Rugrats in Paris

Being that the first film in this series was somewhat of a disappointment, I had no expectations of this being above or beyond its predecessor-much to my surprise and pleasure, I was rather thrilled at the results.

The animation is stunning, even inspired. The illustrations are full, with just enough whimsy to let you know that this is still what it is. The story is a bit of a tear-jerker, especially if you have seen the series and are familiar with the characters. Anyone who doesn't feel something during this film never had a childhood.

Each segment comes alive with its own beat, pulsating joyful across the screen. There is enough in here for adults to WANT to see it again, and enough that the kids won't complain. The references to pop culture are extensive, not limiting themselves to the last five years, or just one genre, but running the gamut from art to politics and back again, from the present day to the distant past. This a film to treasure-not quite all time great material, but very, very good.

There are of course, scenes which don't work, or could have been cut out, but then it wouldn't have been itself-And what's the point of that?