by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Is there any greater feeling as a movie fan than finding out about an unexpected sequel to a film you love? There are plenty of sequels out there which garnered almost zero excitement, as nobody asked for them. But sometimes you find a wonderful film that is so enjoyable that you just must have another adventure for its characters. We all have been waiting for The Nice Guys 2, right? And when it is Ernest & Celestine, a sweet little French film that captures the imagination of the whole family, you just want to see more of their lives. That is exactly what happened when Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia was announced.
Where does this new sequel take the adorable, gentle, and endearing mouse and grumpy but lovable bear? When Ernest, the bear, has his beloved violin damaged, Celestine, the mouse, pushes his buttons until they make the snowy journey back to Ernest’s country. Gibberitia is a land of wonderful and moving music… or at least it was. Ernest finds his old home a totalitarian state where all musical notes are banned except for C. He must confront his family’s expectations of his future, as well as team up with rebels to return music back to the people. There are some surprisingly deep themes along the way in this charming and beautiful film. But maybe you should be surprised by the ambition of a French animated film. This story is the perfect setup to evolve our central friends, expand on the backstory of Ernest, and to tackle some serious themes that can speak to all members of the audience.
What are the layers of this script that make this new animated sequel rise above just being a fun time? The way that it tackles totalitarianism is respectfully done. There is enough on the surface to keep the kids engaged, but so much more underneath that will compel more mature audience members, as the control of artistic expression is an uncomfortably relevant topic in today’s America. The film also focuses on the more universal themes of chasing your dreams, even if those you love are not quite supportive. There are some twists and turns along the way for some of these characters, even though most are telegraphed long before.
Does this French cast bring these characters to life in an effective way? Lambert Wilson, of The Matrix fame, delivers a committed and lived-in turn as Ernest. At times, he can warm and supportive, while completely grumpy and stubborn at other. Pauline Brunner lends a tense and sweet voice to our tiny companion, Celestine. She brings a bit of toughness, spunk, and care to this character, which allows the works of Wilson and Brunner to play off each other well. One of the film’s most interesting characters is Ernest’s father (Michel Lerousseau), who is an important judge in Gibberitia. We see him go on a journey from being a strict authoritarian to a supportive father, and it is a moving journey, to say the least. The film is filled with fun supporting characters, and they make Gibberitia feel like a vibrant and interesting place.
What stands out most about Julien Chheng and Jean-Christophe Roger’s sequel? It is a gorgeous film. The visuals are so warm and affecting. The water painted background and landscapes help construct the wonderful new world of Gibberitia. The journey through the snowy mountains onto a lift car. The city is full of beautiful architecture, and is, when the time comes, filled with poignant music. There is not a ton of music, but when those numbers arrive with their Russian style, they deliver. The final moments of the film deliver quite cathartic moments with wondrous music and a wonderfully moving and poignant resolution.
Was this unexpected and long-gestating sequel worth the wait? Absolutely. Ernest and Celestine still capture the spirit that made the original film such an unexpected delight. This new work of Gibberitia is a wonderful space to explore both our characters, and plenty of relatable, relevant, and poignant themes. The magic is still here, and this new adventure is worth every minute of the modest runtime.
Score: Loved It
Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia is currently in theaters
You can read more from Shane Conto, and follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd