A live-action movie about a talking shell with a one eyeball wearing tennis shoes is not something that most open-minded people would approve of. It is not an image one can easily see. You will wish you bought even more tickets, brought even more friends, and started all over again after 45 seconds of that movie because it is obvious that you are in for a good time. Dean Fleischer Camp and Jenny Slate are both returning for the feature, which is based on a series of viral videos from the early-2010s. Camp plays himself, a documentary film maker who rents an apartment and ends up with a sentient seashell. There are shoes on. Dean decided to make a documentary about his daily activities. Things only get more interesting when the Marcel short films go viral, as they did in reality, fact and fiction blur. It is difficult to pick a favorite place to start, but we will go with the shell. Every time we see how he has solved a real-world problem, it's fascinating and priceless. His observations about life, and especially about the film maker Dean's life, ring true because of his innocence. The story gets bigger and the film gets more meta, and as a result, Marcel becomes more aware. He exposes aspects of life he never dreamed of and gives additional insights that are not expected. The sad part of his story is that he and his grandma are in the house and he wants something.
The film has a unique, inviting sense of participation because Camp chose to film it as a fake documentary. The audience becomes part of the movie. There is a fly on the wall The script by Camp, Slate, and Nick Paley is just that, a script, but it is filled with a lot of personal touches. The film is mostly based in technology and media. You feel like you are learning from the little guy through his insight into social media and the internet. His relationship with Dean adds another layer, bringing funny observations as well as a budding friendship. The film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments that elevate the drama and also give a sense like you are a vital part of this world.
If Jenny Slate hadn't contributed, none of this wouldn't work. She is a co-writer and producer, but most importantly, she has to be personable, adorable, and curious, but also funny. She is all of that and more. The fact that we become enamored and invested in a character that can't show a lot of emotion is a marvel.
There is a man in the Shell with shoes on. Excellent, flat out. It is hilarious, poignant, surprising, and life-affirming, to say the least. You should see this movie as soon as you can. The film is currently in select theaters and will be expanded this weekend.
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