MOVIE REVIEWS Kids: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

ONCE IN A WHILE, a family film comes along that’s so captivating and inspirational, it shouldn’t be missed. Although its release was last summer, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On just landed on my radar and it’s one of the most wonderful stop-motion movies I’ve ever seen. It’ll likely be nominated for an Oscar, so there’s even more reason to see it. Funny, unique, original, and quirky, it’s a wonderful introduction to independent filmmaking for the younger crowd. But its sincere message and heartfelt life lessons will delight all ages. We discover that Marcel, an odd little fellow with pink shoes and one eye, lives with his Nanna Connie in a house that’s now an Airbnb. Although many people have stayed in the house, it isn’t until Dean and his camera begin interviewing Marcel that we learn his full story. Marcel busies himself with taking care of Nanna and finding the beauty in his quiet life, but he’s haunted by the accidental disappearance of his shell family. After Dean posts a series of YouTube videos, Marcel’s personality captivates millions of viewers. Hoping that this new online community can help him, Marcel is disappointed to realize that the people watching him only want their own 15 minutes of fame. On an adventurous tour of the city with Dean, Marcel finally understands how big the world really is, and finding a lost family of shells could be impossible. But help is on the way through a producer for 60 Minutes and Nanna Connie, who teaches Marcel to face his fears and dive into life. Not only a commentary on how we easily overlook the small things, but Marcel’s awakening is also a celebration of his ingenuity and strength. There’s laughter, tears, and of course, a very happy ending. ✦

A24 & Cinereach, Rated: PG Streaming on Amazon Marcel maps out a plan.

FALLING FOR CHRISTMAS Motion Picture Corporation, Rated: PG Streaming on Netflix

ALTHOUGH IT OVERFLOWS with holiday decorations, sleigh bells, and ornaments, the fluffy new rom-com from Netflix starring Lindsay Lohan & Chord Overstreet doesn’t have much imagination or pizazz. But if you just want to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and let the holiday schmaltz take over, then Falling for Christmas is a tolerable pick. The recycled story is about an obnoxious rich-girl who loses her memory after a skiing accident and ends up at an old-fashioned lodge run by a handsome widowed father. He’s generous and helpful, his daughter is sweet and adorable, and his mother-in-law is kind, understanding, and wise. Rich-girl learns how the other half lives while waiting for her memory to return. The small ski lodge faces closure, but rich-girl eventually saves the family business by hosting a fund-raising Christmas party. The side story of the jilted fiancé lost in the woods is mildly funny, but Lohan’s physical pratfalls are only somewhat cute. Unfortunately, Falling for Christmas feels like a pretend romance in a pretend ski resort with cardboard characters. The best part of the film are the outtakes over the credits, which are much funnier than the scripted scenes.

That holiday feeling.