songs are pretty and the film has charm.
Christopher Tookey, Daily Mail [UK]
You'd think fun could be had with the idea of fleeing a flea, but gags are few and far between.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
The film has something of Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame, and indeed King Kong, but has an eccentric style of its own: a decent children's film.
Lucy Barrick, Radio Times
While the attempts at humour occasionally fall flat, there's plenty of excitement in the chase scenes and a refreshing lack of sentiment, and the movie is topped by bewitchingly memorable songs.
Neil Smith, Total Film
It's hard to fathom who this 3D combo of horror, musical and twinkly retro nostalgia is aimed at.
Roz Laws, Birmingham Post
It is clever, quite funny and beautifully animated, with lovely Parisian scenes, though the 3D version is pointless.
Tim Evans, Sky Movies
Youngsters will be enthralled by the adventures of the troublesome trio while mum and dad may find themselves singing along to a Matthieu Chedid's score, a rich pastiche which sweetly drives the narrative along.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
Beautifully animated with impressive background work, likeable characters and a couple of catchy songs, this is an enjoyable and frequently charming family adventure that should appeal to both adults and children...
Derek Adams, Time Out
'A Monster in Paris' borrows some of its tics from silent cinema, but it also reaches out to films such as 'Frankenstein', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'The Fly' and 'King Kong' for inspiration.
Siobhan Synnot, Scotsman
The animation is charming, the musical numbers rather sweet, but the plot struggles for excitement, unexpected twists or comic moments.
Kim Newman, Empire Magazine
3D fun for all the family with impressive visuals and some catchy tunes.