Arthur and the Invisibles

This movie got dreadful reviews. It's rating on Rotten Tomatoes was absolutely dire. Fourteen percent I think. Critics said it was unimaginative, dull, predictable, disappointing, that "only kids will enjoy it."

Well, if only kids will enjoy it, then that sounds like a great movie, in my book. What's wrong with kids enjoying a movie that's *for kids*? Plus, it was directed by Luc Besson, and his magnum opus, "The Fifth Element," is one of my top ten movies of all time. So, we took the kids to see Arthur and the Invisibles yesterday, and BOY am I glad we didn't listen to the critics. This movie was completely brilliant. Here's a quote from my son: "This was the greatest movie ever."

Were there sarcastic pop culture references? No. Was there a retro pop music sountrack? No. The movie was sweetly devoid of nudges and winks to the parents in the audience, and the score was original and orchestral. So, I guess that takes it out of the formula for what's popular now in kids' movies. The question I have, though, is this: Are popular kids movies really popular with kids? Look what happened to "Cars." Look what happened to "Chicken Little." These movies came and went, and nobody cared. "Over the Hedge"? Phppt. "Open Season"? Whatever.

In my opinion, the problem with these high budget, massive-marketing movies is that they're too complicated in general, and too complicated with adult themes specifically. Critics complained that "Arthur and the Invisibles" was too predictable, and maybe, yes, it was a little bit, for those of us in our thirties. I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat to see if Arthur would succeed in his quest. But you know what? My seven-year-old son has never seen the "Have to go on an adventure to the scary place so you can find the treasure to save the farm" story played out before. And he's the one the movie was for.

So, is there nothing for the adults in the audience? Please. We're talking about Luc Besson here! The movie is beautiful. The blending of CGI with real life was amazing. The "costumes" of the creatures in the magic world looked like a CGI version of Jean Paul Gaultier. I enjoyed myself richly, and without the 70's songs and references to pop psychology! Imagine! Mia Farrow was terrific, and all of the sets -- both the CGI and the real life ones -- were so cool. In some ways, it was like watching "The Fifth Element" all over again, but reimagined for kids. It was the most fun I've had in a movie theater since "Capote." How do you like that?

One point: My kids weren't terribly bothered by the CGI violence, but the villain is rather scary and my three year old daughter was a little overwhelmed at times -- had to retreat to Daddy's collar bone. Because of the artistry of the movie and the subtlety of the effects, I don't think it translated to a fear that would survive outside the theater, but some smaller kids might find it pretty unsettling.

I'm thankful that Luc Besson made this film the way he wanted to make it, instead of bowing to current trends that brought us such steaming piles as "Hoodwinked" and "Barnyard." I'm glad I followed my instinct and trusted my faith in this director, instead of listening to the critics. Do go and see this movie -- and prepare yourself for a visual treat.

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