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| ARTHUR & THE INVISIBLES |
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| Actors: Freddie Highmore, Robert DeNiro, Mia Farrow, Harvey Keitel |
| Director: Luc Besson |
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Studio: The Weinstein Company |
| DVD release: 15 May 2007 |
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Runtime: 94 minutes (1 disc) |
| Format: Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, Widescreen, NTSC |
| DVD Features: "The Voices Of 'Arthur And The Invisibles'"; "Quest For Love" Music Video performed by Jewel; "In The Recording Studio With Jewel"; Beautiful Day" Music Video performed by Elijah, Featurette, Music Videos, Trailers |
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Luc Besson wrote and directed Arthur et les Minimoys in his native France, and the movie was such a hit it has been produced for an English-speaking audience. Filled with well-known actors and incredible voice talents, Arthur and the Invisibles is a cute story sure to entertain both adults and children.
Arthur (Freddie Highmore, from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Finding Neverland ) is a ten-year-old boy living with his grandmother (Mia Farrow) in the '60s while his parents are elsewhere seeking work. His grandfather disappeared some time ago, and his grandmother shares all of his writings, drawings, and exciting finds from around the world with Arthur. In these writings, Arthur learns that his grandfather was given some rubies, which he hid with a tiny group of creatures called the Minimoys, for safekeeping. When a devious real estate developer comes knocking, he threatens to take the land in three days unless Arthur's grandfather shows up to save the day. Following his grandfather's instructions, Arthur enters the underground world of the Minimoys. He meets Princess Selenia (voiced by Madonna), her brother Betameche (voiced by Jimmy Fallon), and the King (voiced by Robert DeNiro) and joins them on a quest to save their world from the evil M (voiced by David Bowie).
Arthur and the Invisibles begins in live action film, and when Arthur enters the world of the Minimoys, the film becomes CGI-animated. The story has many great themes, from sticking together, to the power of love, family, and friendship, to defeating evil. But the transition from live action to CGI and back again never seems to gel together. It's a sweet movie, but nothing spectacular. The adults in our family were amused and kept entertained, but the children (ages six and eight) absolutely adored the movie. They loved the idea of being able to become small and join a land underground of tiny creatures.
The special features focus on the wealth of very famous actors who lent their voices to this movie. There are also a couple of music videos and a "making of" the music video featurette. Arthur and the Invisibles is an excellent choice for families looking for a nice weekend diversion. It is rated PG for fantasy action and brief suggestive material.
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