Directed with brio by Eric Summer and Eric Warin, this
charming animated film, set in 1880s France, centers on two best friends
(voices of Elle Fanning and Nat Wolff) who escape from an orphanage (its
predictably stern mother superior voiced by Kate McKinnon) to pursue their
dreams in Paris. He plans to be a famous inventor, while she longs to be a
dancer. A cleaning woman at the City of Light's opera house (voice of Carly Rae
Jepsen) who was once a prima ballerina until sidelined by injury takes pity on
the lass and agrees to train her. A couple of rude jokes do not seriously
detract from visually stunning imagery and a winning story about friendship,
perseverance and helping others in need.
Watch out for: Brief
scatological humor and a less than flattering representation of women
religious.
Rated:
A-II, adults and adolescents; MPAA: PG
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2017